Catawissa Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Catawissa Mountain |
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The northwestern edge of Catawissa Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,873 ft (571 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Columbia County, Pennsylvania |
| Parent range | a chain of mountains running from beyond Dauphin to Carbondale |
| Topo map | Shumans |
Catawissa Mountain is a cool mountain located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It stands tall at about 1,873 feet (571 m) above sea level. This makes it the fifth-highest mountain in Columbia County!
Many streams flow near the mountain, like Roaring Creek and Catawissa Creek. You can find interesting rocks and formations on Catawissa Mountain, including parts of the Pocono Formation.
The town of Catawissa is very close to the mountain. In the past, there were old roads on or near it. Today, you can find trails for all terrain vehicles. It's also home to Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 58, a protected area.
Catawissa Mountain has special vernal pools. These are temporary ponds that are super important for amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, to lay their eggs. The mountain is also part of a huge forest area.
You can find Catawissa Mountain in different parts of Columbia County. It stretches across southeastern Catawissa Township, southwestern Main Township, and eastern Roaring Creek Township.
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Where is Catawissa Mountain?
The southeastern edge of Catawissa Mountain is right on the border between Luzerne County and Columbia County. From there, it goes northwest through Beaver Township and Roaring Creek Township. It ends near the town of Catawissa.
A small part of the mountain even crosses the Susquehanna River. It then turns west into Montour County.
How Tall is Catawissa Mountain?
The highest point of Catawissa Mountain is about 1,873 feet (571 m) above sea level. Many other spots on the mountain are also quite high, over 1,500 feet (460 m).
It's the fifth-tallest mountain in Columbia County. Only Red Rock Mountain, Central Mountain, Chimneystack Rock, and Buck Mountain are taller.
Nearby Towns
The town of Catawissa is very close to Catawissa Mountain. Other nearby areas include Main Township and Locust Township.
What is Catawissa Mountain Made Of?
Catawissa Mountain is generally short and rounded. This is different from some nearby mountains, like Huntington Mountain, which are long and narrow. You can see some rocky parts sticking out on Catawissa Mountain.
Rock Formations
The mountain has two zigzagging areas made of the Pocono Formation. This formation is a type of rock that goes through the mountain. It even extends south into Schuylkill County. These rock areas have smaller bumps and points where they zigzag.
You can find a rough and hard type of sandstone on Catawissa Mountain. This sandstone from the Pocono Formation is also found at the very top of the mountain.
Part of a Mountain Chain
Catawissa Mountain is part of a long chain of mountains. This chain stretches from beyond Dauphin all the way to Carbondale. The mountain is also close to Nescopeck Mountain and Little Mountain.
Water on Catawissa Mountain
Many small streams that feed into Catawissa Creek start on Catawissa Mountain. Some of these streams can be affected by pollution, like acid deposition. Roaring Creek also flows close to the western side of the mountain.
Catawissa Creek carves a path between Catawissa Mountain and Nescopeck Mountain. This happens near the town of Mainville. The creek also runs next to Catawissa Mountain after this point.
Vernal Pools
There are special vernal pools on Catawissa Mountain. You can find them in Beaver Township and Roaring Creek Township. These pools are temporary ponds that fill with water in spring.
History of Catawissa Mountain
The name Catawissa comes from an Algonquin word. It means "growing fat."
Past Life and Roads
Long ago, there was at least one Native American village near Catawissa Mountain. There might have been several villages at different times.
In the past, a road called Mine Gap Road went up Catawissa Mountain. Another old road connected the Schuylkill River valley to Catawissa, passing through the southern part of the mountain. The Reading Road also used to go from Catawissa to Philadelphia by way of the mountain.
Modern Uses
Since at least 2001, the Columbia-Montour Amateur Radio Club has had a receiver on Catawissa Mountain. This helps them communicate over long distances.
Animals and Plants
Catawissa Mountain is one of the places in Columbia County that still has large, unbroken areas of forest. It's part of a big forest area that connects the Susquehanna River and Moosic Mountain.
Amphibian Homes
The vernal pools on Catawissa Mountain are very important for Amphibians. They use these pools as breeding grounds. You can find American toads, wood frogs, and spotted salamanders here.
Forest Types
In Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 58, the forests on Catawissa Mountain are mostly hardwood/heath forests. These forests have trees like red maple, chestnut oak, and scarlet oak.
You can also find plants like mountain laurel, black huckleberry, and lowbush blueberry. Many different plant species grow in the mountain's vernal pools. These include cranberry, cinnamon fern, royal fern, tussock sedge, and pitch pine.
Fun on Catawissa Mountain
The Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 58 are located on Catawissa Mountain. This is a great place for outdoor activities.
ATV Trails
The use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the mountain has been growing. However, in 2004, a study suggested blocking ATV trails near the important vernal pools. This helps protect the sensitive wildlife that lives there.
