Chestnut Ridge (Laurel Highlands) facts for kids
Chestnut Ridge is a long, narrow mountain range in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It's the westernmost part of the Allegheny Mountains, which are a big part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. This ridge is a special natural feature in the Laurel Highlands area of southwestern Pennsylvania.
What is Chestnut Ridge?
A "ridge" is like a long, raised line of hills or mountains. Chestnut Ridge gets its name from the many chestnut trees that once grew there. It's an important part of the landscape in this region, standing out from the flatter lands around it.
Where is Chestnut Ridge Located?
Chestnut Ridge starts in southern Indiana County, Pennsylvania. From there, it stretches south for about 75 miles (about 120 kilometers). It crosses through Westmoreland County and Fayette County in Pennsylvania. Then, it continues into West Virginia. The ridge gradually becomes smaller hills and finally ends about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Several towns and cities are located near Chestnut Ridge. In Pennsylvania, these include Blairsville, Derry, Latrobe, Mount Pleasant, Connellsville, and Uniontown. In West Virginia, the city of Morgantown is close by.
Interestingly, a group of people known as the Chestnut Ridge people are named after this very region.
