Haystack Mountain (Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Haystack Mountain |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,706 ft (520 m) |
| Prominence | 640 feet (200 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Allegany / Garrett counties, Maryland, U.S. |
| Parent range | Allegheny Mountains, part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians |
| Topo map | USGS Cumberland |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Drive |
Haystack Mountain is a mountain ridge located in western Maryland. It's part of the Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Ridge and Valley area. This mountain sits just west of the city of Cumberland. It forms the southern edge of a famous natural passage called the Cumberland Narrows.
About the Mountain's Shape
Haystack Mountain starts near Cresaptown, southwest of Cumberland. It stretches northeast and reaches a height of about 1,706 feet (520 m). Then, it dips down to a gap that is about 1,200 feet (370 m) high. Interstate 68 now runs through this gap.
On the other side of the gap, the mountain continues, but it's not as tall. It reaches about 1,480 feet (450 m) at its northern end. From there, it drops sharply into the Cumberland Narrows. On the opposite side of the Narrows, you can see Wills Mountain. Interestingly, both Haystack Mountain and Wills Mountain were formed in the same way, sharing a similar geological past.
Haystack Mountain's Past
Haystack Mountain played an important role in early American travel. The very first path for the National Road went right over Haystack Mountain. This route followed an old trail used by Native American groups, known as Nemacolin's Path.
A Difficult Journey
During the French and Indian War, a military leader named General Braddock used this path. Later, it became part of the National Road, which was a major highway for its time. Thousands of travelers used this road. They struggled to climb the mountain safely with their belongings in creaky wagons.
Coming down the mountain was even harder because the slope was very steep, especially near where Sunset Drive is today. The road then continued towards what is now LaVale Plaza. It went up to the Clarysville Inn, which was a vital stop for wagons and stagecoaches between LaVale and Frostburg, Maryland.
Eventually, a newer road, the National Highway (which is now U.S. Route 40), was built. This new road went around Haystack Mountain, passing through the Cumberland Narrows instead of over the mountain.
