Sleepy Creek Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sleepy Creek Mountain |
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Sleepy Creek Mountain as seen from Devil's Nose in Meadow Branch gorge
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 1,903 ft (580 m) |
Geography | |
Location | Berkeley / Morgan counties, West Virginia, U.S. |
Parent range | Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and Allegheny Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Glengary |
Sleepy Creek Mountain is a mountain ridge located in West Virginia, in the U.S.. It forms part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. This mountain sits right on the border between Morgan and Berkeley counties. This area is known as the Eastern Panhandle.
A long walking path called the Tuscarora Trail crosses the southern part of the mountain. Sleepy Creek Mountain also teams up with Third Hill Mountain to its east. Together, they create a special type of valley that holds Sleepy Creek Lake. This area is also home to the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Both Sleepy Creek and Third Hill Mountains stand out because they are quite tall compared to the flatter land around them in the Eastern Panhandle.
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Exploring Sleepy Creek Mountain's Geography
Sleepy Creek Mountain stretches out from southwest to northeast. Its southern tip, called Shockeys Knob, is about 1,873 feet high. This part of the mountain is found in northern Frederick County, Virginia. It is also shared by Berkeley and Morgan counties in West Virginia.
Mountain Peaks and Valleys
As the mountain continues, it reaches another peak named High Rock, which is about 1,811 feet tall. Sleepy Creek Mountain connects with Third Hill Mountain at a spot called "Locks-of-the-Mountain." From this point, a stream called Meadow Branch begins. It flows north between the two mountain ridges.
North of "Locks-of-the-Mountain," Sleepy Creek Mountain reaches its highest point, standing at about 1,905 feet. Near Johnsons Mill, there is a lower area in the mountain called Whites Gap, which is about 1,492 feet high.
Waterways and Rock Formations
Sleepy Creek flows along the western side of the mountain. Meadow Branch runs along its eastern side. North of Whites Gap, Sleepy Creek Mountain is entirely within Morgan County. The mountain ends where Sleepy Creek and Meadow Branch meet.
Just before its northern end, on the eastern side, you can find a cool rock formation called Devils Nose Rock. This spot is not the same as the nearby Devil's Nose Mountain. Devils Nose Rock sticks out into the Meadow Branch gorge, making the creek take a sharp turn.
Animals and Plants of Sleepy Creek Mountain
Sleepy Creek Mountain is completely covered in trees. The forests here are mostly made up of oak trees, hickory trees, and Virginia pine trees.
Wildlife on the Mountain
Many different animals live on this mountain ridge. You might see deer walking through the woods. There are also many birds like wild turkey and grouse. Smaller animals like squirrels and raccoons are also very common here.