Blue Ridge Country September/October 2022 - 58

LEFT: Reddish Knob has been called the
best vantage point in Virginia.
BELOW: Cacapon Mountain takes its
name from the Shawnee word meaning
" medicine waters. "
CACAPON MOUNTAIN, WV - 2,320 FEET
REDDISH KNOB, VA - 4,397 FEET
h Reddish Knob, Virginia -
4,397 feet
Gaze across some of the largest areas of
roadless wilderness remaining in the
eastern U.S. at this location. Geologically,
a " knob " is a word for a prominent
often rounded hill on a mountain ridge
likely formed by glaciers in previous ice
ages. They can be composed of hard
sandstone, whose common colors include
red caused by iron oxide. These attributes
are likely the genesis of the name
for this specific high point.
Hailed as the " best vantage point in
the state, " Reddish Knob offers visitors
a 'round-the-clock destination. Come
early for breathtaking sunrises, and bring
a camp chair, binoculars and bird guides
to watch hundreds of migrating raptors-five
species of hawks, bald eagles,
kestrels, falcons and with a bit of luck
golden eagles and northern goshawks
(third week of September). Plan a late
evening to see the equally beautiful sunset,
and bring a camp chair, blanket and
telescope for the celestial scenery at this
dark sky haven.
Prepare with a full tank of gas/full EV
charge, food, drinks and other items for
the trip. There are no amenities at the
top.
Drive all the way to the " parking
lot in the sky " on a paved, narrow and
curvy road. (A leisurely and cautious
drive is recommended due its popularity
58 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
with cyclists.) All along
the journey, look east
across the Shenandoah
Valley and west into
the mountains of West
Virginia.
The parking lot itself
(along with the guardrails)
have become a
canvas for street art.
For those not fond of graffiti, simply look
over at nature's vistas at this overlook.
h Cacapon Mountain, West Virginia
- 2,320 feet
Witness eons of interplay between water
and rock at the highest point in eastern
West Virginia. This 16-mile-long mountain's
name is derived from a First Nation
Shawnee word meaning " medicine
waters " and aptly reflects the cultural
and geological history of the area. For
centuries humans have sought the healing
powers of warm springs flowing out
of the mountains.
The ridges themselves were born over
400-million years ago-folding and compressing
the quartz-rich sandstone into
what National Geographic calls " one of
America's outstanding beauty spots. " Today
a latticework of streams continues to
write upon the steep and rugged terrain.
A double experience awaits visitors at
not one but two drivable destinations. At
the southern end, travel along a gravel
PAT AND CHUCK BLACKLEY
road to reach the small observation platform
at Cacapon Mountain Overlook.
At the northern end of the mountain is
Prospect (or Panorama) Overlook. Enjoy
views of three states and the confluence
of two rivers simply by stepping out of
your vehicle at the roadside pull-off.
While there, consider a hike to Prospect
Rock (made famous by George Washington)
along the flat, 12-mile fire road that
runs along the mountain's crest.
For fall visitors the autumn leaves display
bursts of crimson and gold up and
down the mountainsides. The mixed conifer
and hardwoods include eastern red
cedar, hemlock, white pine, serviceberry,
red maple, black walnut, black birch and
more.
For a water and rock " bonus, " visit
nearby Berkeley Springs for healing
warm springs and exhibits of stunning
quartz crystals.
" Today is your day! Your mountain is
waiting. So...get on your way! " (Theodor Seuss
Geisel)
PAT AND CHUCK BLACKLEY
http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Blue Ridge Country September/October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country September/October 2022
