Home | USA | World | 3D Images | Cities |  Books | Panoramas |  Webrings |  River Headwaters | Tri-State Markers | Access Issues |Forum
Search | Club | Dogs | VRML | Highest in Each State | Counties | Calculations| Topo Maps | Lowest | 14'ers |  Contact West Virginia Summits Above 4,000 Feet
Compiled by Ivan Ash (See West Virginia Non Qualifying Peaks Above 4,000 Feet)

New this version:

Some changes in wording to make the notes clearer.

Addition of WV to end of designation for unnamed summits since there now are unnamed summits in the Virginia list.

Deletion of Bother Knob from qualified list as Flagpole Knob in Virginia is higher and the col is not sufficiently deep.

Addition of Rocky Point as a possible qualifying summit.

Changes in elevations, and thus, rank, of some summits resulting from the uniform application of the summit elevation extrapolation. Exceptions to the extrapolation are listed in footnote 4.

Other corrections to elevations where they were previously misread, etc. Example is Z0056WV which had been listed at 4672, but is 4572 ft.

General Notes Symbols:
See detail discussions below, as appropriate.
An asterisk (*) is used to indicate possibly qualifying summits where either col or summit elevation data is not known with sufficient precision to make an absolute certainty.
A dagger (†) is used to indicate summits whose elevations are extrapolated from the highest shown contour. Exceptions to extrapolation are noted with footnote 4.

The 200 Foot Col Rule: This is a means, admittedly somewhat arbitrary, but with several precedents, of distinguishing "true" summits from spurs or "minor" peaks. This "rule" states that for two adjacent peaks, the lower of the two must be separated from the higher by a col (saddle) that is at least 200 feet below the lower summit to be considered a separate, qualified peak. In other words, a summit must have a minimum 200 foot prominence in order to qualify. This rule is widely accepted in the mountains of New York and New England. A similar criteria, but using 300 feet, is used in the western United States, Colorado, for instance. In Washington, both 400 ft and 800 ft have been used as well. Obviously anyone who wishes could apply their own criteria.

Possible Qualifiers. Summits that are starred (*) are possible qualifiers. For these, the data from the topographic maps do not give the exact elevation of the summit or of the col, or both. Instead, the elevation can be ascertained to be between the elevations as indicated by the enclosing (cols) or above the highest shown (summits) contour lines as discussed in Summit Elevation Data, below. This leaves a range such that some values of the possible combinations of col and summit elevations would qualify and some would not. More exact knowledge of col and summit elevations would resolve this issue. See, also, the discussion of summit elevation data below.

Naming Convention for Unnamed Summits: I have designated unnamed summits in the form "Z0xxxWV", where "xxx", is a number beginning with 001 and ascending in order as needed. I know that a common convention is to use the elevation in combination with the location to designate such summits, but, in working with the large number of summits in this state, I found too many summits with the same elevation and deemed using the elevation plus the location in latitude and longitude as too unwieldy. One example of multiple unnamed summits with the same elevation is Z0020WV, -26WV, -60WV and –93WV, all at 4260 feet. The letter "Z" was chosen so all these unnamed peaks would fall at the end of an alphabetic list, again in the interest of manageability. The "WV" is used to differentiate lists for different states; the state postal abbreviation is added to the end of each unnamed summit. The posted Virginia list uses the suffix "VA" for each unnamed summit.

Named vs. Unnamed Summits: There are several peaks for which elevations are given in the databases, but under the name using the word "mountain". Yet the typeface used is that for ridges or ranges that have several peaks, though, in some cases there is only one peak. I have stuck with my convention considering peaks to be called knobs, etc., and any name using "mountain" not to indicate the summit, but the whole mountain (range) unless the "correct" typeface is used. I have used the form Z0xxxWV for summits where there is no clear use of the typeface that seems to be identified with summit names, even though the USGS data lists the summit with the name of the mountain. There are instances where the USGS data lists a summit in a range under the name of the range, even though there are higher summits in the range that are not listed. The USGS maps and data base are not at all consistent. There is one case, Sugar Creek Mountain (Rank 38), where the word "mountain" is used for a summit with the explicit use of the typeface that seems to be specifically associated with summits. Mt. Point Crayon (Rank 6) also uses the "summit" typeface on the USGS quads. When the "summit" typeface is used, I have listed that name to be the name of the summit, regardless of the terminology. It is recognized that local custom and elsewhere the name of the mountain may be used for the summit. Nevertheless, I have chosen to be as consistent as possible.

Shared Summits: Note that there are several summits, such as Cow Knob, that are exactly on the state line between West Virginia and Virginia. These should count for either state. Also, in some cases counties, or, at least in one case, two quads, share a summit.

Ridges and Summits: In the USGS database, and elsewhere, a summit is sometimes listed with two names. One example is Bald Knob (3) (Rank 2) and Cabin Mountain. If you examine the USGS data, you will find that they both have the same coordinates.

Multiple Use of Names: In the case of different summits with the same name I have added a number after each, using "1" for the highest, "2" for the next highest and on. Please notice that some named and numbered peaks, such as Bald Knob (2), are not on the list. This is because the numbers were assigned before the qualification according to the 200 foot col rule was applied. Bald Knob (2) did not qualify under this rule. I have provided, as a separate tabulation, all the named peaks that did not qualify so they also can be examined.

Latitude and Longitude: Remember that west longitudes are to be entered with a minus sign.

Summit Elevation Data: The elevation for some of the named peaks as given in the USGS data base may be suspect in that some of the summits may be listed at an elevation which is too low. Several have contour lines enclosing the summit which encompass a "large" area, yet the summit elevation is given as equal to the highest contour line shown. This would imply that the summit is very flat. I find this difficult to credit. Therefore, I have followed the precedent used by the "White Mountain Guide", edited by Gene Daniel and published by the Appalachian Mountain Club, which is to extrapolate the summit elevation by half a contour interval when the highest contour is used in the USGS data. A dagger (†) indicates summits, named or unnamed, that are extrapolated. In some few cases the enclosed area seems so small that the extrapolation is not justified. Peaks where this has occurred are identified in footnote 4.

In addition, it may be noted that some of the elevations for peaks that are taken from the data on the topos, may be slightly low. This is surmised from the example of Spruce Knob which is 4863 feet, but some mistake it for 4861 feet because a nearby benchmark is at 4861, two feet short of the actual summit. This, possibly, could be true for other given elevations near summits. Unnamed peaks with elevations given "at" or near the summit may also have elevations for benchmarks or other references that are not actually at the very highest point. Nevertheless, until better data is available, I have used these elevations as if they were the actual summit elevation.

Cautionary Note on Legal Access: Some of these summits may be on private property. I have made no attempt to determine which, if any, may be in this category. Each individual who wishes to visit a peak should be responsible for determining the accessibility of the summit. Even those summits which are in public areas - National Forests, State Parks or others - may have some access limitations. For instance, Spruce Knob has some access limitations at this time. It would be wise to determine any limits on accessibility of an area you wish to visit.

Helpful sources: Two very helpful sources have been the web site topozone.com and the set of map CDs, TopoUSA™ by DeLorme® as well as DeLorme's CyberAtlas which was located on their web site (since replaced). The list of West Virginia 4000 summits compiled by Roger Rowlett from the USGS data which was previously posted at this site was a valuable check and is responsible for identifying a peak that I had missed.

Acknowledgements: Many people were of great help to me in compiling this list. Among them are Tom Sawyer who encouraged me and egged me on. I thank DeLorme for their help and assistance. Thanks also to Roger Rowlett who tolerated some false starts after agreeing to host this list. Of course, I am thankful to my wife, Angela, who put up with strange hours and many instances of my being totally absorbed in this project when she would have liked me to attend to other matters. Since this list was posted I have received particularly valuable help from Steve Gruhn and Glen Bock. Glen Bock was particularly helpful in identifying needed coordinate corrections.

Disclaimer Use this information at your own risk. I accept no responsibility for any problems, harm or damage resulting from its use. Any data should be independently verified before it is used.

Corrections, additions, deletions, suggestions are solicited. Please send to Ivan Ash at w8fne@arrl.net with references so I can verify the data. It certainly is possible that I have missed a qualifying peak, listed an unqualified summit, or that better data is available.

Citations: I would appreciate it if any use of data from this table would be accompanied by an appropriate reference to this website and credit given to Ivan Ash at w8fne@arrl.net .

NUMBERED NOTES:

1. Sugar Creek Mountain. (Rank 38) In this case, the USGS topos have both the "range" (or "ridge") and the summit labeled with the same name. See, also, Z0103WV (Rank 40) of Snowy Mountain, Note 3.
2. Z0103WV. (Rank 40 ) Summit is entirely in Pendleton County, WV. Only the SW slope is in Highland County, VA, so this should not count for Virginia, even though the USGS has it listed for both states.
3. Z0103WV. (Rank 40 ) Although there is only one name listed, it seems to apply to the entire ridge, in the spread of the name and the typeface, unlike Sugar Creek Mountain (Note 1) where the name seems explicitly to have been applied to both the ridge and the summit.
4. Z0074WV (Rank 43). The 4480 contour line enclosing the summit seems so small that it is unlikely that the extrapolation for the summit elevation is accurate. Therefore, I have here used the contour line elevation in exception to my general practice. Same for Gibson Knob – 4440, Z0061WV – 4320, Z0085WV – 4280, Z0032WV – 4120, Z0088WV – 4040, Z0068WV – 4040, Z0119WV – 4040 and Z0031WV – 4040.
5. Z0074WV (Rank 43). It is unclear as to which of the nearby ridges, Frank Mountain or Buffalo Ridge, this summit belongs.
6. Bear Mountain (45), Brierpatch Mountain (52). From the typeface used and the absence of any other names, I infer that these are the actual names of the summits even though they use the word "mountain".
7. Gaudineer Knob (Rank 46). It is unclear whether this is the northernmost summit of Back Allegheny Mountain or the southernmost summit of Shavers Mountain.
8. Mount Port Crayon (Rank 6), Gaudineer Knob (Rank 46), Job Knob (Rank 49), Cunningham Knob (Rank 57), Gay Knob (62), Z0057WV (65), Z0022WV (70), Z0027WV (75), Z0094WV (80), Mikes Knob (Rank 88) Z0060WV (Rank 90), Z0020WV (Rank 91), Z0029WV (Rank 101), Z0013WV (Rank 117), Z0083WV (Rank 121), Z0081WV (Rank 132), Z0092WV (Rank 143), Z0084WV (Rank 149), Mad Tom (Rank 154), Bickle Knob (Rank 168), Stuart Knob (Rank 169), Z0075 (Rank 169) Z0077WV (Rank 170). There appear to be no associated named mountains on the USGS maps of any scale.
9. Gibson Knob (Rank 50). Appears to be the eastern end of Buzzard Ridge, though there is a possibility it could be the southern end of Slaty Ridge.
10. Reddish Knob (Rank 58). It seems clear that both may apply with California Ridge being a spur ridge joining the Shenandoah Mountain at Reddish Knob.
11. Bald Knob (3) (Rank 61). It seems clear that both may apply with Stone Camp Mountain being a spur ridge joining Cabin Mountain at Bald Knob.
12. Grassy Knob (Rank 61). It seems clear that both may apply with Rockcamp Ridge being a spur ridge joining Old Field Mountain at Grassy Knob.
13. This note deleted.
14. Z0095WV (Rank 73), Z0060WV (Rank 90). These may be summits on Day Mountain.
15. Spruce Mountain (74). It is not clear whether Spruce Mountain is the name of the summit, the ridge, or both
16. Z0106WV (Rank 76) Z0060WV (Rank 90). There are possibly five summits on Day Mountain, so I chose to believe the term "Day Mountain" refers to the ridge, not the summit. The summits are Big Spruce Knob (Rank 15) Locust Knob (or, alternatively, Z0106WV) (Rank 77), Z0060WV (Rank 90) and Z0059WV (Rank 133). See note 14. Locust Knob is listed by USGS as 4280. However, Locust Knob is one of those peaks whose summit is listed at the enclosing contour, so it might be higher than Z0106WV. See Summit Elevation Data, above. Also, see Note 29, below.
17. Z0107WV (Rank 78). The label "Burner Mountain is in the typeface typically used for naming ranges or ridges rather than summits. Therefore I take the label to apply to the range, rather than the summit. Of course, the use on the maps could be inconsistent.
18. Yokum Knob (Rank 84). Possibly the southernmost peak of Rich Mountain, though Bayard Knob, further to the south may be the southernmost. There is some possibility it is the southernmost peak of Little Middle Mountain, but it is separated from it by a stream and not from Rich Mountain.
19. Z0020WV (Rank 91) may be the north end of Grassy Mountain. At least there seems to be a continuing ridge from the area identified as "Grassy Mountain" to Z0020WV. Z0110WV (Rank 113) is definitely a summit of Grassy Mountain. The typeface for "Grassy Mountain" is consistent with that used for mountains or ridges, not summits, so I used the name Z0110WV for the summit, rather than "Grassy Mountain".
20. Z0024WV (Rank 93). Leading Ridge is a hook-shaped ridge, curling around the head of the North Fork (of) Big Run.
21. Bell Knob (Rank 115). Both names seem to indicate that this is a "front" range. I am guessing that the application of the name is appropriate. Both terms seem to apply to the same general area. Any further input would be appreciated.
22. Pointy Knob (Rank 116) lies near the southern end of Canaan Mountain and at the east end of the arch of Mozark Mountain.
23. Beech Knob (Rank 118) and Little Beech Knob (Rank 125) appear to be at the eastern extremity of Blue Ridge.
24. Bayard Knob (Rank 123) may be either the southernmost peak of Rich Mountain or the northernmost peak of Burner Mountain. See, also, note 18.
25. Z0011WV (Rank 130). Probably the northernmost peak of Little Middle Mountain.
26. Z0059WV (Rank 133). This is the northernmost 4,000 foot peak on a continuous ridge from the area labeled "Day Mountain". See Notes 14, 16 and 29.
27. Z0092WV (Rank 143). Possible alternative high point coordinates: 38.2914°, -80.3177°
28. Mingo Knob (Rank 135). Appears to be on a south bending extension of Elk Mountain.
29. Locust Knob and Z0106WV(Rank 77). Locust Knob summit elevation is not given explicitly. It could fall from 4280 to 4320 ft. Z0106WV elevation is given precisely at 4294 ft. The col between Locust Knob and Z0106WV is not deep enough for both to qualify. The col elevation is 4120 – 4160 ft. Thus, the col depth with respect to Locust Knob is between 120 and 200 ft. The col depth with respect to Z0106WV is between 132 and 172 ft. There are combinations of these values for which Locust Knob is the qualifying peak and those for which Z0106WV is the qualifying peak; that is, if Locust Knob is less than 4294 ft, Z0106WV is the qualified peak and if Locust Knob is over 4294 ft, it is the qualified peak. If Locust Knob is also 4294, then it is a tie and both co-qualify.
30. Z0093WV (Rank 92) Elevation is given precisely as 4260 on topo and in the listing when a search is done in topozone, but the highest contour visible seems to be 4200. The area enclosed by the 4200 contour is relatively small. It seems unlikely that an elevation of 4260 is achieved. However, given no concrete evidence to the contrary, I am listing it at 4260 ft.
31. Z0008WV (Rank 108) The enclosed area is very small, so the elevation is not extrapolated. Also, the contour interval is 20 ft.
32. Beech Knob (Rank 118) summit has been strip mined, so there is no way to tell from the topos what the actual exact elevation is or was.

Bickle Knob (Rank168) and Stuart Knob (Rank 169) are listed by the USGS at 4020, though the enclosing 4000 foot contours encompass a very small area. I have, nevertheless, used the USGS data.