Highest point Clarks Knob | Elevation 2,320 ft (710 m) Age of rock Silurian | |
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Length 150 mi (240 km) east-west Mountains Hawk Mountain, Mount Minsi, Clarks Knob, The Pinnacle |
Blue Mountain is a ridge that forms the eastern edge of the Appalachian mountain range in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It cuts across the eastern half of the state from New Jersey to Maryland, providing a distinct boundary between a number of Pennsylvania's geographical and cultural regions. To its northwest side are the southern and central mountains and valleys, the "coal region," and the Poconos. To its southeast side are the Cumberland Valley, the "capital region," Lebanon Valley, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and the Lehigh Valley.
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Geography
The ridge of Blue Mountain runs for 150 miles (240 km) through Pennsylvania, reaching an elevation of 2,270 feet (690 m) above sea level just north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, near the borough of Newburg. Most of the ridgecrest, however, only reaches between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 1,700 feet (520 m) in elevation. The mountain's width varies from 1 mile (1.6 km) to 3 miles (4.8 km).
The southwestern end of the mountain is at Big Gap, west of Shippensburg. (The mountain ridge continues to the southwest towards Maryland under the name of Broad Mountain.) The northeastern end of the mountain is at the Delaware Water Gap on the New Jersey border. Mount Minsi forms the promontory overlooking the Delaware River. The ridge of Blue Mountain continues northeast into New Jersey as Kittatinny Mountain.
Blue Mountain marks the boundary between the Great Appalachian Valley and the main Ridge-and-valley Appalachians.
Water gaps
Four of Pennsylvania's major rivers cut through Blue Mountain in water gaps.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike system passes through the Blue Mountain at two points.
Both tunnels (each consisting of two tubes) carry two lanes in each direction of travel.
Blue Mountain attractions in Pennsylvania
Blue Mountain School District is named after the mountain range. It is located just off Rt. 61 in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.