#oclemena acuminata

[vandaliatraveler]

At an elevation of 4,308 ft (1,313 m) above sea level, Bald Knob is a commanding high point from which to view Canaan Valley and the undulating ridges of the Allegheny Mountains to the west. A hike to the summit, via Canaan Valley Resort State Park, can be either challenging or easy, depending on the mode of ascent. For those wanting to test their endurance and stamina, a trailhead adjacent to the ski area will gladly accommodate, with a 900 ft (274 m) vertical rise in about a mile of constant climbing. On the other hand, a visitor can opt for a $5 lift ticket at the ski area and hike essentially downhill from there. Either way, the reward is a breathtaking panorama of some of Central Appalachia's wildest country.

From top: the edible “haws” of one of the many hawthorn trees (Crataegus) that grow in these mountains, providing a valuable food source to wildlife; the bright, clustered berries of the American mountain ash (Sorbus americana), like hawthorn, a member of the Rosaceae family; whorled wood aster (Oclemena acuminata), a lovely mountain aster whose bunched, tightly-alternating leaves give the appearance of being whorled; and a Pholiota mushroom, most likely shaggy scalycap (squarrosa), growing in the hitch of a red spruce tree (Picea rubens).

#appalachia #vandalia #west virginia #allegheny mountains #canaan valley resort state park #bald knob #bald knob trail #canaan valley #crataegus #hawthorn #sorbus americana #american mountain ash #american mountain-ash #rowan #oclemena acuminata #whorled wood aster #pholiota squarrosa #shaggy scalycap #picea rubens #red spruce #i'll take the lift chair next time