Mason County High Point Trip Report
Date: December 4, 2001
Author: Mike Schwartz
on county line 2000 feet northwest of east corner of county (1120+/- ft)
This is West Virginia's lowest county highpoint, yet the area is well-dissected and loaded with ridges and
knobs that make it feel much higher. Assuming approach from I-77, from the south, use exit 124 and go
NW on WV 34 about 3/4 mile to Kenna. Note that the trailhead for the Jackson County highpoint is just
west of Kenna on WV 34. From Kenna go north on CR 21 until the 3.2 mile mark and the junction with
Given Road/CR 21-29. From the north on I-77, use exit 132 and take CR 21 south about 3 miles to Given Road.
Zero your odometer. Go west on Given Road 8.4 miles to Given, and go left then right onto the
unpaved but decent Rock Castle Road/CR 15. Reach T-intersection with paved road at 11.0 miles,
turn right and reach Rock Castle at 12.7 miles. Go left onto CR 32 for 2.8 miles to a house opposite the high
point knob. En route, pass New Mt. Olive Church at 0.9 mile, and take left fork at 1.3 miles.
Park as best you can and walk the unposted, cleared swath up the west side of the highpoint knob.
An aluminum post part way up the knob may mark the county line and property boundary. Considering the
steepness of the terrain, the county line as drawn is as wide as a contour interval, and could be very close to
1,100 feet on the low side of its margin of error. The other Mason County area, although only 1100+ ft, has
a very sharp summit, so the two areas may be very close in elevation.
one area on Cain Ridge (1,100+ ft)
Backtrack to New Mt. Olive Church and go north-northwest onto CR 32-6 that runs along Cain Ridge.
Follow this good gravel road 1.5 miles to a sharp little knob on the right, topped by rock outcrops and cedars.
Short walk across fenced pasture to summit. Pileated woodpecker and bluebirds in the area.