North Fork Mountain is a 34-mile-long straight mountain ridge that runs northeast to southwest in Grant and Pendleton counties, along the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River. The mountain is the side of a massive, upward-bent rock structure called the Wills Mountain Anticline. Its crest is made of tough, durable rock (Silurian-age Tuscarora sandstone). This rock forms dramatic cliffs over 100 feet high that face the northwest, offering some of the most spectacular views in the state.

Elevations increase as you move south, reaching about 4,500 feet near the Virginia border. The North Fork Mountain Trail offers majestic views of nearby valleys and the Allegheny Front. You can get a 360-degree view from Chimney Top.

The Nature Conservancy works to protect the southern part of the mountain because it has many rare plant and animal communities. The mountain's high elevation, windswept cliffs, and dry air create unique, cold, and dry habitats. Pike Knob (4,280 ft.) features grass balds, and the southernmost natural red pine forest. Panther Knob has a rare dwarf pitch pine woodland and a virgin red spruce forest.