2014 Map of Skelt

About this map

Skelt and the surrounding highlands of Webster County are defined by a complex network of narrow hollows and high ridges that separate the headwaters of several major regional river systems. The settlement of Bernardstown sits along the southern edge, connected by WV-15 to the more remote interior hamlets of Woodzell and Skelt. The geography of the region is punctuated by prominent elevations such as Point Mtn and Potato Knob, where the Point Mountain Lookout Tower once served as a critical vantage point for forest fire detection. Local history is deeply embedded in the terrain through family landmarks and small hilltop congregations, including the Allen Cogar Cemetery and the Lower Point Mtn Community Church. Numerous drainage systems like the Right Fork Holly River and Back Fork Elk River carve through the landscape, illustrating the difficult topography that dictated early settlement patterns and mountain travel.