The majestic Black Mountains tower above visitors toward the sky from this overlook. The Black Mountains received their name from the dark green coat of Fraser fir and red spruce. The average elevation of these mountains exceeds 6000 feet and makes the range the highest mountains in the east. During the summer the temperature rarely surpasses the 70s, while the winter temperatures can drop well below zero. This area receives more than 70 inches of rain annually. Many birds that live in the Black Mountains are familiar to more northern forests. The mountains are composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, mica and hornblende. The extreme height of the mountain range could stem from the high percentage of quartz that makes up the mountain. The exceptional durability of the mineral creates resistance to erosion and helps explain the impressive height of the Black Mountains.