About spruce knob
Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s highest point at 4,863 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is located in the Monongahela National Forest. This iconic place to visit can be reached by car and a short hike. It is one of the top things to do in West Virginia.
getting to spruce knob
Spruce Knob can be reached by a drive up to the top. Begin in Seneca Rocks, follow State Route 28/55, then take Briery Gap Road toward the Spruce Knob Summit. If driving from Seneca Rocks, it is about 21.3 miles and takes about 36 minutes. The drive up is completely paved but does have some curves so can take a little bit of time. There is a parking lot and drop toilets at the top.
the hike
After driving up to the top of Spruce Knob, you will need to a do a small amount of walking to get to the vistas. There is an observation tower but the best views are past the tower on a small path. This trail is the Whispering Spruce Trail. This trail is about 0.5 miles. It is easy and mostly flat. It takes around 15 minutes to complete but allow for more time for pictures.
where to stay
The closest town to Spruce Knob is Seneca Rocks which is about 36 minute drive. This area is great because has Spruce Knob and also the incredible Seneca Rocks. When we were in the area we stayed in Petersburg, WV. This was about 22 miles northeast of Seneca Rocks and 1 hour from Spruce Knob. If staying around Snowshoe, it is a 62.4 mile drive that takes around 1.5 hours. You can also stay at the Seneca Lake Campground with reservations online or by walk-in.
when to visit
This park is absolutely beautiful year-round and wonderful to visit. The top times to visit are during the summer and autumn.
Of note Public Road 112 and 104 on the way to top are not maintained during the winter snow season. Snow can occur anytime between mid-October and mid-April. As the road up is winding, you may not wish to visit if snowy or icy conditions.
Fees
This wonderful park has no fees to visit it! There are picnic tables and drop toilets at the top. Spruce Knob Lake Campground is available when road open and clear from snow. Reservations can be made online or by walk-in. Fees are $16 for single, $28 for double and $13 for walk-in.
things to do
Drive to the top
You will enjoy driving up the winding road to the top. It is two lane narrow but paved road. It is especially beautiful in the fall with tree lined colors. As you get to the top there are two pull offs. There is a parking lot at the top.
Walk the Whispering Spruce Trail
This trail is about 0.5 miles around the top offering panoramic views. Don’t just visit the observation tower.
climb the observation tower
Climb up the stairs of this observation tower. It offers views from above. It is somewhat obstructed by trees but that makes it beautiful in the autumn. This tower is a short 900 feet from the parking lot.
visit Spruce Knob Lake
Spruce Knob Lake is a 23-acre lake for fishing trout. There is a small boat launch for kayaks and canoes. There is an easy 1 mile loop around the lake for hiking and camping is available.
Find the marker
There is a marker on the ground signifying Spruce Knob as the highest point in West Virginia.
