Spruce Knob

At 4,861 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see.

Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks -- The Legend of the rocks Smoke Hole Canyon Camping Hiking Location Visitor services Intro

The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. One-sided red spruce, deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds, cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. Mountain ash dot the landscape and brighten autumn days with brilliant foliage. From May through July, the flowers of azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron appear. Hardwood forests of beech, birch, maple and cherry cover the lower elevations.

The severe climate here means that cold fogs and strong winds can occur even in summer. Snow covers much of the area during winter months and roads are sometimes closed, or passable only with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Observation Tower
A stone and steel observation tower sits atop the Knob, providing visitors with a vantage point from which to enjoy a 360 degree view. The half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail circles the Knob providing panoramic views of the West Virginia mountains and valleys. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life. Vault toilets and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower.

Picnic Area
The Spruce Knob Picnic Area lies one and a half mile south of the observation tower. A well, vault toilets, picnic tables and barbecue grills are nestled amongst a dense stand of spruce trees. Songbirds and red squirrel keep picnickers company in this area.

Camping
Camping is a popular activity in the Spruce Knob area. Tiny Gatewood Campground has only six sites, while Spruce Knob Lake Campground contains 43 sites. If "roughing it" is your preference, camping away from these designated campgrounds is allowed as long as no trace of the campsite is left behind and all garbage is packed out.

Fishing
Fishing is another attraction. Nearby Spruce Knob Lake provides the angler with 25 acre impoundment regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. A wooden pier provides level, easy access for all visitors and is close to the parking area. Anglers may also enjoy stream fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout in the Gandy Creek and Seneca Creek drainages to the west of Spruce Knob.

Hiking
Approximately 60 miles of hiking trails offer splendid panoramic views in the Spruce Knob area. Located near the lake, Gatewood Nature Trail offers a three mile loop in a tranquil setting. Hikers can find many more trails criss-crossing the woods and ridges nearby. Use caution when driving because roads are narrow and windy.