Spruce Knob

Mountain peak · Pendleton County ·

Spruce Knob

Mountain peak · Pendleton County ·

Highest WV peak with trails, observation tower, and panoramic views

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West Virginia 26814 Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Perseids Meteor Shower Will Peak This Weekend

"A West Virginia summit served as the backdrop for a striking photo of the Perseid meteor shower on Aug. 11, 2021, capturing a bright meteor streak during the annual display. The image underscores why the Perseids are a stargazing highlight: at peak in mid‑August observers can see as many as 50–100 meteors per hour and numerous bright fireballs that produce colorful, long-lasting trails. Best viewing is after local moonset (around 11:20 p.m. that night) into the early morning—particularly after 1 a.m.—with an unobstructed northwestern sky, minimal light pollution, and an open hilltop or field; DarkSky-certified parks or purpose-built stargazing accommodations offer optimal conditions." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/perseids-meteor-shower-august-2024-8692682

Spruce Knob

Gary

Google

Amazing View , road is paved 10 miles to the parking the hike is easy around the top of the Mountain

Jaheed A.

Google

Spruce Knob’s hike is a true West Virginia gem—an easy half-mile loop through wind-sculpted spruce and rocky outcrops leads to a stone-and-steel observation tower offering sweeping 360° views across the Monongahela National Forest. As the highest peak in West Virginia, it stands at around 4,800 feet in elevation. Sufficient parking and restroom facilities are available at the site.

Madison D.

Google

The roads are tight many people flying and you have to slam on you breaks but once you’re up there it’s amazing. Breathtaking views and the trails are well maintained, we saw some trash that we picked up and threw away so make sure to be respectful. The informational signs are in good shape and there was lots of cute rock piles people made to go with the views. Highly recommend worth the scary long drive up.

Robert T.

Google

Beautiful view! It reminds me of when I lived in Alaska with the trees and etc... but way smaller mountains here. The road up to the parking lot is definitely very narrow and can't fit 2 cars at once. Even though it's a 2 lane road. You have to pull to the side to let the incoming car pass. Definitely wouldn't recommend going up with a big vehicle. Also, definitely need at least AWD. Especially, if there's snow. Very steep climb in some areas and the road winds up the mountain. Once you're to the top. It's a beautiful walk on a loop with a viewing tower. I definitely would say it's a place to visit at least once.

Jon H.

Google

Great ride up to my 10th state Highpoint. WV. The best views are from the Whispering Spruce Trail, which circles the Highpoint. The highpoint is under the observation tower, which really only gives you views of the trees.

Nicholas K.

Google

Lucked out with no crowds and an unreal sunset. We love hiking in WV all the time, can't believe we had never been up to Spruce Knob before. Would definitely recommend. The Huckleberry Trail also has a trailhead above Spruce Knob. We only hiked a short distance on that trail, but definitely want to come back to do a backpacking trek.

B H

Google

As a kid, I memorized every states high point and hoped of going to each someday. Therefore, I had to go to Spruce Knob when we were in West Virginia. We were there in mid-June, and temperatures were perfect for hiking around the summit. Wildflowers were in bloom. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are fantastic. If you are in the area, add this to your to-do list. I don't think you will be disappointed!!

Mark S.

Google

The drive up here is a little intense, but it is paved providing you come in from Route 33. Gorgeous views from all sides if you hike the short loop around the top.

Rob B.

Yelp

I stopped by recently for a little adventure :) I've been here more times than I can count and at all times of the day and the night, but I never get tired of this place. The peace and tranquility here is off the charts. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was about 68, and the sky was perfect. Every time I leave here I go a different way out to try and get lost, but after about two hours of exploring and finding some cool new roads and places, I made it back onto US-33 off of Glady Fork Rd by The Lodge in Alpena. What a great place to relax and unwind and learn news roads in and out. I have always loved this whole area and I always will. I'll be seeing you again very soon Spruce Knob :D

Rhonda W.

Yelp

Road was super curving and some was gravel . We stopped at a overlook and even though the light was going away it was a great view. I def wish we had more time and better light to appreciate it. We saw so many deer which i loved seeing. in the end light was going too fast we made it to the lake but didn't make it to the top because sun was going down. driving those roads in low light was a bit scary. I know my husband really had wanted to be heading home much earlier and not be driving those roads in the dark. But once he realized I was wanting more exploring he went with it. I really would like to return. I wish we had spent more time in WV and skipped skyline drive. I have fell in love with WV. He kept wanting to move on to SKyline drive and down to Gatlinburg. I was wanting all WV.

Eric K.

Yelp

Absolutely stunning! Always enjoy a panoramic vista and wasn't disappointed here - best views aren't from the small observation tower, but actually from points along the short circular (well, U-shaped) trail that runs from either side of the parking lot (west 'trailhead' will get you to the tower quicker). There is the obligatory rustic toilet nearby as well if needed. The drive up can be a bit of an adventure, as the road quickly becomes narrow & winding ...but it is paved - I suggest not zipping along too fast as you may have to scoot over if another vehicle happens past in the opposite direction. When planning the trip, I wasn't exactly sure of the best way to get there, but it wasn't too bad - from US 33/ WV 28 North of Judy's Gap, turn onto Briery Gap RD (next to the Gateway Restaurant - stop in on the way back). If you're a hiker, highpointer or vistaphile ...or a just plain 'ol tourist, make sure you make this part of your itinerary!

Sahar R.

Yelp

Do you want to get high? Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and offers great views. The drive up is bumpy enough to dislodge a kidney stone and goes from paved to gravel for most of the way. In winter this road is sometimes unpassable in non 4WD in winter but the views are worth testing your car's suspension. You can drive all the way up to the summit and hike around the small loop trail that leads to the observation tower and then to a small wooden look-out on the far side of the loop. The trail is only a 1/2 mile, not strenuous (my pug in a wheelchair could do it)except for the stairs up to the observation deck. As a word of warning, it's about 20 degrees cooler up here. We went from 80 degrees at the base to 60 degrees up at the summit. So dress appropriately. The severe climate here means that cold fogs and strong winds can occur even in summer.

Johnny H.

Yelp

I had a good experience at the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob. The plateau is quite developed with lots of parking, hiking trails and an observation tower. It is worth the drive up if you are in the area. There are some very informative signs in the area explaining the creation of the mountain. You don't have to be a geology fan to enjoy yourself here!

Tiffany B.

Yelp

Great, breath- taking views of West Virginia! All the trails are well-marked, restrooms, trash receptacles, and picnic tables located at top of mountain near watch tower. Great restaurant at base of mountain called "The Gateway Family Restaurant".

Katelynn K.

Yelp

Awesome hike and awesome view! We took two cars and did a full 10 mile hike which only had one section that lasted about one mile that was really uphill, like doing stairs. The rest of the hike was relatively flat and had amazing views of the mountainsides. The summit of Spruce Knob has a parking lot which allows for people to drive there and take pictures. A seemingly common hobby of older folks who had all their camera gear and were popping around from one scenic area to the next. It was funny because during our long weekend in the area, we came across the same people at each lookout. I would definitely recommend this hike however, I would also recommend that you get your car's breaks checked as driving to this summit was truly a testing experience! Also there is pretty much no cell service in the area, no matter your carrier. Enjoy being off the grid!

Cecilia S.

Yelp

The highest point of West Virginia! This was probably my favorite spot. The observation tower is an easy way to get a gorgeous view of the area, but I would also recommend taking the short half mile hike around the tower - Whispering Spruce Trail. If you're feeling up for it, there's also a pretty decent trail that connects to several other trails on the other side of the tower. I really enjoyed the hike on Huckleberry Trail. It starts off going through the deep woods, and then it kind of changes subtly as you move through the land. You'll start to see more moss and the temperature kind of dips down the deeper you get into the woods. I loved the smell of the spruce trees and it's an awesome spot for camping too. The ground was covered mostly in pine leaves, so it makes a soft surface for camping. I totally loved it!

Kelly K.

Yelp

The drive up to this area is a bit of a drag as the roads are all potholed and bumpy and you share it with oncoming traffic. I was thankful that there were not too many other cars to share the road with. When you get to the entrance to Spruce Knob the road is good and it is a quick ride up with a couple stopover points to admire the view. At the top is a parking lot with lots of spaces, restrooms, a picnic area, trails and an observation tower.

Jessica S.

Yelp

Absolutely love this place... Other than the bumpy road I have no complaints. Well worth the ride.

Stephen S.

Yelp

Absolutely worth the drive. They just paved the road not to long ago but it is narrow. The view from the tower is ok. You have to hike the 1/2 mile trail to get the best view but It's well worth it though.

Lindsay A.

Yelp

The view from the trail right by the observation deck is AMAZING!!!!! The road if you want to go farther down to some other trails and the lake are REALLY rough. We scraped our bumper on some of the giant holes. It was worth it though!

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Perseids Meteor Shower Will Peak This Weekend

https://www.travelandleisure.com/perseids-meteor-shower-august-2024-8692682

Spruce Knob

Gary

Google

Amazing View , road is paved 10 miles to the parking the hike is easy around the top of the Mountain

Jaheed A.

Google

Madison D.

Google

Robert T.

Google

Jon H.

Google

Nicholas K.

Google

B H

Google

Mark S.

Google

The drive up here is a little intense, but it is paved providing you come in from Route 33. Gorgeous views from all sides if you hike the short loop around the top.

Rob B.

Yelp

Rhonda W.

Yelp

Eric K.

Yelp

Sahar R.

Yelp

Johnny H.

Yelp

Tiffany B.

Yelp

Katelynn K.

Yelp

Cecilia S.

Yelp

Kelly K.

Yelp

Jessica S.

Yelp

Absolutely love this place... Other than the bumpy road I have no complaints. Well worth the ride.

Stephen S.

Yelp

Lindsay A.

Yelp

Spruce Knob

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