Visiting every state high point is on my bucket list and today I marked off West Virginia by visiting Spruce Knob which is the West Virginia High Point. Even though it was intermittent storms and fog, it was still beautiful!
Located in Pendleton County, West Virginia, Spruce Knob rises to 4,862’ and is part of Spruce Mountain which is the highest ridge of the Allegheny Mountains.
You can drive up to this high point and it only requires a short walk on a level gravel pathway to reach the high point and overlook. The trail itself is a 1/2 mile loop trail that starts at the parking lot and loops back around to the parking lot.
Along the pathway, before getting to the overlooks, is the Spruce Knob overlook tower.
I had better views at the overlooks due to tree’s blocking the view here at the Spruce Knob Overlook Tower. When this tower was built in 1969, the trees that now surround the tower were just saplings and the tower provided a 360-degree view of the area. These trees are now home to several endangered species (which is why they have not been cut down).
Know Before You Go
Parking: There is ample parking at the summit.
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the top (vault style).
The drive up to Spruce Knob: While it is paved, it is a mountain road, that is single lane and twists and turns up the mountain. It requires going slow as to not hit cars coming in the opposite direction (one of you will need to pull off so the other can pass). While the total length is only about 10 miles, it will take a while to get there due to how slow you have to go, so prepare for the extra time.
Getting There
From Seneca Rocks area: Take 33/28 towards Judy Gap for about 10 miles. Turn right onto Briery Gap Run Rd (33/4), look for the sign that points you to Spruce Knob Lake. After about 2.4 miles you will come to a Y intersection, take FR 112 to the right. Follow FR 112 for about 7.4 miles until you come to FR 104 and turn right onto FR 104. Follow this road for about 1.6 miles to the parking lot.
Watch the Spruce Knob Video
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