Get some of the best views at Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia.
The Spruce Knob Whispering Spruce Trail is short (just over a half-mile) and flat. It takes you to multiple overlooks and also the Spruce Knob Observation Tower. It’s even an excellent spot to take in a sunrise or sunset!
If you’re visiting the Potomac Highlands and Monongahela National Forest, you’ll want to take the time to head up to Spruce Knob, and the guide below has everything you need to know.
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All About Spruce Knob
At 4863 feet in elevation, Spruce Knob is highest the point in West Virginia! The mountain is thought to have formed when the African and North American tectonic plates collided over 250 million years ago.
It’s located within the Monongahela National Forest, not far from Judy Gap. We visited during our stay in Davis (combining it with Seneca Rocks), which is about an hour’s drive.
Prepare For Your Visit to Spruce Knob Observtion Tower
Parking
The parking lot is at the end of Forest Road 104. There are several large parking areas that can hold about 10-15 cars each.
Good to Know: The road to Spruce Knob is not maintained for snow. If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure your car is properly equipped.
Amenities
Vault toilets are available at the main parking lot. There are also several picnic tables by the parking lots.
Weather
The change in elevation to the top of Spruce Knob can offer drastically different weather conditions. The temperature when we visited was about 20 degrees colder than when we turned off Mountaineer Drive. It was also more windy. Not as bad as our visit to Clingmans Dome, though!
Limited Cellular Service
The whole region has very spotty cell service. We occasionally had a bar or two while on the trail.
Pets
The trail to Spruce Knob Observation Tower is dog-friendly but they must remain on a leash.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Whispering Spruce Trail to Spruce Knob Observation Tower
| Trail Location: | You can access the trail on either side of the main parking lot |
| Trail Length: | 3/4 mile |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy |
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Elevation Gain: | 20 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes (must remain leashed) |
Trailhead
You can access the Whispering Spruce Trail to the Spruce Observation Tower from either side of the main parking lot.
We ended up picking up the trail near the bathrooms (southeast end of the lot), which took us clockwise around the loop. Going this way, you’ll take a short side trail to the tower. If you choose to go in the other direction, the trail leads you right past the Observation Tower.
Along the Trail
The Whispering Spruce Trail is a flat, wide, gravel path, making it very easy and pretty uneventful. That doesn’t mean boring!
As you walk the length of either side, you’ll be treated to a few overlooks. There are also informative signs along the trail where you can learn about the ecology and geology of the mountain.
One of the best views is at the far end of the loop. The rocky area gives you 270° views of the surrounding region.
There are several benches along the route, allowing you to rest if needed or just sit and enjoy the beauty of the area.
The Spruce Knob Observation Tower
About 2/10 down the trail, you’ll reach the Observation Tower. It used to be a firewatch tower, but now its primary use is to give visitors an even higher view from Spruce Knob.
There are two flights of steps to the top. From there, you can see all around. However, the taller trees block some of the view.
Huckleberry Trail to Spruce Knob
If you’d rather hike up to the highest point in West Virginia, you can take the Huckleberry Trail up the mountain. The trailhead is along Forest Road 112. There are a few parking spaces along the road. The trail is 11 miles, out and back, with 1300 feet of elevation gain.
Spruce Knob Trail to Observation Tower Wrap-Up
Overall, this was a fun trail. We enjoyed our leisurely stroll around the the top of Spruce Knob, looking out towards the various directions. It was a fun way to spend the morning before heading to Seneca Rocks.
This is an excellent trail for most people, as it’s easy and flat. You might even be able to push an off-road stroller or wheelchair along the trail. Add this to your list of things to see on your trip to the Monongahela National Forest.
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