West Virginia Highpoint
Spruce Knob
4,863 ft · Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area · Monongahela National Forest
Short walkLoading map…
The highpoint is on the summit ridge near the observation tower. The tower provides a higher viewpoint but is not itself the natural state highpoint.
West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey: state highpointStandard route
Whispering Spruce Trail
Drive to the Spruce Knob summit area, then follow the short Whispering Spruce Trail around the mountaintop. The loop passes the observation tower and several viewpoints through the high-elevation red spruce forest.
Distance
0.5 mi
Route
Loop
Difficulty
Easy
Trailhead
Spruce Knob summit parking area
Typical hazards: The summit is exposed to strong wind, fog, thunderstorms, snow, and ice. Conditions can be substantially colder and rougher than in nearby valleys.
NPS: Hiking Spruce KnobAccess
Drive-up summit access
Forest Service roads reach the summit parking area, leaving only a short walk to the highpoint and observation tower. Access is weather-dependent, especially outside the normal warm-weather season.
Use the designated summit parking area. Check current Forest Service conditions before traveling because snow and weather can affect upper-road and developed-site access.
Conditions
Check before leaving
Spruce Knob has an unusually exposed high-elevation climate for the Mid-Atlantic. Check summit weather, Forest Service alerts, and road conditions close to departure rather than relying on conditions in the surrounding valleys.