At 4,861 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest summit. 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.

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 forest 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 four-wheel drive vehicles.

Spruce Knob Tower is a stone and steel observation tower that 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 and provides panoramic views. Interpretive signs along the gentle, graveled trail describe the high country vegetation, geology and animal life.

The Spruce Knob picnic area lies one and a half miles south of the observation tower. This small, high elevation picnic area is protected in a spruce forest and set among flowering azaleas. A well, vault toilets, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available. Many songbirds and red squirrels visit the area.

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. You may choose to rough it and camp away from these designated campgrounds as long as you are careful to leave no trace of your campsite and pack out all garbage.

Spruce Knob Lake Campground is open mid April through early December. There is one loop with 28 single campsites, 2 double campsites and 12 walk in sites. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill, lantern holder, and a tent pad. Single and double site parking spurs will accommodate a camping trailer. Walk in sites are tent only and parking areas are located approximately 75 feet away from the campsite. Ten accessible vault toilets are located in the area.

Sites are on a first come, first served basis. The maximum length of stay is 14 days and no dump station is available. Also, there are no electrical hookups available. The nearest telephone or store is in Whitmer, WV. Solar powered water pump for drinking water is available.

Fishing is another attraction here. Spruce Knob Lake provides the angler with a 25 acre impoundment regularly stocked with trout by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. A wood pier provides level, easy access for all visitors and is close to the parking area. A valid West Virginia State Fishing License is required, along with a National Forest stamp and a trout stamp.

Anglers may also enjoy stream fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout in the Gandy Creek and Seneca Creek drainages.

Boating is permitted on Spruce Knob Lake. Small boats are suitable for use on this lake. Only electric motors are permitted.

Approximately 70 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 crisscrossing the woods and ridges nearby. Use caution when driving. Roads are narrow and winding.

Directions: Take Briery Gap Road (CO-33/4 at Gateway General Store) 2 miles south of Riverton, WV off US-33 for 2.5 miles to Forest Road 112 and follow the signs to Spruce Knob.

For more information on the Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area please contact the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center at (304) 567-2827 or the Potomac Ranger District at (304) 257-4488.