Amy's Creative Pursuits: Spruce Knob, West Virginia's Highest Point

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Spruce Knob, West Virginia's Highest Point

This is part four of a travel series to West Virginia. To start at the beginning, go HERE!

The morning of our third day of our West Virginia road trip we were up bright and early as usual and began our day with a 45 minute drive to West Virginia's highest point: Spruce Knob.

But first, breakfast! We began our day at the Gateway Restaurant which is located right at the base of Spruce Knob road. Hubby and I got an omelet and French toast to split. The omelet and hash browns were AMAZING, but the strawberry French toast came with a strawberry jam instead of sliced strawberries and sugar mixed together till it forms a syrup, so hubby wasn't happy about that 😆.

Spruce Knob is West Virginia highest point with an elevation of 4863 feet.

The best part of Spruce Knob is that you don't have to go on a grueling four uphill hike to enjoy it, you just drive on up! And it wasn't even a scary drive like Pike's Peak or Mt. Washington. It was a nice pleasant drive through a forest mostly, with the occasional overlooks of the vista. The road was narrow, but there was room for two cars to pass.

There is an ample parking lot at the top of Spruce Knob, and I was very pleased with the serenity, beauty, and levelness of the trail. There was definitely no climbing on this trail, but just a pleasant walk through the woods.

I was amazed at all the rocks strewn about the forest floor. In the shady areas, there was moss growing all over them.

Several paths lead you to the tower, which is not tall enough. It must have been built when the trees were shorter, because now you can't even see over the trees. They need to add another level or two. But, I will say it is a very strong and sturdy tower made of stone; you usually don't see that anymore. Most towers are made of wood and always feel a little shaky to me.

The tower is unnecessary however, as you can get great multiple views from the trail.

My son was in his happy place today! He loves rolling hills, and doesn't like flat country at all.

A short walk through the woods led to another opening. The trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop.

The second viewing area from the trail, not quite as impressive as the first, but beautiful nevertheless.

Heading back to the parking lot, I saw this open field of rocks. These didn't have moss on them as they were in full uniform. I don't know why, but I found it so interesting to see so much broken rock on top of a mountain, usually you see that at a mountain's base.

We came across another patch of mossy rocks just as we were exciting the trail. This was the best one yet!

The visit to the top of Spruce Knob was a great way to start our day, but the day was long from over, so onto the next adventure: Beartown State Park!