Spruce Knob, West Virginia

Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and the Allegheny Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains. The summit area is surprisingly alpine like with stunted trees and rock fields. The mountain takes its name from the growth of Red Spruce trees. There is a nice observation tower but unfortunately, the trees have grown rather high and the tower needs to be raised higher or the trees cut. The tower was built in the late 1960s, finishing in the summer of 1969, a 2 level viewing platform with enclosed space for exhibit panels. The area is part of the Spruce Knob National Recreation Area and full of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Summit Elevation: 4,861 feet
Hiking Distance: 0.25 miles
Elevation Gain: 20 feet
Prominence: 2,781 feet
Access: Paved

In 1916, the timberland owners of several nearby counties formed a co-operative association, known as the Upper South Branch Fire Protective Association. They selected Spruce Knob for a lookout station equipped with telephone communication to watch over the surrounding territory. Moses R. Bennett was put on duty as watchman during the spring season of 1916, in order to give him a chance to get acquainted with the people, and to distribute literature until the station was finished that year. In 1921, Spruce Knob was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest and since then it has been fire free. The road was built across Spruce Mountain in 1936 but it was not until 1960 that a spur road ran all the way to the top.

Fire Lookout History

Trail map of the summit area

Spruce Knob in 1938 (likely built in 1916)

Proposed sketch that was close to the final choice

Proposed sketch for the stone structure

The viewing platform in 2023

Trail to the observation platform

Views from the observation platform

The road near the summit

Under the lookout where information was once displayed