Whispering Spruce Trail #567

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Views

Besides the easy loop hike, the area includes pit toilet and picnic tables with grills. Plenty of parking in three lots.

The much tougher part of visiting Spruce Knob is the drive up, approximately 11.4 miles of white knuckle driving from state route 28 at the Gateway Restaurant to the top, the last 7 miles without guard rail on Forest Roads 112 and 104, with steep drop off. Thankfully, the road is paved and in good condition (as of November, 2025). Not a casual drive for the faint of heart! Weather can easily be 10 degrees colder and much windier than down below on the state highway or at Seneca Rocks.

As the highest point in West Virginia at 4863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob offers a unique location with amazing views. Climb to the top level of the tower just off the to left during the first half of the run, going counterclockwise around the loop. The amazing spruce trees are tall enough to obscure the view from the tower and in many other locations along the trail, but the furthest point, halfway around the loop, does not disappoint!

Spruce trees, ferns, moss.