Spruce Knob Picnic Area

Potomac Ranger District
HC 59, Box 240
Petersburg, WV 26847
Phone: (304) 257-4488

From Riverton, West Virginia, you want to take US Route 33 south 2 miles to Briery Gap Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to Forest Road 112. Turn left onto Forest Road 112 and continue for 9 1/2 miles to Forest Road 104. The picnic area is on Forest Road 104, 1 1/2 miles south of Spruce Knob.

At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak. 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.

This small, high elevation picnic area is protected in a spruce forest and set among flowering azaleas. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Each site includes a table, grill and waste receptacle. Water is provided by a hand pumped well. Two non-accessible vault toilets are available.

Spruce Knob Tower is located 1/2 miles south at the end of Forest Road 104. Hiking trails are located nearby. There are no fees for use of the picnic area. Sites are on a first come, first served basis.

A stone and steel observation tower 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. Vault toilets, picnic tables, grills and vehicle parking complete the facilities available at the tower.

On windy or cloudy days this picnic area is more sheltered than those picnic sites located at the top of Spruce Knob. Limited to day-use only.

Read about Spruce Knob.