Review
Intro
At 4,863 feet, Spruce Knob is the highpoint for the state of West Virginia, as well as the highest peak in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. Needless to say, you will get amazing views of Germany Valley, Allegheny Plateau, and North Fork Mountain from the tower at the summit. Spruce Knob is known for its dense spruce forests, which are similar to the forests you find in Canada, although the red spruce trees here have a windswept appearance because of the consistent high winds in the area. There are more than 60 miles of trails that range from easy to difficult. No matter what your pace for the day is, you should have no problem finding a route to suit your needs.
What Makes It Great
The moment you arrive at Spruce Knob, you know it’s something special. Virtually untouched by humans for the last century, the trails here will take you down into pristine forest, up to amazing overlooks with visibility up to 30 miles away, and through patches of brightly colored wildflowers.
The trails cover a variety of terrain and landscapes. They are well maintained and marked with blue blazes. The trails range from the fairly short .7 mile Judy Springs Trail, to the longer 12.8-mile Allegheny Mountain Trail that follows along the ridge and weaves through hardwood forests and meadows. Many of the trails can be combined to form larger loops, and there are a few shorter loop trails, too.
In higher elevations, even experienced trail runners will be in for a challenge with the high-wind conditions. Add in the alpine terrain, and you’ve got quite the adventure. Don’t let that discourage you if you are a beginner, though—there is something for runners of every level here. Although some of the trails can be quite challenging, the stunning, panoramic views of Germany Valley and North Fork Mountain will make it well worth the effort.
Who is Going to Love It
Runners of all levels will have a blast exploring Spruce Knob’s trails. While the trails leading to the summit are more for intermediate and expert runners, the paved road allows even beginners to get to the views. The summit’s observation tower is easily accessible, which makes this a great trip for families and groups.
If you’re an experienced runner traveling with your family but looking to get in a serious workout, the Spruce Knob area has both the running terrain and family-friendly recreation that will make your vacation into the mountains of West Virginia an unforgettable experience.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Parking is available in several areas. Paved access is from U.S. Route 33/West Virginia Route 28 about 2 miles south of Riverton. Briery Gap Road (County Route 33/4), Forest Road 112, and Forest Road 104 have been reconstructed and paved to provide a hard-surfaced road to the summit.
