Spruce Knob at Monongahela National Forest

Spruce Knob is the summit of Spruce mountain, which is located within the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, part of the Monongahela National Forest. This was the first National Recreation Area designated by the U.S. Forest Service and spreads over more than 100,000 acres (405 square km). Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet (1,482 m) and there are over 75 miles (120 km) of hiking trails around the mountain, as well as 2 campgrounds. Note that getting to the top involves dirt roads without guardrails, and hairpin curves. With some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, Spruce Knob is a prime spot for stargazing. Every summer, Spruce Knob hosts an “Almost Heaven Star Party”, where you can observe the skies together with astronomy experts