Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Recreation Area

Explore eastern West Virginia at this stunning recreation area.

The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area is located in the Monongahela National Forest. This place features three of West Virginia's prominent landmarks, namely Spruce Knob (the highest point in West Virginia) and the highest of the Allegheny Mountains (with an elevation of 4,863 feet at the summit). The Seneca Rocks, a 900-foot high quartzite crag, is ideal for rock climbing. Smoke Hole Canyon is a scenic place along the South Branch Potomac River. Spruce Knob has an observation tower that gives visitors a 360-degree view, and there are 60 miles of hiking trails in the area.

The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area encompasses 100,000 acres and has outstanding views, offering boundless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Visitors can hike to the top of Seneca Rocks, beginning at the visitor center, where you can follow the 1.3-mile self-guided, interpretive trail leading to a viewing platform. Please note that there are many steps, but you will be able to soak in remarkable scenery from the top. There are two Forest Service campgrounds within the National Recreational Area, Seneca Shadows (on Route 33, just 1 mile south of Seneca Rocks) and Big Bend (off of U.S. Route 220, about 9 miles north of Upper Tract).

Fishing in the spruce Knob lake gives visitors a 25-acre impoundment that is regularly stocked with trout. They have a wooden pier close to a parking area. Please note that anglers must follow a "catch and release" policy, meaning all fish must be returned to the water, and only artificial lures may be used. If you're here for a daytime outing, you are welcome to use the picnic tables and grills by the river. They also have restrooms available year-round. If you enjoy hiking, take the half-mile Whispering Spruce Trail, it circles the Knob and has interpretive signs along the gentle graveled trail. If you want to camp nearby, Gatewood Campground has six sites, and Spruce Knob Lake campground has 43 sites. This impressive outdoor space offers plenty of things to see and do, so don't hesitate to camp here the next time you visit West Virginia.