Tree tunnels are magical places, and that might be especially true in West Virginia. Here, in the rugged Appalachian Mountains, meandering trails wind through towering trees. Sunlight trickles down through a lofty canopy. The forest floor stays soft and damp, shaded by such faithful, protective, towering sentinels. Moss, spongy and verdant, thrives. Yes, these are magical places indeed, hidden away as they are deep in the West Virginia forest. And if you want to visit one yourself, look no further than Red Spruce Knob – the highest point on the Highland Scenic Highway, and the ninth highest point in West Virginia.
Perched at the height of the Highland Scenic Highway, Red Spruce Knob Trail is a 1.2 mile out-and-back trail (with a short loop at the very top that circles the knob for a beautiful view overlooking the area) that climbs 380 feet through the forest to the 4,703-foot-elevation Red Spruce Knob.
It's a beautiful journey along a well-marked trail, especially the closer you get to Red Spruce Knob. You'll pass through a towering red spruce forest, walking beside giant, moss-covered boulders. Huge old fallen logs frame the path and provide a home for plants and wildlife. Ruins of an old fire tower foundation await you at the top of the knob.
Walk softly through this magical place. Leave no trace. Keep its beauty unspoiled for those who come after you, just as those who came before you did!
You can find the Red Spruce Knob Trailhead right along Route 150 (the Highland Scenic Highway) at approximately mile marker 17.7. (If you start from Marlinton, it will be on the left.)
