Spruce Knob
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia · 4,863 ft
West Virginia's highest point, with a stone observation tower standing over red spruce that the wind has flagged to one side. The summit rim opens on every compass point, so color reads as bands running down the Allegheny ridges rather than a single view.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 2 – Oct 10
A few weeks out. Expect this to move by several days.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
moderate
Often busier by mid-morning; consider arriving at first light.
Getting there
Leave US 33 near Riverton for Briery Gap Road and Forest Road 112, drive 10 miles of gravel to the summit lot, and walk the paved 0.1-mile path to the tower.
What turns here
- red spruce
- mountain ash
- yellow birch
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 6Typical color progression for Spruce Knob. No change from Aug 29 to Sep 15. First color from Sep 15 to Sep 24. Approaching peak from Sep 24 to Oct 2. Peak from Oct 2 to Oct 10. Past peak from Oct 10 to Oct 20. Bare from Oct 20 to Nov 3.
Spruce Knob is typically at first color on this date.
Light at peak
Spruce Knob on October 6, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:52 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 96° | 7:18 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:54 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:06 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 6:18 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 264° | 6:54 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:20 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 35m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.