Spruce Knob
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia · 4,863 ft
Typical peak
Oct 2 – Oct 10
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
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 .
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 bare on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 17
4 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
56°F / 35°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Spruce Knob on October 6, 2026, 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.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
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.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.