At 4,863 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest peak. From this rugged alpine peak, you can view grassy openings and pastures or look down on forested ridges as far as the eye can see.

The vegetation here has adapted to a harsh environment. One-sided red spruce deformed by constant exposure to strong westerly winds cling to the high rocky ridges. Blueberry and huckleberry plants hug the ground. Mountain ash dot the landscape and brighten autumn days with brilliant foliage. From May through July, the flowers of azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron appear. Hardwood forest of beech, birch, maple and cherry cover the lower elevations.

The severe climate here means that cold fogs and strong winds can occur even in summer. Snow covers much of the area during winter months and roads are sometimes closed, or passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Person Interviewed: Sue Grafton
Title: Naturalist
Date: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Location: Pendleton County, West Virginia
Address: 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241
Phone: 304-567-2827
Admission: Free
Reservations: None
Website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/spruce_knob.html

| Home | Eyewitness News Newsroom | Storm Team Weather | Eyewitness Sports | Schedules | Programs |

---

Send email to news@wchstv.com for information or comments concerning WCHS-TV Eyewitness News.

Copyright ©2009, WCHS-TV8. Portions are
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or distributed.