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The Atlas/West Virginia/Spruce Knob Observation Tower

Spruce Knob Observation Tower

At 4,863 ft Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia and accessible by paved road. The two-story stone observation tower adds additional elevation; the surrounding Whispering Spruce Trail (0.5 mi loop) provides 360-degree views of the Allegheny ridges — on clear days the panorama stretches across multiple states. The approach via Seneca Creek Road (FR-112) adds an unpaved stretch but is passable by street bikes in dry conditions. No fee, open year-round weather permitting.

West Virginia
Region
Viewpoint
Stop type
Standalone stop
Atlas
// Why riders stop

WV's literal high point — reachable by car/bike, free, and the tower puts you above treeline with a 360-degree Allegheny panorama. Best combined with a Seneca Rocks loop via US-33.

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// Nearby & related
StopWest Virginia
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
West Virginia
The NPS Canyon Rim Visitor Center (162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing) is the premier above-deck vantage point for the New River Gorge Bridge — the longest single-arch steel bridge in the Western Hemisphere at 3,030 ft and 876 ft above the river. Two overlook tiers: a panoramic upper platform and an arch-level lower boardwalk. The visitor center has ranger exhibits, restrooms, and a bookshop. Open 9 am–5 pm. Bridge Day, held every third Saturday in October, draws 100,000+ visitors including a huge motorcycle contingent.
StopWest Virginia
Harper's Old Country Store
West Virginia
West Virginia's oldest continuously operated store in its original building (est. 1902, fifth-generation Harper family) sits at the junction of Routes 28, 33, and 55 directly in front of Seneca Rocks. The oiled hardwood floors and pressed-tin ceiling are unchanged; upstairs the Front Porch Restaurant serves hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and local WV beers. The store owner describes motorcyclists as 'probably the fastest growing part of the tourism business.' Open Wednesday–Sunday.
StopWest Virginia
Hawks Nest State Park Overlook
West Virginia
Built by the CCC in the mid-1930s from local sandstone, the Hawks Nest clifftop overlook sits directly on US-60 in Ansted and delivers a 750-foot vertical drop to the New River below. The horseshoe-shaped paved walkway is 80 yards with a handicap-accessible viewing station aimed at the dam and the New River's dry gorge. The park lodge, aerial tramway to the gorge floor, and small gift shop are all steps away. Easy roadside pull-off with no hiking required.