Outbound Collective logo

Red Spruce Knob

Marlinton, West Virginia

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.91 miles

Elevation Gain

348 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brandon Dewey

Red Spruce Knob is a lightly traveled 1.9 miles out and back hike through beautiful moss-covered rocks leads to a vista of the adjacent Appalachian Mountains.

To reach Red Spruce Knob trailhead from Marlinton, West Virginia, take HW 219N for about 7 miles then turn left onto HW150. Follow HW150 for about 5 miles, and the parking lot and trailhead will be on the left side of the road. The Red Spruce Knob trail is easy to follow and is well marked with blue diamond blazes. During the summer there are a few areas of the trail that become overgrown, but even in these areas, the trail is still clearly marked and easy to follow. The first 0.4 miles of the Red Spruce Knob trail is uphill, and you will hike about 200’ of the 380’ of elevation gain in this section, but it is not too steep. The next 0.4 miles of the trail is mostly flat, and this is where the trail can become overgrown in areas. The last part of the trail gradually climbs until you reach the summit. Around the 1 mile mark into the hike, the trail splits but it doesn’t matter which way you go because the trail circles the summit and leads back to the this spot. I usually stay on the right fork on the trail as it swings around the summit ofRed Spruce Knob. On the southeast side of the summit is a narrow  overlook that give you a view of the nearby Appalachian Mountains. Once you have enjoyed the view, continue to follow the trail around the summit, and once you reach the junction, turn right and follow the trail north back to the parking lot.

The vista is beautiful, but my favorite part of the trail is the circle around the summit. This part of the mountain is an old-growth pine forest with lush moss growing everywhere below the trees. Trails lined with moss are hard to find on the east coast, and this was a real treat to discover. This is a great trail for kids, and dogs are allows on the trail so you are allowed to bring the whole family. I have hiked it with my kids who are 4 and 7 years old with no issues.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

Tons of moss and fern that you don't see much. Made for some great photos. It stayed pretty cool back in the woods, too, even on a relatively warm day.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Day Run Campground

Backpack the Cranberry Wilderness North South Loop Trail

Williams River Overlook

Hike High Rocks

Walk Around the Cranberry Glades, Monongahela NF

Hike the Falls of Hills Creek, Monongahela NF