Seneca Creek Trail:
West Virginia
Trail Map
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Description:
Located in the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area of the Monongahela National Foresta hotspot for mountain biking and rock climbingthe Seneca Creek Trail is a scenic feast of streams, meadows, forest, and waterfalls. Unlike other rail-trails in the national forest, this out-and-back route shows characteristics typical of former railroad corridors: It is flat and provides a relatively steady, easy hike and is doable with a mountain bike.
The trail is part of the 70-mile Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek Backcountry Trail System. At 4863 feet, Spruce Knob is West Virginias highest peak. While all of the interconnecting trails are well-marked with blue diamond blazes, do not expect the additional 65 miles of hiking to be so gentle.
The trail follows Seneca Creek, a fast-flowing, spring-fed mountain stream whose clean, crystal water can be heard and seen nearly everywhere along the trail. From the trailhead, youll immediately pass through meadows and spruce groves. A few miles in, you will encounter hardwoods. A canopy of maple, beech, birch, and cherry create a natural tunnel, offering a wide array of color in the fall and shade in the summer.
Multiple creek crossings dot this trail, and there are no footbridges, so come prepared to get your feet wet. Near the trails end, the lastand most rewardingcreek crossing brings you to the 30-foot Upper Seneca Creek Falls. The spectacular falls are the highest on Seneca Creek and offer a dramatic finale to this trail.
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Parking & Trail Access:
From Elkins, take US Hwy. 33 south to Briery Gap Road (County Road 33) and turn right. Follow it approximately 2.5 miles until you reach Forest Service Road 112 (this steep, narrow, gravel road is not maintained in winter) and turn right. Drive approximately 11 miles until you reach the trailhead on your right. Limited parking is available.
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