Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Pendleton County
Endpoint
Monongahela National Forest
Mileage
5
Roughness Index
3
Surface
Dirt
Located in the Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area of the Monongahela National
Forest-a hotspot for mountain biking and rock climbing—the 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 rail-
road 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 Virginia's 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, you'll 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.
