Backpacking:

Seneca Creek Backcountry

Description:

Seneca Creek/Spruce Knob offers a diverse backcountry to explore. Nearly 60 miles of trails wind through 19,600 acres of red spruce stands, open meadows and fast-flowing mountain streams. Beautiful northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, birch, cherry and other trees cover much of the area creating a brilliant display of fall color. Trail Map (4.2MB pdf)

Directions:

Seneca Creek is located in eastern WV south of Seneca Rocks.  There are two main entrances to this area.  The first is coming from the Elkins area.  From Rt. 33, turn onto Rich Mtn Rd. and go 1.7 miles to Job and then on cr-29 (Whitmer Rd) for 15 miles. There are 7 trailheads along this road starting at 1 mile south of Whitmer. At the end of cr-29, go left (east) on FR1 and FR112 past Spruce Knob Lake CG. Three more trailheads are on your left (Google directions below are to Seneca Creek Trailhead). Continue on to Spruce Knob where is another trailhead.  Coming from the east traveling on Rt. 33, turn onto Rt. 33/4 (Briery Gap rd) and drive 11 miles up the mountain to Spruce Knob.  

Activities:

Backpacking, Hiking, Sight Seeing (Views), Swimming Holes, Mountain Biking, Camping

Address:

Potomac Ranger District, HC 59, Box 240, Petersburg, WV 26847, 1.5 miles south of Petersburg off Rt. 28/55

Phone/Email:

304-257-4488 (Voice & TDD), 304-636-1800 – Mon. National Forest

Web resources:

Seneca Creek BC – Mon. Nat. Forest Site

Resources:

Brochure & Books:

  • “Monongahela National Forest Hiking Guide”
  • “Out There West Virginia A Guide to Backcountry Travel and Adventure”
  • “West Virginia Hiking Trails”

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