American Byways

A waterfall along Seneca Creek.

The Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Trail ranks as one of my beloved loops in the Monongahela National Forest, partially due to its natural variety and for its incredible views from all sides. Begin at the base of the observation tower along at Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area from the summit of Spruce Knob 4,863 feet in elevation, where the 1/2–mile gravel Whispering Spruce Trail encircles the tower and offers a glimpse into the varied vegetation that is representative of the knob. Windswept trees cling to rocky soil, their branches growing eastward due to the high winds that are often prevalent at this elevation. Exceptional views are had to the east and west, where hikers can note the North Fork valley below and the Allegheny Mountains that trace back into Virginia.

From the parking lot, pick up the Huckleberry Trail (TR 533), which diverts to the northeast along a dirt and relatively rocky path surrounded by native grasses, wildflowers and plenty of colorful blueberry, huckleberry and azalea bushes. Boulders are strewn in an almost random fashion, with stubby spruce trees dominating the first mile and a half. At mile 1.9 are remnants of a small plane crash. The trail later enters into dense pine stands and begins a gradual descent down a hill, entering into two small mountain meadows. At mile 3.9, bear right onto the Lumberjack Trail (TR 534).

The Lumberjack Trail (TR 534) follows an old logging railroad grade through a northern hardwood forest. The trail is very easy to follow, although there are several boggy areas that require some maneuvering to escape from the mud. It is considerably less rocky than the Huckleberry Trail (TR 533), although some areas may pose some difficulties. There are some old crossties visible in wet areas. Follow the trail for two miles, and at the end of the trail, bear left onto the High Meadows Trail (TR 564).

The High Meadows Trail (TR 564) is my favorite segment of this trail, and provides the most scenic views of Seneca Creek, and offers diverse views that can’t be found but a few locations in the state. The trail descends steeply amongst yellow birch and cherry trees after leaving the Lumberjack Trail (TR 534), and at .6 mile, it enters into the first of four meadows. Three other open fields are encountered before entering into a hemlock and maple forest at mile 1.5. On these former pastoral slopes are some spectacular views of the Seneca Creek valley and Allegheny Mountains. The trail can be somewhat difficult to locate at times, but there are visible blue blazes on posts and cairns along the path.

At mile 2, the trail ends at the Huckleberry Trail (TR 533). Bear right onto the trail for .4 mile which descends into the Seneca Creek valley. At the base is the Upper Falls of Seneca Creek, one of the more popular destinations in the district. The usually jubilant creek drops 30-feet onto the rocks below. There are several large campsites with fire rings nearby, and this would make for an excellent camping location.

From the falls, proceed southwest along the Seneca Creek Trail (TR 515). The former railroad grade is pretty easy to follow, with the meandering path being quite wide in spots. The trail crosses Seneca Creek at three locations and passes by several smaller waterfalls before junctioning the Judy Springs Trail (TR 512) at mile 1.5. The Judy Springs campground is at the base of the trail junction, although it is no longer a supported campground with a well pump. A spring is located on the Judy Springs Trail just off of the Seneca Creek Trail, and is usually dependable, cold and relatively clean. As with the Seneca Creek waterfall, this is another excellent camping spot.

From Judy Springs, proceed south-southwest along the creek, following along the former railroad bed. There are a few areas where the trail may be a bit muddy from horses that share the trail, but small paths wander off to the side to bypass this. The trail will cross over the creek once more, enter a lush meadow, and eventually meet with the Swallow Rock Trail (TR 529). The trail ascends for one mile to the west and meets the Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR 532).

The trail meanders along a slowly shrinking creek. Note the beaver dam and meadow approximately 1.5 miles from Forest Road 112, easy to locate due to a number of dead or dying trees along the water. The trail eventually junctions the Tom Lick Run Trail (TR 559), which also connects to the Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR 532). Further past this, the trail begins to widen out and eventually leaves the old railroad bed for a former roadway. The trail ends at Forest Road 112.

If you used a second car, this would be the end; if you parked at Spruce Knob, follow the forest road up the hill. The additional four mile hike can take over three hours to complete, but it is highly doubtful you will become lost or disoriented on the trek up.

The hike can require two vehicles, one at each trailhead, but it is dependent on how much you want to extend your hike by. To locate the primary trailhead, follow U.S. Route 33/West Virginia Route 28 south to County Route 33/4 from Seneca Rocks. Turn right and proceed up the mountain to Forest Road 112. Bear left and follow the paved route to Forest Road 104. Turn right and travel along the crest of Spruce Mountain to the parking lot. If you require a second vehicle, continue to follow Forest Road 112 instead of turning onto Forest Road 104, and continue down the hill. The second trailhead is approximately 4 miles from the junction with Forest Road 104.

Find more about Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area after the jump.