Seneca State Forest Activities

With more than 12,000 acres of secluded woodlands, Seneca State Forest is perfect for communing with nature. Exploring this vast forest may be done by hiking or biking any of the 12 challenging trails or the nearby Allegheny and Greenbrier River trails, which run through and are accessible from the forest. Grab a map at the park office before you leave!

Seneca State Forest’s campground, the oldest public campground in the state, has ten large, secluded sites with level tent and trailer pads, picnic tables and fireplaces. Campers may use the coin-operated laundry machines and showers at the forest office. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from April 1 through October 31 each year.

The hiking opportunities are plentiful in Seneca State Forest, with vibrant forestry and 12 stimulating trails. The nearby Allegheny and Greenbrier River trails are accessible from the forest as well. Travel far enough, and you just might stumble onto the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, a popular overlook and overnight destination.

Journey to Seneca Lake for some trout, bass, and bluegill fishing. The nearby Greenbrier River offers smallmouth and rock bass. Don’t miss out on the chance to turn your tackle-boxed getaway into an overnight stay by reserving one of our cabins. Above all else, make sure to have a current West Virginia fishing license, available at wvfish.com.

Tee it up! Head on down Route 219 just south of Marlinton at the Pocahontas Country Club or north of Marlinton at Snowshoe’s Hawthorne Valley 18-hole course.

There is always spirited wildlife circling the forest. Hunting and fishing is permitted with the proper licensing. Deer, bear, turkey and small game are infamous quarries for hunters. Spring and fall bring stocks of trout to Seneca Lake. Proper licenses and stamps are required.

Go beyond the timber and come on down to the game courts! Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are available, with a playground to occupy the little ones.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park preserves Civil War history with a museum and insightful signposts. You can also visit a museum, climb a lookout tower and hike several trails. The Green Bank Observatory—roughly 10 miles from Seneca—has the world’s largest steerable telescope. You can visit the Science Center for free, tour the grounds and grab a bite at the cafe.

The age of steam is alive and well at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Ride a historic Shay locomotive and tour glorious mountaintops! You can also stop at a recreated 1940s logging camp or dine at the Company Store restaurant.