Seneca State Forest Trails
Journey through 11,684 acres of lush woodlands by hiking or biking each of the 12 challenging trails that Seneca State Forest has to offer. Discover scenic views that are eccentric to your forest expedition, including the renowned Thorny Mountain Fire Tower. In addition, the nearby Allegheny and Greenbrier River trails run through the forest and can be accessed for all the more captivating nature to explore.
Download and save or print driving directions before leaving home. Cell service is non-existent in the surrounding area. Wi-Fi is available at the forest office.
Easy
Black Oak Trail – 1.25 Miles
This trail runs from the north end of Loop Road to Clover Lick Road.
Fire Tower Trail – 0.75 Miles
From Fire Observation Tower to Seneca Lake. Steep grade. No biking permitted.
Great Laurel Trail – 0.5 Miles
Great Laurel Trail connects Hill Top Trail to the campground at campsite #8.
Hill Top Trail – 1.5 Miles
The trail runs from Cabin Road near Forest Headquarters and across Loop Road to Thorny Creek Trail.
Horsehose Trail – 1.25 Miles
A loop trail that departs the campground near campsite #9 and ends near campsite #8. No biking permitted.
Little Jim Trail – 1 Mile
From Rt. 28 just south of the North entrance to Rich Patch Loop Trail.
Little Mountain Trail – 1 Mile
The trail runs from Cabin Road near Forest Headquarters to Thorny Creek Trail.
Scarlet Oak Trail – 0.5 Miles
This trail runs from the southern end of Loop Road to Cabin Road, 1/2 mile from Forest Headquarters. No biking permitted.
Moderate
Crestline Trail – 2 Miles
From the end of Michael Mountain Road along the crest of Michael Mountain. The highest point of Seneca State Forest. No biking permitted.
Rich Patch Loop – 3.2 Miles
This loop trail begins from a trailhead parking area on Michael Mountain Road, approximately 3/4 mile off State Route 28.
Difficult
Allegheny Trail – 10.4 Miles
This trail enters Seneca on Thomas Mountain Road near Sitlington, courses the length of the forest, and exits on Thorny Creek Mountain Road. You can access the trail from Sitlington Road, Laurel Run Road, Cabin Road, and Thorny Creek Mountain Road.
Thorny Creek Trail – 6 Miles
This loop trail follows Little Thorny Creek from its headwaters on Loop Road and leaves Seneca just below the lake. The trail departs from the stream and follows up to Little Mountain, where it meets the southern terminus of Loop Road. Note: Several stream crossings.
Other ways to navigate our trails*
Additional information may be available in the West Virginia Trail Inventory
*Trail data may vary between services.
