Seneca State Forest

Seneca State Forest spans around 11,600 acres of woodlands bordering the Greenbrier River, offering a network of hiking trails and mountain biking routes through dense forest. A four-acre lake stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill plus ten camping sites with facilities for tents and trailers complete the grounds.

West Virginia's Game and Fish Commission acquired the land in 1924 and established it as the state's first forest conservation area. This marked the beginning of a broader effort to protect forest resources across the region.

Eight pioneer cabins scattered throughout the forest display traditional construction with wood stoves and fireplaces that show how early settlers lived. Walking past them gives a sense of daily life in the Appalachian hills generations ago.

Trails are accessible year-round, but spring through fall offers the best hiking and biking conditions with drier paths and stable weather. Summer brings heat and humidity, while winter can feature icy patches that make travel more difficult.

A 65-foot fire tower on Thorny Mountain offers overnight stays and delivers 360-degree views across the surrounding Appalachian landscape. This unusual accommodation combines history with sweeping vistas over the forest.

Location: West Virginia

Elevation above the sea: 943 m

Operator: West Virginia Division of Forestry

Website: https://wvstateparks.com/park/seneca-state-forest

GPS coordinates: 38.32750,-79.93560

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45