Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks

This National Recreation Area is
home to the highest point in West   
Virginia, Spruce Knob (4863ft).  The
high elevation Spruce Knob Area
provides many recreational activities
that include sightseeing, camping,
fishing, biking, and hiking.  There are
roughly 70 miles of marked trails in the Spruce Knob Area. 


The Hikesite
North Fork Mountain Trail

If you can only hike one trail in West Virginia, this is is it. This scenic 24 mile long trail follows the entire ridgeline of North Fork Mountain. Spectacular views can be had from the numerous rock outcroppings found along the entire ridgeline.  Other than some short up and down sections, the trail is mostly rolling and easy to follow. The main concern when hiking the NFM trail is the lack of water found on the trail. Be prepared to pack all of your water in, or have some stored at the midway access point.

North Fork Mountain is also in a great location. Dolly Sods is basically right across the road (CO28), and Seneca Rocks is 10 or so miles further down from the northernmost trailhead.
Dolly Sods Wilderness & Scenic Area

The Dolly Sods area is one of my favorite places in the Monongahela National Forest. It is a truly unique and wonderful place to visit and explore.  For those interested in mostly sightseeing and camping, the Dolly Sods Scenic Area offers a number of scenic vistas overlooking North Fork Mountain and ridges of the Allegheny Front.  At the north end of FR 75, Bear Rocks provides some of the best scenery in the area. Primitive camping is available at Red Creek Campground on FR 75.

For those who seek more solitude and an opportunity to experience West Virginia wilderness, Dolly Sods does not disappoint. Dolly Sods Wilderness contains 50 miles of trails traversing high plateaus, hardwood forests, and the rocky, Red Creek Canyon. Hikers should be prepared for the challenging trails and terrain, harsh weather conditions, and stream crossings. The signs posted at Dolly Sods sum up the trail conditions well, describing them as "ROCKY, WET, and MUDDY!". This couldn't be more true, so be prepared and have a good game plan before setting off.
  Other Areas of Interest
One of West Virginia's greatest landmarks can easily be seen from points on Spruce Knob and North Fork Mountain. Seneca Rocks is a large sandstone outcropping that stands nearly 10o0 feet above the valley floor below. Besides being a destination for tourists and sightseers, Seneca Rocks is also draws a large number of rock climbing enthusiasts. The challenging climbs and easily accessible location make Seneca Rocks one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the east.

Located at the base of Seneca Rocks, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center serves as the hub for information about the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding areas. Anyone visiting the area (especially if its the first time) should make a stop here to obtain information, have questions answered, or ask for recommendations. You'll find that most of the  special places in this section of the MNF area are easily accessed from this point.



Dolly Sods Wilderness & Scenic Area

Video from North end of NFM Trail
Roaring Plains

The Roaring / Flatrock Plains area is located directly to the south of Dolly Sods Wilderness and covers 12,000 acres. Like Dolly Sods, this area is also a high elevation plateau covered with hardwoods, spruce, and areas of impenatrable rhododendron thickets.  There are numerous views  of North fork Mountain to the east, and Spruce Knob to the south if you travel around the rim of the plateau.

Beware the southernmost unmarked trails below South Prong and Roaring Plains. They are not easy to find, follow, or bushwack. If you decide to enter a rhododendron thicket, you do so at your own peril! If you use four letter words, be prepared to use them all.  Find the map here.



















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