Hike #12: Seneca Creek Trail (Spruce Knob)

1.   Seneca Creek Backcountry - Spruce Knob

2.  Seneca Creek Trail

3.  38.71079282011167, -79.54749478607356

4.   8.2 miles

5.   3.5 hours

This trail was absolutely beautiful - from the trees to the streams to the smells and sounds. 

It is aptly named for the creek that you are hiking next to nearly the entire time. You will definitely need water crossing shoes and/or just some steady feet for a couple of the stream crossings along this trail. I wore waterproof boots and managed just fine. Also, keep in mind that after heavy rains water levels in these streams and creeks can fluctuate and should be considered.

For this hike, I decided to turn around at Judy Springs, a backcountry campground with a natural mountain spring that flows from a mountainside nearby. The campsites were scattered throughout a sunlit meadow that seemed to appear out of nowhere. In hindsight, we could’ve gone further to see the upper falls. It would have maybe added an additional 4 miles overall. Next time!

Trailhead directions can be found on All Trails or using the coordinates above! 

Also, something to note is that there are A LOT of campsite options - even just off of the forest roads. If you want something a little more removed than an established campground, there are plenty of options. So, if you wake up one morning and decide you just need to get out of dodge, don’t worry there are probably endless sites for you to snag, even if you don’t want to backpack.

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Thanks for coming by, and I hope to see you on the trail!