|
| By:
Rene
|
Rating:  |
Date of Hike: Friday, May 01, 2009 |
| I would agree with other reviewers that this is one of the most beautiful hikes I have seen. We had some difficulty finding the trailhead from google maps. We arrived too late to do the loop as described, so we proceeded from the parking lot down the east side of the trail toward the campsites and did an out-and-back route. It was rainy and wet. We were glad to have crocs along for the water crossings although the second day, we just went straight through the water with our hiking shoes. We were lucky to get the "prettiest campsite" with the grist mill and next to the waterfall. It was gorgeous! Two other groups were camped in the clearing.
We saw a few mice in the evening around stones by the stone chairs. (loved the stone chairs) We had a little difficulty finding privacy for bathroom needs as the trees were small and we were next to a hillside. On the second day, we left our packs at the campsite and proceeded to the beginning of the steep hill where we turned around. We really enjoyed the many waterfalls. The walk back to the campsite was even prettier as we walked upstream. Our route covered about 10 miles. Not too strenuous.
|
|
| By:
|
Rating:  |
Date of Hike: Sunday, November 16, 2008 |
| One caveat about this trail, if you're hiking in winter or inclement weather. The 11-mile road to the trailhead, FR112, is not plowed when it snows, and conditions where it crosses over the pass near Spruce Knob can be markedly worse than the surrounding area. We had to cut short a trip when the weather changed unexpectedly, from a predicted high in the 30s with mild snow flurries into highs in the low 20s and up to 9 inches of snow. This is a beautiful area and we'll be back soon!
|
|
| By:
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Saturday, September 22, 2007 |
| My friends and i hiked this trail and camped out next to the falls for our last camping trip of the season. the views were great and the trail and camping spots were well maintained. ive never seen a state park service take as much pride in the park as in west virginia. at the time we went the water level was low but this spring we are hoping it will be higher when we go back. my friends and i are former US Marines and we love the trails on the site and we have used this site for all of our weekend trips but by far this one is the best weve done. if you get the chance to go on this trail do so and maybe ill see you there. hope this review helped.
|
|
| By:
tawlk
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
GREAT HIKE!
I have written a few reviews on here, and have never thanked you for such a wonderful website. This is by far one of the most comprehensive sites for this region.
This was our first hike in the Monongahela NF, but it won’t be the last. This hike had a little bit of everything. We went before the leaves were on the trees, so there were still some views from the ridge. The down hill portion of the trail was challenging, very steep and narrow, but still only moderately strenuous. I would love to do this hike when the roses were in bloom; the whole hillside was covered with wild bushes.
The water was very cold this time, rightfully so since there was still snow on some areas of the trail. We counted about 6 substantial crossings: 4 the first day and 2 the second. If you are doing the full circuit on the weekend, I wouldn’t set your hopes on getting the “prettiest campsite in the forest” as noted in the directions. It looks like there is a lot of completion for this site and people hike along the river early in the morning to set up camp. We ended up staying just a little upstream of this site and really couldn’t ask for a better place. We were still next to a waterfall and we had a lot more privacy in comparison to many of the campsites in this area.
If you haven’t done this hike yet, I would defiantly put it on your list.
|
|
| By:
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Friday, April 27, 2007 |
The day stared off misty and a little rain, cold and cloudy. By the time we hit the Tom Lick trail it was on and off sunny. We hiked the ridge until we go to the downhill section to Seneca Falls. All I can say is that it was a great sight to see, the water was clear, the falls were really flowing and the water was cold.
The camp sites are immaculate and very close to the river, and after a nice nights rest, we began our trek out. Make sure you bring water shoues or Tevas, there are 4 creek crossings without a bridge.
The 5 miles out from Seneca Falls is a gradual uphill and not to bad on the legs. The last 1/4 mile make your heart pump.
Overall, this is a great trail, I moved here from Colorado and miss the streams, rivers and creeks there, but this is second to non for the east cost!
Mark
|
|
| By:
Chris & Megan
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 08, 2006 |
This hike absolutely lived up to all the hype - one of the most beautiful overnight trips we've been on, with some of the best campsites by far. In fact, I would rate this one even higher for the 'Views' and 'Solitude' categories. This weekend, most of the leaves had changed color but were still hanging on to the trees, which made for some incredible views. A few things to note for those who may be considering doing this one: 1) Approx. the first 5 miles of FR 112 after you turn off of Briery Gap Rd. has been paved, and the dirt portion beyond that is in pretty decent shape - passable by car even in the wet weather we had. 2) To avoid any confusion, the Allegheny Mtn. Trail is actually numbered TR532, not 552 as the directions say. 3) Waterproof shoes/boots are a must-have on this hike, especially on a wet weekend like this one. There are numerous creek crossings along the Seneca Creek trail, and not all of them can be rock-hopped. The water was never more than calf-high, but a pair of sandals or flip-flops to put on for the creek could be the most valuable item you pack.
HikingUpward.com - The the trail number for the Allegheny Mtn. Trail was corrected to TR532. Thanks.
|
|
| By:
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Saturday, October 07, 2006 |
| It was a little rainy when we started out, but I have to say the additional water really paid off when we reached Seneca Falls. This was by far one of the nicest hikes I've been on. Between all the fantastic waterfalls, the excellect campsites and the leaves changing, it was well worth hiking in the rain. While I'm at it, excellent website!! I find the trail descriptions to be the best I've used with information that hikers really need.
|
|
| By:
|
Rating: |
Date of Hike: Saturday, September 24, 2005 |
| It's been a couple of years since I've hiked this exact loop but this past weekend we did a shuttle starting at Spruce Knob and visiting High Meadows before descending to Seneca Creek. It is truly an amazing place. Even when it is crowded there are plenty of wonderful creek-side campsites to acomodate everyone. The hike out of the valley can be the focal point for several different outings.
Although the crowds lessen some in the fall, the creek is at its best in spring and early summer. This may require optional footwear for the first couple of crossings. There are too many falls, chutes and slides to count.
|
|
|
