Backpack Seneca Creek and Seneca Falls - (Intermediate)
Hosted by OC Backpackers
Details
Seneca Creek and Seneca Falls make this one of the most beautiful stream hikes in the mid-atlantic. With numerous awesome camp sites along its banks, this is a definite backpackers delight. Check out the pics below that I took last time I backpacked Seneca Falls!!
The Plan: Day 1 (Friday): We will use our usual carpooling points - Virginia Beach at 6pm and Newport News at 7 pm. We will drive 4 hours to Braley Pond Campground and car camp on Friday night. This is free, primative style campground.
Day 2 (Saturday): We will drive the remaining 2 hours to the trail head. We will hike for approximately 8 miles to our campground.
Day 3 (Sunday): We will hike the remaining 5 miles to our cars. Drive home with a stop for lunch.
What To Bring: Nothing is provided for you. You are responsible for all gear and food you need for the weekend. If you have questions on what to bring feel free to email me.
Water: Bring water for Friday night and Saturday morning. Water will be available Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Bring a filter, tabs, or pen.
Weather: We go regardless of weather.
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on this trip.
Carpool: Carpools are always organized in advance, for overnighters, if you have rsvped yes you will receive an email a week in advance to help us organize rides. Please keep an eye out for this email.
RSVPing: There is a waitlist set up if we exceed the max number of hikers allowed on this trip. Please put your name on the waitlist. People often cancel or we may plan two groups if we have a large enough waitlist.
No Shows/Last Minute Cancellations: We do keep track of no-shows and last minute cancellations. If you make this a habit we will start removing you from trips to allow waitlisters your spot.
Questions: Send me an email or post your question below. There are no privies so follow standard sanitary practices for the woods.
Link to hiking upward website with trail description and printable trail maps. (http://www.hikingupward.com/mnf/alleghenysenecacreek/)
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Trail Description: Seneca Creek and Seneca Falls make this one of the most beautiful stream hikes in the mid-atlantic. With numerous first rate camp sites along its banks, this is a definite backpackers delight. If you backpack make sure to add this fantastic hike to your list. From the parking area head down the Seneca Creek Trail (TR515) 1.1 miles and turn left on the Tom Lick Trail (TR559). Ascend the mountain on what appears more of a old forestry service road than a trail before arriving at the ridge, and intersection of the Allegheny Mountain Trail. Turn right on the Allegheny Mountain Trail (TR532) and in 0.3 miles pass the North Fork/Big Run Trail on the left, then in another 0.5 miles pass the Leading Ridge Trail again on your left. Continue on the Allegheny Mountain Trail for 0.4 miles before passing the Swallow Rock Trail and great camp site at a small pass on the ridge. Continue uphill on the Allegheny Mountain Trail then in 1.5 miles pass the Bear Hunter Trail. 1.5 miles further the Spring Ridge Trail turns left, stay right downhill through a small clearing and rejoin the Allegheny Mountain Trail on the other side of the clearing. 0.1 miles downhill the trail will split with the Allegheny Mountain Trail turning left and the Horton Trail (TR530) turning right downhill. Turn right on the Horton Trail as it descends the mountain steeply for 1.1 miles before arriving at Seneca Creek. Cross Seneca Creek and climb up to the Seneca Creek Trail (TR515) on the opposite bank. Turn right on the Seneca Creek Trail passing several great camp sites just below Seneca Falls 200 yards from where you crossed the creek. Cross Seneca Creek just above the falls and pass another fantastic camp site. In 1.5 miles from the falls there is an unmarked trail on your left. Follow it for 30 yards to one of the prettiest campsites in the forest, with an old grist stone and waterfall on the other side of the creek. Continue up Seneca Creek Trail and pass the Bear Hunter Trail on your right in 0.1 miles, then in another 0.1 miles arrive at a clearing and the Judy Springs Campground and intersection of the Judy Springs Trail that crosses Seneca Creek on a wooden foot bridge. Don't cross the footbridge, but remain on Seneca Creek Trail for 3.3 miles back to the parking area. Passing the Swallow Rock Trail in 1.1 miles and the Tom Lick trail in 2.4 miles.