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West Virginia
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West Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
West Virginia
Potomac Highlands Region
Seneca State Forest
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SENECA STATE FOREST
SENECA STATE FOREST
Rt. 1 Box 140
Dunmore, West Virginia   24934

Phone: 304-799-6213
Toll Free: 800-225-5982
Email: park email button icon
Oldest of West Virginia's state forests, Seneca borders the beautiful Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County. The forest offers pioneer guest cabins; a four(4) acre lake for trout, bass and bluegill fishing; a small campground and 11,684 acres of lush woodlands for hiking, hunting or communing with nature. The lake and forest are named after the Indian tribe which once roamed the area. Seneca's large size and modest development make it a great place to find peace and solitude.
Camping
Camping

Another option for overnight visitors at the forest is the beautiful rustic camping area. This well designed campground consists of 10 large, secluded sites (one of which is wheelchair accessible) in a wooded setting, with picnic tables, level tent/trailer pads, and fireplaces. Virtually any size or type of camping unit can be accommodated, but the campground is especially well suited to tents. Seneca's campground is often mentioned by tenters as being one of the best they've seen. A handpumped well for drinking water and vault toilets are centrally located in the campground. Firewood is available for sale, and campers may use the coin operated shower and laundry facilities described under the cabins heading and which are ? mile from the campground.

Campsites are cleaned after each use by forest personnel.There is no RV dumping facility at Seneca.

The campground is open from April 1st to early December. Reservations are not accepted for the campground, but it does not often fill to capacity anyway. Guests planning on arriving late on a summer weekend, particularly a holiday weekend, may wish to call ahead to check on availability and inquire about alternate campgrounds (there are several in the area) should Seneca fill up. Rest assured that there are always campsites available somewhere close by.
Cabins
Cabins Overnight guests at Seneca State Forest may select from among eight completely furnished pioneer cabins. Designed to provide a glimpse of pioneer life, these cabins feature fireplaces, gas lights and woodburning cookstoves. Although they do not have running water or electricity, they have gas refrigerator/freezers, water from hand-pumped wells and vault toilets. One recently constructed accessible cabin includes supplementary gas heat.

All cabins are fully equipped for housekeeping, including: Cooking, eating, and fireplace utensils, firewood, kindling, matches, outdoor charcoal grill, picnic table, porch swing, pots, pans, dinnerware, beds, linens, blankets, towel sets, toilet paper, soap, dish detergent, and other cleaning supplies.

here are coin operated showers (two private units with full modern bathrooms, one of which is wheelchair accessible), and a coin operated laundry, all located at the forest office.

Cots and cribs/high chairs are available for an additional charge and may be reserved in advance to avoid a handling fee.
Golf Course
Golfing is available on Rt 219 just south of Marlinton at the Pocahontas Country Club, or north of Marlinton at Snowshoe's Hawthorne Valley 18-hole course.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Swimming
Visitors may swim unsupervised in the cool water of the Greenbrier River, which is also suitable at times for canoeing, tubing and snorkeling. Another option is to visit Watoga State Park's swimming pool. Cabin guests may request a free pass to this pool in season.
Boating
Canoes, rowboats, and a paddleboat are provided on Seneca Lake. Cabin guests have free access to these boats at no charge, while others wishing to use them must pay a fee. Life jackets are provided.
Fishing
Seneca Lake is stocked with trout in the spring and fall and offers largemouth bass and bluegill fishing as well. An accessible fishing pier and restroom are provided. The nearby Greenbrier River offers the angler many species of fish including smallmouth and rock bass. Normal licensing is required. Within an hour's drive you can access many of the state's best trout streams.

Properly licensed individuals are welcome to hunt in the forest in season. A 500 foot no hunting zone surrounds all forest facilities. Deer, bear, turkey, and small game are popular quarry for hunters.



Picnicking
Numerous picnic sites and a large shelter are provided for the enjoyment of visitors. These sites offer tables, fireplaces, drinking water and toilet facilities.
Trails
Hiking:

Even the serious hiker will be impressed by 23 miles of challenging forest trails. In addition, the Allegheny Trail winds though the forest, and the adjacent Greenbrier River Trail is accessible from Seneca.

Biking:

A total of 40 miles of forest trails and roads are open to bicycling. Access to the Greenbrier River Trail provides even more opportunities, and nearby are the mountain biking hotspots of Snowshoe and Elk River Touring Center. Families will find the grounds of the nearby National Radio Astronomy Observatory a good place for leisurely bicycling.

Horseback Riding:

Available nearby in-season. Pony rides are offered for the very young.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 28 Perfect Getaway. by Betty Donato
park review stars; one to five Seneca State Forest is absolutely the perfect vacation destination if you want to get away from the hustle & bustle of big city life and come to the mountains for some R & R. The staff all treat you like family and they all go above and beyond to make your experience one to remember for a lifetime. So whether you just need to get away for a few days or spend a couple weeks, Seneca State Forest is the perfect place to relax, recharge and enjoy the outdoors. Great fishing and lots to do and see in all directions.
June 4 Location...Perfect... by Candi
park review stars; one to five My family and I went to this park last week & it was great!! Close to Cass Rail Road, Hidden Valley Falls, Snow Shoe,& the National Radio Observatory. The cabins are wonderfully kept, & stocked w/ your essentials, wood, dishes, beds, ext. The vacation was the ABSOLUTE best, and relaxing w/o any technology.(i.e. cell phone or radio service or TV) which is just what we needed. The lake is stocked well & was a 2 minute walk from our cabin. If you take the scenic route back to Charleston you can swing by Hawks Nest, The New River Bridge, Gauley Bridge, and Summersville Lake. Which is just what we did. We are taking the kids back in August. We had a fantastic experience...Even better then the beach!!
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Area Cabins and Lodges
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe, WV
(304) 572-1000
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
Deluxe Log Cabins Rental, Tree Houses rental and Glamping Yurts cabins. All located a a remote scenic wooded area, near the New River national River and Gauley River National recreational area. Only 10 minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge Each cabin has a Hot tub and 3 cabins have a Red Heart Shaped Jacuzzi tub and gas fireplaces - Great for Romantic Get-a-Ways.
59.8 miles from park*

Directions
Seneca State Forest is located on WV. Rt. 28, four miles south of Dunmore. It is also accessible from WV Rt. 39, five miles east of Marlinton and then 10 miles north on WV Rt. 28. Its location in central Pocahontas County, which is renowned for its scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities, make it ideal for exploring numerous points of interest. This county, nicknamed the Birthplace of Rivers, is 62% federal and state land, with Monongahela National Forest, four state parks, two state forests, and one state trail (the Greenbrier River Trail).

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West Virginia
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West Virginia State Parks

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