Welcome to the little slice of Almost Heaven, West Virginia known as Pocahontas County. This beautiful mountain haven truly is wild and wonderful. It’s home to the scenic little town of Marlinton and some of the Highland Scenic Highway. It’s the location of the Greenbank Observatory and some of the National Radio Quiet Zone. Eight rivers have their headwaters here: the Cherry, Cranberry, Elk, Gauley, Greenbrier, Tygart Valley, Williams, and Shavers Fork of the Cheat Rivers.  And, on top of all that, Pocahontas County is home to West Virginia’s oldest, largest state forest, Seneca State Forest.

Featuring 12,884 acres of lush woodlands and remote mountains, Seneca State Forest is a wild paradise just waiting to be explored by adventurous travelers.
Mike Norton / Flickr
First acquired by the state in 1924 and fully opened to the public in 1938, Seneca State Forest holds the distinction of oldest, not to mention largest, state forest in West Virginia.
Management / TripAdvisor
But despite its age and size, it's still a wild, remote paradise that provides world-weary travelers with a mountain-sized dose of nature's healing respite.
Management / TripAdvisor
Take a boat out on Seneca Lake or kayak the Greenbrier River.
Management / TripAdvisor

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Hike or bike some of the more than 23 miles of trails.
Mike Norton / Flickr
Book an overnight in a primitive pioneer cabin - no plumbing, electricity, or cell service, but lots of peace and quiet!
MargaRita P / TripAdvisor
Or, if you can manage to snag a highly coveted spot, spend the night in one of the most unique lodging options in all of West Virginia: the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower.
Management / TripAdvisor
What a spot from which to peer up at the stars and await the sun rise!
Management / TripAdvisor
For the best chance of reserving the tower for an overnight visit, plan your trip about a year in advance.

Have we convinced you to venture into the remote mountain paradise that is Seneca State Forest? Learn more about West Virginia’s oldest, largest state forest at the West Virginia State Parks website. For food options while you’re visiting this forest, try this popular little café in Marlinton.

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Seneca State Forest, West Virginia 24934, USA