Seneca Creek,

2. (Lower) Forest Service Campground to Route 28 Bridge

Usual Difficulty	III (may vary with level)
Length	6.2 Miles
Avg. Gradient	70 fpm
Max Gradient	90 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
N F SOUTH BR POTOMAC R AT CABINS, WV
usgs-01606000	5.75 - 10.00 ft	III	01h21m	4.99 ft (rc= -0.2 )

River Description

This stream has it's beginning at the highest point in West Virginia on Spruce Knob and spills sharply off the Allegheny Front. Unlike the waterfall-chocked and much harder upper section, this lower section offers a continuous Class -II-III slalom ride from start to finish that intermediate and higher paddlers can enjoy. The main hazard on this run is downed trees and two or three portages can be expected.

Putin along the county road 33-3 (a gravel road that turns south off state highway 55/33). There are pullouts along the way and there is a backcountry access at the trailhead where the creek turns away from the road. White Run, a rarely run Class IV adventure, continues along the road. The creek parallels the gravel road for the first 1 1/2 miles and the rapids are fairly continuous Class II to III ledge slides. The eddies are few, both because this is a small and steep stream and because some sections still reflected manmade channelizing following 1985 floods.

When the creek turns East, look for the first strainers in a bend that tends to pick up wood. Just below here you will encounter the first large Class III drop. This double ledge requires a careful line between offset and wide hydraulics. Below here you will encounter several easier ledge slides and hydraulics that give this section a roller coaster fell. As you approach the hamlet of Onego, begin looking for a pool above the biggest rapid on the creek. This Class III should be scouted the first time, as it requires a tight line between two beefy holes. Below here you will encounter additional hydraulics before the creek crosses under Route 55/33.

The rapids now tend toward chute drops with large eddies on the right or left. But things stay busy. When you can see Seneca Rocks in the distance you are in the final stretch of the run. There is an old 2 foot dam about 1 mile from the takeout that was best run on the right in 2001. From here, the water is primarily Class II boogie water.

Takeout either at the Route 28 bridge in Seneca Rocks or just downstream at the Seneca Rocks Recreation Area parking area. In both instances, be careful not to blow by your intended beachead. There is supposed to be a bridge gauge on the Route 28 bridge but this author and several paddling companions never could find it from land or water. It may have been covered by debris. Still, a visual inspection is sufficient for determining flow. Check this out only during extremely wet periods. The Petersburg gauge, as noted above, should be at least 4 feet and should probably be rising or at least steady.