Description for Seneca Creek State Park
Seneca Creek offers 16.5 miles of riding. This natural surface trail follows the Great Seneca Creek from the Potomac River upstream to Route 355. The trail continues on Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission park land. The Greenway provides access to the Great Seneca Creek stream valley for those who enjoy the challenge of a long hike in the beauty of the outdoors. Due to the environmental sensitivity of the trail's location, bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the state park section of the trail. Equestrians are permitted on the section between Route 28 and Berryville Road. The Greenway follows the Great Seneca and Long Draught Trails in the Clopper Lake Day-Use Area
Section 1: C&O Canal to River Road and Seneca Road (0.9 mile)
This area of the Greenway Trail reveals traces of the past as you see red sandstone remains of a large stone-cutting and polishing mill. Further up the canal is a stone quarry and Seneca Red Sandstone cliffs, which were used as early as 1774.
Section 2: River Road/Seneca Road to Berryville Road (1.4 miles)
Trail users have a unique opportunity to visit the historic Poole's General Store, located just across River Road from Tschiffeley Mill Road. Experience the ambiance of a traditional general store. Snacks and refreshments are available. The Berryville Road access almost touches the creek at a scenic area known as "Horse Hole."
Section 3: Berryville Road to Route 28 (4.2 miles)
The Greenway Trail traverses various successional stages of forest growth and is accessible near its mid-point via an unmarked spur trail from Berryville Road. This section is shared with equestrians.
Section 4: Route 28 to Black Rock Road (1.2 miles)
Discover the stabilized remains of Black Rock Mill on this trail. Learn about the mill's history and operation by visiting interpretive exhibits displayed inside.
Section 5: Black Rock Road to Route 118 (1.5 miles)
Departing the Black Rock Mill, the trail parallels Seneca Creek, which is popular for fishing. Near Route 118, the trail passes a large open marsh area, which offers great birdwatching potential.
Section 6: Route 118 to Riffle Ford Road (2.5 miles)
Portions of this trail pass old dikes and canals of a long abandoned water impoundment system. As you approach Riffle Ford Road you may hear the distant sound of gunfire from the National Capital Skeet and Trap Club.
Section 7: Riffle Ford Road to Clopper Road (2.4 miles)
A wildlife viewing stand is available to view the large wetland area, created for wildlife habitat. Just below Clopper Road, the Clopper Mill ruins are located across the Great Seneca Creek.
Section 8: Clopper Road to Route 355 (2.4 miles)
The trail passes under the three arch stone Waring Viaduct built for the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Later, the trail parallels Game Preserve Road, passing under Interstate 270.
Comments/Reviews for Seneca Creek State Park
1. posted from iPhone
by ljny, Friday, April 29, 2011 9:02 PM
| Overall Review: | 4 of 5 |
| Technical Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
| Aerobic Difficulty: | 0 of 5 |
I give this four stars mostly for the scenery and the wildlife as one of the rides is a loop around Seneca lake where there are lots of great spots to stop and enjoy the view. In addition, it is pretty common to see deer, geese, beaver impacted trees, etc. The riding is pretty flat around the lake and the trail has more than the normal share of roots crossing the trail. There are also walkers, people fishing, and birders, so not just the mountain bike crowd.
The trail also connects into the larger Seneca/Mont County trail system. Small entrance fee to enter the park, or you can park just outside the gate.
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