Name: Smoke Camp Trail
Rating: 4.0

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Features Fall Colors · Historical Significance

Park at a wide spot on the road to Lake Buffalo (Forest Service Road 54), a little off of WV 28 just north of where 28 splits with US 250. There is parking for two or three cars here. Run from here back to WV-28 and turn right (north), taking care to watch for traffic on the highway.

Need to Know

Some claim that this trail is among the steepest in the Monongahela National Forest, though its 15% grade is not unusual in the Appalachians.

Description

The trail starts with a short loop trail with multiple exhibits about the forest. Take either route of the loop before coming to a trail intersection. Take the Smoke Camp Trail climbing upward; some claim that this trail is among the steepest in the Monongahela National Forest. It climbed at about a 15% grade, however, which is not unusual in the Appalachians.

After a couple miles of climbing, reach an old woods road and turn right, continuing uphill. Remember to be alert on your return, so you do not continue past this intersection on the woods road.

The road ends at a circle, which encloses a small picnic area with grill and picnic table. The concrete posts that once supported the fire tower are still visible. There are wonderful views of nearby mountains in the Laurel Fork Roadless Area to the east. This is the Smokecamp Overlook.