West Virginia

Pocahontas County

Laurel Creek and Lockridge Mountain

Laurel Creek Trail - Hike Ridgeline of Lockridge Mountain

Built in 1975 by volunteers of the Older American Workers, Laurel Creek Trail is virtually unknown and the chances of solitude are good. Laurel Creek Trail trailhead begins directly behind the information kiosk at the Rimel Picnic Area in Monongahela National Forest.

The 8.8-mile looping trail provides a hike that takes you on a well built sidehill trail with little elevation change, the route is marked with blue trail blazes. The western half of this trail is fairly level and follows an old railroad grade along Laurel Creek and Lockridge Run. There are several stream crossings, but water levels are normally low enough to easily pass. About 2 miles into the trail the trail continues along Laurel Creek. At 5.2 miles there is a Adirondack-style shelter with a fire ring and picnic table on top of Lockridge Mountain, this also a nice place to put a tent for the night.

The closest water source is at the Pocahontas Campground, so be sure to carry water on your hike.

Length: 8.8 miles

Difficulty: 6