Hammock Camping with my Dog - Seneca Creek Hiking & Backpacking Trip
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2017
- Hiking, Hammock Camping & Backpacking Trip in the Seneca Creek Backcountry. GPS Data at www.sintax77.com
For this hiking adventure, my pup and I will be visiting the Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek National Recreation area, within West Virginia’s greater Monongahela National Forest.
For an easier read, check out for full trip report blog post here: www.sintax77.com/hammock-campi...
Our route will be a “lollipop”style hike - meaning we’ll use an “out and back” section of trail from the Spruce Knob trailhead parking area to connect with a series of other trails that form a loop. After completing the loop portion of the hike, we’ll backtrack out using the same section of trail from day one.
The Spruce Knob-Seneca Creek Backcountry offers around 60 miles of trails (marked with blue blazes) with an elevation range of 3,000 to 4,800 feet above sea level. The beginning of this particular loop is actually the highest point in all of West Virginia - Spruce Knob - standing at and elevation of 4,861 feet. Below is a list of trails for each day, along with stats for elevation gain and mileage.
Trailhead Parking: Spruce Knob Parking area (right by the observation tower).
Parking Notes: No parking fees or overnight permits are required. There are restrooms and bear-proof trash bins available for use.
Trails used, Day 1
Huckleberry Trail
Hornton Trail (just for a short bit)
Judy Springs Trail
Seneca Creek Trail
Hammock Camp along Seneca Creek.
Day 1 Mileage: 6.5 miles
Day 1 Gross Elevation Gain: 221 feet (pretty much down hill all day)
Trails used, Day 2
Seneca Creek Trail
High Meadows Trail
Lumberjack Trail
Join back up with Huckleberry Trail
Arrive back at Spruce Knob Parking Lot
Day 2 Mileage: 10 miles
Day 2 Gross Elevation Gain: 2,173 feet (pretty much up hill all day)
Link to Blog Post with Full Gear List used on this trip www.sintax77.com/ultralight-ba...
Notable Gear Seen in the Video
Denali's Dog Backpack - "One Tigris Cotton Canvas" amzn.to/2tlodYN
Denali's Collapsible Dog Dish - Doggone Dish amzn.to/2tBMVEm
Dutchware Chameleon Hammock www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Hammock Gear Burrow 40 Top Quilt www.hammockgear.com/burrow-40/
Hammock Gear Phoenix 30 Underquilt www.hammockgear.com/phoenix-30/
Denali's Hammock - 2T's Hammock Chair from Dutchware dutchwaregear.com/2t-s-hammoc...
Hammock Gear Cuben Hex Tarp
www.hammockgear.com/dyneema-cu...
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter amzn.to/2tUSPxr
Toaks 750ml Titanium Pot amzn.to/2seDzOL
Vargo Windscreen amzn.to/2tlGmWm
Esbit Solid Fuel Cubes amzn.to/2ti0h7D
ULA Ohm 2.0 Backpack www.ula-equipment.com/product...
Aerial Photography - DJI Mavic Pro amzn.to/2tC390m
Primary Camera - Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera amzn.to/2scV0uN
Want to help support the channel? The next time you're about to do some shopping, go through the Amazon link on my website (or use this link amzn.to/2rG0ly5) & a portion of your session will help support the next trip ...at no additional cost to you!
www.sintax77.com
Want a free sticker? Send a SASE to my PO box:
Sintax77
PO Box 8163
Wilmington, DE 19803
Business Inquiries: Sintax77.biz@gmail.com
Gear samples and chain letters may be sent to the above PO Box as well.
What kind of fun is this........dog hammocks,coconut coffee and my home state of West Virginia ,wow I'm blown away.
aww, doggy hammock...I did want to see Denali in it though...too cute. Love the vid as always...
camping videos are my favorite man. I'm sure your busy but you should try and make more camping videos. I've watched them all and they get me amped to go backpacking
you introduced me to hammock gear quilts and I'm sold for life! they are incredible, and with there new econ line of quilts crazy cheaper (only a few ounces more) I can finally get amazing sleep in my backpacking trips!
Another great video, Denali staring into the camera ask you spoke in the morning had me in tears LOL
Such a well behaved dog, I need to send my dog to Sintax Doggy Training! Love the drone shots!
Nice to see you back in the outdoors.
40 seconds in.. sintax got a drone. the game is changed
Great trip as always. Take care till the next one 📸👍👍👍👍📸
Awesome videos! The gear reviews are fantastic as well. I am just starting to document my backpacking and hiking adventures and your techniques and experience are very valuable insight on how to do things properly, while keeping it entertaining. I look forward to the future adventures you share! Happy trails.
Great video! Thanks for the info about the dog pack and hammock for Denali! This was a nice little adventure! Really enjoy all your videos! Thank you!
I did the exact same loop last fall in reverse direction. The autumn colors were spectacular. Great video!
+littlev87 Nice, I bet it's pretty spectacular during fall foliage season.
You just could not resist! Glad you made it to my home place; consider this an open invite to everyone to come and enjoy all that Almost Heaven West Virginia has to offer. Loved the drone footage. I just call Lumberjack trail Lumbermudd trail. Have hiked it after torrential rain and the water covered up the mud. We hiked in knee-deep water from High Meadows Trail intersection to the road. Huckleberry is such a beautiful walk. Make sure to explore the Allegheny Mountain and Gandy Creek side of the Seneca Creek Backcountry. It is pretty nice too.
Another great video. Nice that you took your "best friend".
Always a great video! Thank you for posting it! Denali looks so tired at the end. Great idea for a hammock for him as well :)
Love the way the pup was looking at the camera when you were talking by the Fire, Great video
Great video. I've got to get a pack like that for my dog. Thanks for the link in the description.
Lovely! Enjoyed your Irish trip and great to see Denali enjoying the outdoors as much as you. Such a cute backpack (on the dog).
+Lafone VC Thanks! He seems to really enjoy getting out there.
Great opening shot from your drone!
Great trip.
I think a lot of burger places would be happy to cook just a patty for dogs. I know I would.
Thanks for the video
My dude! That drone footage is epic!
Ian Frye how do you know he used a drone? I don't c it mentioned in notable gear
Ken Durham because I know he recently bought the mavik and the opening shot is from the airl
Ian Frye I didn't know that, I have not been following him. Opening shot could have been shot from cliff.
Ken Durham it's all good.. drone shots are awesome and one of a kind?
Nice video mate and pretty dog too
Probably the only 45 minute hiking video I would watch. Love the footage, love the dog, love the gear. Can't wait for the table talk of your gear and then the dogs.
Dag is looking good! I also think that filter is great. After seeing your first video with it I bought one. Going to Dolly Sods two weeks from today.
awesome video what a great time thanks for the video
Nice new drone!
Love how Nali looks at the camera with you as you talk lol 3:15
I been doing keto for about 3 months now. I never run out of energy when I go backpacking. Just remember to replenish your electrolytes.
Nice set up and footage
Great video as always! I have been camping with my dog, Baxter for 7 years now. He really got used to sleeping under the tarp and not getting tangled in those lines. I'm sure Denali will figure it all out as well.
Man awesome videos and adventures following you all the way from Puerto Rico !!! Just awesome man
+Taino Thanks, Taino!
Gotta love hiking with a dog
Look into getting a Tenkara Fishing rod, that trail looked perfect for some Tenkara fishing. 3oz fly fishing rod perfect for backpacking
A drone, a dog, and a new diet .... you never cease to amaze me. Another great video, thanks! We just completed Zaleski State Forest in OH, you should consider it. Not too challenging, kind of a mini Red River Gorge.
+Gary Gomer Thanks, Gary. I'm going to add that Zaleski State Forest to my to-do list.
Denali intro to dog-hood, well done overnight hike.
LOVING the drone footage...taking it to NEW levels!!!!
Syntax77 - Thank you for all your wonderful productions. You've inspired me to get back in a hammock again and out of the tarptent after 10 years. CBS kept me out of my Clark frankly. The underquilt options are so many now and probably wouldn't have reconsidered had I not followed your videos...and Shug's. WV and the Whites have been my usual destinations and I've truly enjoyed seeing you backpack those areas. Well done, Sir!
+Wayward Angler Custom Rods Thanks, Wayward. And congrats on conquering that CBS. Glad you're getting back out there.
Awesome video
Beautiful place, on my list! Pup seems so much happier off the leash! I keep the leash close, as not to make people or other dogs uncomfortable, but they love the freedom as much as us!
Great video👍
Beautiful dog 😍
Love the drone footage
Nice drone footage Sean
Awesome vid sintax. Looked like you spent a good amount of time filming! Production quality is great. Although, I'm sure you have it down to a science by now! Looked like a cool area might have to check it out. thanks for sharing👍
+OUTDOORS55 Thanks, it was a great area. Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance some time.
I truly love your videos with your beautiful dog.
I'm a dog lover too, my hound is named Lillie Belle.
I just recently bought a ‘Maxie Swag’ from here in Australia and its the best thing when youre taking your dog with you hammock camping. I used to stress he’d rip my hammock or the fire wasnt enough to keep him warm. This dog swag works wonders
I was there the weekend of the 8-11 of june. did two days in seneca creek and then two days in cranberry wilderness. 42 miles total. keep your eyes peeled at trailheads for the gaelic front plates and "its cheeseburger time" sticker on the back glass. we may cross paths (pun intended) one day. Happy Trails! -3M(Mtn Man MacGuyver)
You never go wrong camping West Virginia!👍🤠🙏✝️
FINALLY!!!! I've been waiting on you to do a video on Seneca Creek forever. That's my favorite spot in WV.
+Robert Davis I can see why, it's an awesome place.
DRONE!!! Looks great, thanks. Oh, it would NOT kill you to learn a little bit of bushcraft ;)
Dude! I hiked that trail a couple years ago and the trail guide online said that the "trail tends to be muddy" which me and my friends discovered was a mild understatement. Awesome trip though.
That dog is on edge :)
great views
Awesome video as always! My wife and I just made our very first backpacking video. We found out that there is definitely a learning curve involved! Thanks for creating awesome content and motivating us!!
+AdventureSeekers Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. And congrats on the vid!
Nice vid Sintax. I did that same lollipop loop with my dad last year in June - if you head back try to grab the "millstone" camp site - about 2 miles down from Judy Springs on the right - there is an old millstone right on the creek in front of a nice waterfall. Beautiful spot and the millstone makes a nice table. I also remember seeing that someone hung the door to the airplane crash right on the Lumberjack trail - that plus the mud and seeing two huge bears within five minutes made that part of the trip pretty exciting. Keep it up, hope to see you out there.
+Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis Awesome - Thanks, Nathan. I'll keep that in mind for a future return trip!
went to WV for whitewater rafting last weekend, definitely will be back for some backpacking soon. Fayetteville was surprisingly beautiful! Can't wait to see what you were up to.
+Jonathan Mulberry That sounds like fun. WV is definitely a beautiful state.
If you go back to this area check out Seneca falls. Has a great swimming hole under it. There is also a crashed plane in the area. Sorry if this is repeat info for ya! Great video as always.
I liked this video-nice that you brought your dog(feeding him on camera will keep the ASPCA naysayers happy)and I thank you for showing your hammock setup.Maybe think about joining hammock forums?Let us all know when you're coming back to the High Peaks Area in the Adirondacks-
Thanks, Irishdefense. I've had a _bunch_ of people telling me to get back to the ADK's lately. It must be a sing that I should finally get back up there...
Your storytelling/ editing skills are vastly improving of late. The drone footage adds duo much more depth to your videos. Awesome work!
Excellent video so far! I'll watch the rest later. We will be at the same place in 2 weeks! We may also add Shenandoah into our trip. Remember that this is a very long drive for us...
+uptrail71 Nice, enjoy it!
I highly recommend adding Shenandoah if you can do it!
I Love the new video look.. keep it up.. I also liked how you put music in the previous.. try putting these the two together.
Your awesome. Thank you for you all you video's
I have a very similar cookpot setup, with the add-on of a Seat to Summit XMug for the exact reasons you stated. I can coffee while making my food.
Food corporations will hate you for giving up the carbs (especially the sugar), but our bodies would not store fat if it was harmful. Nature is the most efficient machine. Just stay away from the processed meat and you're good. Your videos are great!
love your videos, but to be honest I am SOOO anxious for your hunting season videos!
Hei I really enjoy your page ☺ Keep it up!
Thanks, Joe - Will do! :)
Cool !! I used to do that, but my dogs were always trying to climb in the hammock, so I bought an Aliner !! LOL A bit harder to Backpack it though ! LOL
Everything looks pink. Is that some kind of spam filter. hahaha 😁
Denali looks happy to be in nature again. wow not sure about that diet Jason all that meat makes for high cholesterol levels hope you through in some good healthy fruits and veggies. Be healthy happy trails
+Clara Mullen Thanks, Clara. He definitely seemed to enjoy it. Regarding keto, one of the requirements is actually target a protein intake in line with typical recommended daily amounts. The amount of meats eaten is actually about "normal". It's the fat intake the increases, which is understandably a huge psychological hurdle for most people first starting out.
I just returned from a 5 day Dolly Sods excursion with my daughter (her first backpacking experience). your video of the place was one of the first I saw about it and I just had to go! The Seneca area is around the area of a national radio quiet zone so there is pretty much no cell service around there. My GPS even went nuts and I had to revert to a paper maps/atlas to get out of the area. Keep up the awesome videos! The drone shots were extra cool too!
+Chris Watson Ah, that makes sense. In fact I did notice a very large official looking satellite dish installation on my way out. I forget the wording on the building, I suppose that may have something to do with it? Thanks for the info and I'm glad to hear you made it out to Dolly Soda. 5 days there must have been pretty cool.
sintax77 Man Dolly Sods was totally epic. that place is so beautiful! my daughter is completely hooked on backpacking now. She is 16 and I'm so glad she still wants to hang out with just dad and no cellphones. she saw your Grayson Highlands video and wants to do that next month. keep up the amazing work you are doing and stay safe out there!
can i just say, i love yoour videos! hyoh...
Awesome video! Great use of the mini-hammock. I have also been navigating the keto-while-backpacking conundrum. I haven't been strictly keto though, I'm doing a modified version that slowly adds back in whole grains. Have had great luck dehydrating quinoa and millet, and bringing bacon/eggs for short trips. And of course jerky and dehydrated veggies. Look forward to seeing more food ideas in this realm :)
+Alys S Real bacon and eggs on the the the trail - sounds amazing! I've done real eggs with Mike in winter, but haven't packed in bacon. ...yet :)
It was pretty epic. And not terrible to carry for a one night trip-- it did take a while to cook though. I have a jetboil minimo, which I got specifically because of its temperature control ability, and it worked wonderfully. Not a UL stove, but I mean...bacon ;)
I love all your videos but love when you come to WV
And just when I think you are running out of fresh ideas, you blow the doors off once again and give us a thoroughly enjoyable trip with drones and Denali! Love it!!
Awesome video. The Nali videos are pawesome. Yeah I just said that. More of these, though Sara and trail slipper came come also.
Ok I called Mike "Trail Slipper" before your comment in the video. I swear.
Jeff Greendyk @syntax77 keeping in theme of his name it should prob be pronounced "trail slippa" haha
Man, are you packing a drone in your pack now too??? lol. Nice aerial footage and a great video!
Nice, liked the drone. I hope that your dog didn't develop sore spots for the poor fitting pack.
so cool!
great video, I subscribed
brave fisherman
If you haven't already, You should check out his Linville Gorge hammock trip w/ his buddy Mike AKA Trailkilla(though it forever changes after the aforementioned trip, lol).
He's gotten so big
Holy.....poop! My boyfriend and I have been on the Kyto diet for a couple weeks now and love It! Hopefully it's going well for you :-D
Nice, congrats! I've been trying it out for a couple of months now. I was on the fence about continuing in on an actual backpacking trip, but I felt a noticeable difference in not being fueled by carbs during the hike. My energy levels were much more consistent an sustained. I'm not saying I'll never hike without eating carbs again, but not having that cycle of super high energy followed by complete exhaustion, eat more sugar / repeat, every couple hours was quite eye opening.
That's awesome! I've felt much better recently and haven't had as much cravings for sugar. It's great to hear how it's working out for you and I hope to continue it also! And thank you for your fantastic videos, I look forward to them :-)
If you would have went another 50 to 75 yards further past your turn onto the Horton trail ,you would have came to the big falls of Seneca and the best camping site in the area. Try using the Gandy Creek side for some awesome loop trips if you go in the future. Great area n Sweet video THANKS
Great little trip to recon the area. I do hope you return with everyone for a longer adventure.
On a side note, I Have lost 235 lbs. on a ketogenic diet. HDL is perfect and LDL almost non-existent. Triglycerides have plummeted dramatically as well. The diet is very counterintuitive unless one understands the full science at play. I noticed there were some "concerns" elsewhere in the comments. And, coincidentally, I have done most of the loops in the Seneca Creek Backcountry multiple times while on this diet.
Would also mention that you were just a stone's throw away from the Sinks of Gandy. A short underground hike that follows a section of subterranean stream. Would make an excellent addendum to a video if you were to return with the whole crew. Just food for thought.
+Jamie Hitt Thanks, Jamie. That's pretty awesome to hear you got those kind of results with keto, and most importantly stayed healthy in the process.
It's interesting to see all the misconceptions out there though - it seems to really fire some people up. I've indulged in pretty crazy and unhealthy meals over the years in these trip videos, with a few concerned comments here and there, but one mention of keto in this video garnered more reaction and judgement than all of those videos combined, haha.
That underground hike sounds crazy, I'll have to look into that. Thanks for the heads up.
Hey man, just discovered your channel, loving it! Live in VA and love hiking. Just started planning this hike. Question; better spring or fall? See you in the trail
Thanks, Tony. Both are great, but my personal fave is fall. Spring is great for blooms, depending on the area. Fall is great for fall foliage, with the bonus of less sweating and less bugs.
ugh, beat me to it, been saving up for a drone. awesome footage though. great video as always.
also, I'll been doing similar diet. I've lost 30lbs this year and have a ton more energy.
Denali is definitely the star of the show.
Great video as always! Don't listen to the haters, and good luck with your keto diet. I've lost 33lbs since April by lowcarb (not quite keto, usually) and doing some fasting days once in a while. Get plenty of lowcarb veggies of course, but I wouldn't bring it on a backpacking trip either , unless dehydrated.
+Stefan Bruhn Thanks, Stefan and congrats on your successes. Whatever works for each a person and makes them feel healthy is the way to go in my book.
@sintax77 I completely agree about people getting wrapped up too much in the “ultralight” numbers. I pack as light and yet as comfortable as I can. Which puts me in the “Lightweight” backpacking range. I made a separate group on FB, just for lightweight backpacking, as the UL groups can be tough on those just looking to lighten their load outs. 13:50
good dog.
Dude, timing was perfect I desperate for a new vid. I have used the "Drinking Man's Diet" for years. I'm pretty sure they have renamed it several times. Find the original, it work on several levels!!!
Been watching you from the start and have loved seeing your gear evolve and devolve (back to esbit cubes). Do you sell your old stuff? I have tonnage to get rid of LOL Would love to get some feedback on this. Thanks. The drone was awesome.
sintax my family every year we go to Seneca creek and we go fishing in the creek. my family having been going to Seneca creek for 5 years it is better than the beach .
+Christa Shiflett That's awesome. Sounds like a good time to me!
thx for the vid
Starting mid-action, very Shakespearean.
Any chance you could do a video on the dog gear you use/carry for denali? I go backpacking with my dog all the time and would like to see and compare to what you use.
Love spam mixed with eggs bacon flavored especially
what jacket is that you had on the dog? the red/black/white one. I've got a hound and her short hair doesn't always keep her warm, especially in early spring
Can you do a what’s in my dog pack video? Please 👍🏻
Have a Ruffwear Pallasides pack for my Lab...fits really well & lots of adjustment.....maybe they'll supply one for you to trial with Nali? Just throwing ideas out there as you may have already tried it..Cheers
I saw them online. Good to hear that it works well. They did look nice. I may have to check them out eventually.
Hey sintax. plz do a video on how u attach and adjust an underquilt.
Do you know if Denali is a particular breed or a mix? I'm asking because my niece has a dog that looks like Denali's twin brother. If you talked about it in this video, or previous ones, I missed it. Great video as usual.
Being on my second pack carrying hiking dog can I give you some advise? Everything that goes in the dog pack should be in heavy duty ziplocks to keep it dry. My golden loves water. the most important part of saddlebag packs is to keep the weight on each side evenly distributed. ie 2 half liter bottles, one on each side, instead on onw large bottle. Try Ruffware packs. The "Approach" is a smaller pack and the Palisades is larger but unclips from the harness for easy removal a rest breaks. They come in 3 sizes to fit your dog. Also loose the flopping attachment on the top and maybe carry it yourself. I love hiking with my dog!! Hint: as they eat up food replace with some of you small gear. Dog as back animal!!
+Bob Widger Awesome info, thank you!
Sorry about the typos! My brain works faster than my fingers. I enjoy your videos and have followed for some time. I live in NH and have hiked the the same areas in the Whites.
"Widg"
LT '03
NH 48 4K
I have the palisades pack for my dog and I absolutely love it 😊❤️