Spread across nearly 23,000 acres of rugged mountain terrain in Berkeley and Morgan counties, Sleepy Creek is one of the largest stretches of publicly accessible land in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Its landscape is defined by long forested ridges, hollows, rocky overlooks, streams, wildlife habitat and the 205-acre Sleepy Creek Lake.
Sleepy Creek WMA stretches for roughly 16 miles from north to south, occupying much of Third Hill Mountain and Sleepy Creek Mountain. The two ridges create a long, narrow landscape of forests, hollows and waterways. The dominant forest is a mixture of oak and Virginia pine, with hickory, black gum, tulip poplar, white ash and other hardwoods scattered throughout. Mountain laurel, serviceberry and azalea fill portions of the understory, particularly where the area’s sandstone geology creates acidic soils.
WVDNR describes the area as habitat for a remarkable range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, grouse, squirrel and numerous furbearers. Its forests also provide habitat for an impressive variety of songbirds and raptors.
Hiking at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
Sleepy Creek contains sections of the Tuscarora Trail, a long-distance footpath that travels through the Eastern Panhandle and connects with the larger Appalachian trail system. Approximately 25 miles of the Tuscarora Trail pass through the WMA, giving hikers access to an extensive network of mountain terrain. Don’t assume that a trail labeled “moderate” means a groomed park trail. Most trails are not on AllTrails. Bring a downloaded map. Pay attention. Expect roots, rocks, elevation changes and creek crossings. The reward is a much more genuine backcountry experience.
Devil’s Nose
The Scenic Landscape of the Devil’s Nose Hike courtesy of Grand Castilian Inn
One of the best-known destinations in the WMA is Devil’s Nose, a rocky overlook reached by several different routes.
The shorter Devil’s Nose trail is approximately 2.4 miles and rated moderate, while longer routes incorporate Devil’s Nose with the Tuscarora Trail and Sleepy Creek Mountain. The longer Devil’s Nose, Tuscarora Trail and Sleepy Creek Mountain Loop covers approximately 8.5 miles with 1,761 feet of elevation gain.
Shockeys Knob and High Rock
Another popular route is Shockeys Knob via the Tuscarora Trail, a 6.4-mile loop with roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
The trail climbs toward Shockeys Knob before following the ridge toward High Rock, producing some of the scenic views that have helped make the route one of the most popular hikes in the WMA on AllTrails. For visitors looking for a half-day adventure rather than a quick walk, this is one of the more compelling ways to experience Sleepy Creek.
Pee Wee Point
Pee Wee Point Overlook hike in West Virginia
This is one of those trails that are not on Alltrails but well worth the journey. Start at the Pee Wee Point Trail which is located on Hampshire Grade Road and has a parking lot. Look for the red gate to the left if approaching from Berkeley Springs. This 5 mile out and back offers sweeping views of the mountain valley below and is well marked and mostly flat.
Sleepy Creek Lake
Sleepy Creek Lake
At the heart of the WMA is Sleepy Creek Lake, a roughly 205-acre reservoir tucked between the surrounding mountains.
The lake is one of the area’s great recreational draws and is especially popular with anglers. WVDNR lists largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and northern pike among the lake’s game fish. For kayakers and canoeists, the lake provides a peaceful flatwater experience. There is no need to turn the trip into a high-energy adventure.
Sometimes the appeal is simply drifting across the water beneath the surrounding ridges.
Camping: Sleep Under the Mountain Ridges
Sleepy Creek is also one of the Eastern Panhandle’s best places for primitive camping. WVDNR provides 75 primitive campsites within the WMA. Facilities are intentionally basic, with vault toilets and rustic campsites rather than the amenities associated with a developed campground.
A Destination for Birders
WVDNR identifies numerous species associated with Sleepy Creek, including cerulean warblers, American redstarts, prairie warblers, worm-eating warblers, red-eyed vireos, great crested flycatchers, scarlet tanagers, ovenbirds, whip-poor-wills, wood ducks, red-shouldered hawks and bald eagles.
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society describes Sleepy Creek as a largely unbroken forest landscape of oak, Virginia pine and hickory with clearcuts, grassy food plots and a diverse understory. That combination of mature forest, regeneration and open habitat creates a mosaic that supports a wide variety of bird species.
Hunting Is Part of the Landscape
Sleepy Creek WMA is home to the WV Shotgun Range
Visitors should remember that Sleepy Creek is a working wildlife management area.
WVDNR lists opportunities for hunting deer, turkey, bear, grouse and squirrel, along with trapping opportunities for species including bobcat, coyote, fox, beaver, mink and raccoon. Waterfowl hunting is also among the area’s opportunities. For non-hunters, that means paying attention to seasonal regulations and being particularly mindful during hunting seasons.
Wear visible clothing when appropriate. Keep dogs under control. Know where you are going. And check current WVDNR regulations before your trip. Check out this article on hiking during hunting season for the best tips.
Planning Your Visit
Sleepy Creek WMA is accessible from several directions. From Berkeley Springs, WVDNR recommends traveling south on U.S. 522 to Winchester Grade Road and continuing to Shanghai Road before entering the WMA. From the Martinsburg/Hedgesville side, visitors can use WV Route 9 and Back Creek Valley Road to reach Sleepy Creek Road.
Because Sleepy Creek is so large, your intended activity should determine your entrance and destination. Don’t simply type “Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area” into your GPS and assume you’ve arrived at the trailhead you need.
There is parking located on Hampshire Grade Roap, White’s Gap, the Sleepy Creek Lake, and at Spruce Pine Hollow Park.
Sources & Planning Resources
For the most current regulations, maps, access information and wildlife-management information, consult the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before visiting.
WVDNR — Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
