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Shrouded in legend, the jagged peaks of Seneca Rocks dominate a remote valley in Pendleton County, West Virginia, near the confluence of Seneca Creek and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. The pointed cliffs rise above the green valley floor and the sparkling waters of the river. With more than 375 climbing routes, a modern Discovery Center, and hiking trails, it’s no wonder Seneca Rocks is one of West Virginia’s best-known and most popular destinations.
Get there:
Seneca Rocks can only be reached by car or tour bus. From I-81, take the freeway to US 33 West. Follow US 33 through Franklin and Judy Gap. Continue north on US 33 / West Virginia 28 through Riverton past the US 33 exit. The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is just past the turnoff.
From I-64, travel north on West Virginia Route 220 to US 33 in Franklin. Head west on US 33 and continue as above.
From I-79, take US 33 East toward Elkins. Continue on US 33 / West Virginia 55 East to West Virginia Route 28/55 North. Turn left onto Route 28/55; proceed to Seneca Rocks Discovery Center.
Admission and Hours:
You can walk the trails for free. Climbing is also free, but climbers should be aware that rocks can be dangerous, even for experienced climbers.
Entrance to the Discovery Center is free. The Discovery Center is open from early summer through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily; After Labor Day, the Discover Center is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of October.
Address and telephone number:
Intersection of US Route 33 and West Virginia Route 55
(304) 567-2827
Website
About Seneca Rocks:
Seneca Rocks is an ancient Tuscarora sandstone formation that juts out 900 feet from the North Fork Valley floor. The peaks, reminiscent of Alpine rock formations, attract climbers, geologists and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Hiking and geocaching
If you prefer hiking to climbing, you can still ascend the rocks. A 1.3 mile trail begins behind the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and ends the formation to the top. There are stairs and steep curves, of course, but you will also find benches to rest. At the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley, and you will be able to look down at the vultures. Bring lots of water and, if you are a geocacher, your GPS unit; there are at least three caches at the top of the trail as of this writing.
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
You may prefer learning activities to adventure hikes. If so, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center should be your first stop. At the Discovery Center, you can talk to rangers about local wildlife and geology or take part in one of the weekend programs, ranging from nature talks to craft and folk music demonstrations. You can tour the restored sites nearby Homestead, the first home built in the area by a European-American settler, on Saturdays during the summer. Picnic sites are available.
Things to know about Seneca Rocks
- If you decide to hike to the top of the rocks, stay on track. Quartzite formations can be treacherous.
- If you’ve never climbed before, take some lessons from one of the two local climbing schools, Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides or Seneca Rocks Climbing School. Do not try to scale beyond your capabilities.
- Bring water and sunscreen if you plan to spend time outdoors.
- The Sites Homestead Gardens are open to the public every day during the summer.
- Be sure to check with the rangers at the Discovery Center for information on special programs.
- You can buy books and souvenirs inside the Discovery Center.
- There is no food for sale at the Discovery Center, but you can bring a picnic or buy food in the nearby town of Seneca Rocks.
- The rangers close the Discovery Center at 4:30 pm if you are planning a last minute “pit stop”, make sure you are inside the center at 4:15 pm.
