Seneca Rocks

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About Seneca Rocks

Long noted for its scenic beauty, Seneca Rocks, located in Pendleton County, is one of the most well-known landmarks in the state of West Virginia. Seneca Rocks stands 900-feet above the North Fork River, giving rock climbers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Since the purchase in 1969 by the federal government, Seneca Rocks is a scenic beauty and has popularity among rock climbers. The Rocks offer training schools for both beginners and expert rock climbers. With 375 rock climbing paths, climbers have many options to experience Seneca Rocks up close.

History of Seneca Rocks

The Rocks were stripped away over time leaving behind the formations that we know today. These formations made of Tuscarora quartzite, are exposed grayish-white ridges 250 feet thick and known as one of the most imposing formations throughout eastern West Virginia.
An interesting fact about Seneca Rocks is that it served as a training ground during World War II for American soldiers. You may just be lucky enough to find one of the old iron pitons that were hammered into the Rocks while on your climb!

Hiking

Hiking is also popular at Seneca Rocks. A trail begins behind the Discovery Center and provides an upward one and one-half mile climb that involves many steps. Hikers cross a trail bridge sitting over a river that is popular to fishermen, and taken through forests of shagbark hickory, maple, oak, and redbud trees. Benches are placed along the trail to provide hikers rest when needed. The trail will end at a platform for hikers to take in the view.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbers of all skill levels are especially keen to the 375 climbing paths at Seneca Rocks. Training skills at the Rocks are offered to both beginners and experts, but all climbers need to know the specifics of rock climbing before taking on Seneca Rocks.

What Kind of Gear do I Need?

Make sure you bring your climbing gear along with you to Seneca Rocks. Choose a daypack that allows you to move and is comfortable enough to wear on your back. It should also hold all of the following gear:

  • A padded all-around climbing harness
  • Dynamic rope (stretches when weight is applied and softens the blow in the event of a fall)
  • Helmet
  • Carabiner
  • Belay Device
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses on a retention strap

Seneca Rocks makes for some great photos, so be sure to bring your camera along with you! However, you do run the risk of dropping your camera, so remember to secure it in your daypack.

What do I Wear?

Clothing is dependent on the season, but climbing always requires comfortable, non-restrictable clothing that allows you to move and stay dry. It can get quite windy and even chilly while climbing the Rocks, so be sure to bring a rain jacket as well. You may also want to bring a sweatshirt or pullover. Additionally, closed toe shoes are a must.

Will There Be Food and Water?

You will need to bring an adequate amount of water along with you. Two to three liters per person, per day should be a typical practice when climbing at Seneca Rocks. Rock climbing burns many calories, so you will need to make sure you replenish them. You will also need to pack food items that are easy to eat and will keep you full, such as protein or energy bars. Water and food items should be able to fit in your daypack.

What is the Climb Like?

Seneca Rocks has the tallest 5th class summit on the East Coast. Though the Rocks offer difficulties for climbers, the two to four pitch climbs are the most traditional and popular climbs at Seneca Rocks.
In other words, you can place your own protection, but you will have to build anchors at every belay. Most routes lead towards the South Peak, so you can rappel down once you reach the summit.
Seneca Rocks tends to be a grade harder for those that are used to newer climbing areas, so you need to be sure that you are comfortable with following multi-pitch routes and rappel descends before climbing at Seneca Rocks.

Where to Eat near Seneca Rocks

Though you can bring snacks along with you, you are going to be hungry after you return from your climb. There are four restaurants near Seneca Rocks:

Gateway Restaurant

Located eight miles south of Seneca Rocks on US 33/28, Gateway Restaurant is a diner that offers reasonably-priced food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Yokum’s Restaurant

Yokum’s Restaurant is on US 58, half a mile north of Seneca Rocks. Though the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the most popular item on the menu is the Yokum Burger.

Harper’s Old General Store and Front Porch Restaurant

Just under a 10 minute drive from Seneca Rocks, Harper’s Front Porch Restaurant serves pizza that is a must for many rock climbers. Harper’s is open for lunch and dinner only. It also has a store down the stairs where a wide selection of beer is sold.

Macksville Mart

Only 1.25 miles south of Seneca Rocks, Macksville Mart is a fuel station that offers breakfast biscuits and sandwiches that are great to bring along with you on your climb. You can also find lunch and dinner items at Macksville.
Canaan Valley is 40 minutes away from Seneca Rocks, but there are a few restaurant staples that are worth a try:

The Purple Fiddle

All rock climbers should try the food and beer at The Purple Fiddle. Most days, you will find live music being performed at the restaurant for an evening of great food, beer, and music.

Mountain State Brewing Company

Also serving great beer, Mountain State Brewing Company has a Seneca IPA that is perfect for rock climbers returning from their climb. Though it only serves beer, Mountain State does regularly host bands, so you will be able to relax and enjoy the music.

Hellbender Burritos

In the town of Davis, Hellbender Burritos offers “unique burritos in a unique atmosphere.” Creating West Virginia-inspired burritos, Hellbender’s uses homemade ingredients and serves high quality draft beer.

Things to do in Seneca Rocks, WV

If you plan to spend a few days near Seneca Rocks after your rock climbing expedition, explore the area by trying some of these top activities:

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

Located at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center provides a gift shop that includes handmade items to purchase, information about Seneca Rocks and its surrounding areas, activities for children, and most of all, a majestic view of Seneca Rocks. You can also hike a one-half mile trail that begins behind the Discovery Center.

Swimming Hole

Along the Seneca Creek tributary of North Fork South Branch Potomac River lies a swimming hole perfect for a quick dip or day out with friends and family. Be sure to bring a good book and a packed lunch to enhance the trip.

Seneca Caverns

Schedule a tour to explore the hidden gem of Seneca Caverns located just a short drive away from Seneca Rocks. Made out of limestone that once lay under an inland island, Seneca Caverns formed over 460 million years ago.

Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables

Take in the scenic beauty of Seneca Rocks while horseback riding with Yokum’s Seneca Rocks Stables. An enjoyable ride along a trail that leads to an observation deck makes for an adventurous day out.

Smoke Hole Caverns

Tied to the Seneca Indians, Smoke Hole Caverns is another opportunity to explore caverns in the area. Schedule a tour to see the many rooms within the Caverns that have a history of corn whiskey making after the Civil War. Learn More

How do I Get to Seneca Rocks?

Seneca Rocks is great for rock climbing, but not so much for cell service. Cell phone signal can be spotty and even non-existent while at Seneca Rocks. If your plan was to use your cell phone for directions or a GPS unit, you may want to reconsider and follow printed directions instead:
From Pittsburgh and Western PA
Take I-79 S to Rt. 33, Exit 99
Take Rt. 33 E
Stay on Rt. 33 E through Elkins, WV towards Seneca Rocks
From Ohio and Points NW
Take I-77 S to Parkersburg, WV
Take Rt. 50 E, Exit 176 towards I-79 S
Take Rt. 33, Exit 99 to Rt. 33 E
Stay on Rt. 33 E through Elkins, WV towards Seneca Rocks
Stay on 33 E towards Seneca Rocks
From Richmond and Points South
Take 1-64 W to Staunton, VA
Take I-81 N to Harrisonburg
Take Exit 247B-Rt. 33 W
Stay on Rt. 33 W through Franklin, WV towards Seneca Rocks
From Washington, D.C. and Megalopolis
Take 1-66 W
Merge onto I-81 S, Exit 1A on the left towards Roanoke
Take Rt. 55 W, Exit 296 to Wardensville, WV
Stay on Rt. 55 W through Moorefield, WV and towards Petersburg, WV
In Petersburg, Rt. 55 and Rt. 28 merge
Follow Rt. 55/Rt. 28 towards Seneca Rocks

CanaanValleyCabins.com offers lodging and cabin accommodations just minutes away from Seneca Rocks for tourists to enjoy during any season. Seneca Rocks is one of the most visited natural sites in West Virginia and is known for its impressive views and razorback ridges.

Check out the Google Street view from the top!