Seneca Rock

From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia

Seneca Rock, or Seneca Rocks, is one of West Virginia's best-known natural landmarks, a towering blade of sandstone thrust more than 800 feet above the valley of the North Fork River. Seneca Rocks and nearby Champe Rocks are among the most imposing examples of rock "castles" in the region, formed where the Tuscarora Sandstone has been upfolded and eroded over millions of years.

Rock Climbing at Seneca Rocks: The spectacular view and hardness of the sandstone have made Seneca Rocks one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the East. More than 375 mapped climbing routes ascend the rocks. Only trained and experienced rock climbers should attempt to scale the rocks. Two climbing schools are located in the valley beneath the rocks and to the south at Riverton. See also: Rock Climbing in West Virginia (http://www.wvexplorer.com/recreation/Rock%20Climbing/default.asp)

Hiking at Seneca Rocks: A self-guided interpretive trail provides hikers a means of ascending to the summit along Seneca's backbone. The 1.3-mile trail climbs to an observation area, and though steep in places, is well work the hike. Steps, switchbacks, and benches help make the ascent easier. See also: Hiking in West Virginia (http://www.wvexplorer.com/recreation/hiking/default.asp)

Lodging Near Seneca Rocks: Elkins, WV, Hotels (http://www.wvexplorer.com/Elkins_WV_Hotels.asp)

Seneca Rocks Maps: Topo Map (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=38.83528&lon=-79.36694), Aerial Photo (http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?S=12&T=1&lat=38.83528&lon=-79.36694)