Seneca Rocks
From West Virginia (WV) Cyclopedia
Seneca Rocks, at Seneca Rocks, WV, 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 of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Seneca Rock and nearby Champe Rocks are among the most imposing examples of rock "castles" in Pendleton County, formed where the Tuscarora Sandstone has been upfolded and eroded over millions of years. 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.
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, WV.
See also: Hiking in West Virginia (http://www.wvexplorer.com/recreation/hiking/default.asp), Rock Climbing in West Virginia (http://www.wvexplorer.com/recreation/Rock%20Climbing/default.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)
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