Seneca Rocks is a crag rock formation located in the Monongahela National Forest in Pendleton County, West Virginia. The rock formation contains Tuscarora quartzite which is visible on exposed crags and rock peaks. The area is a mecca for rock climbers and outdoorsmen who come to scale the peaks of Seneca Rocks, canoe the nearby South Branch Potomac River and camp in area campgounds. The area is believed to have been inhabited by Native Americans.
Campgrounds
Seneca Shadows Campground is located just one mile away from Seneca Rocks in the heart of Monongahela National Forest. Services and amenities include campfire programs, comfort station, firewood and showers. RVs are accepted at the campground, but there are limited hookups and only thirteen sites with electrical service. Reservations are taken from April through October, but must be made at least three days in advance. Princess Snowbird Campground has tent sites, teepees and cabins to accommodate campers. Tent sites are first-come, first-served, while teepees and cabins must be reserved ahead of time. There are also four honeymoon cabins available; three of these cabins have jacuzzis.
Water Activities
Seneca Rocks is located near the confluence of the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River and Seneca Creek. Campers can visit these waterways to enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing and canoeing. Canoe rentals are available at several outfitters, include the Trough General Store near Romney, W. Va., and Eagle's Nest Outfitters near Moorefield. Anglers can hope to snag bass, channel cats, carp, sunfish, rainbow trout, brown trout or brook trout in these bodies of water. In West Virginia, all persons between the ages of 16 and 65 are required to possess a fishing license, except for persons on leave from active military duty.
Hiking
The Seneca Rocks hiking trail takes hikers to the top of Seneca Rocks. The trail is 1.5-miles long and climbs to the 900-foot peak of Seneca Rocks. There is an observation deck just before the summit that provides spectacular views of the surrounding area. From the observation deck, hikers have the option to continue to the summit, but this requires a climb up rocks that may be too difficult for novice hikers. There are also several hiking trails throughout the Monongahela National Forest, including the Seneca Creek Backcountry, which has nearly 70 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Climbing
The steep, craggy rocks of Seneca Rocks attract many rock climbers who wish to reach the summit the hard way. Experienced climbers may wish to scale the mountain on their own, but novice climbers shouldn't attempt the ascent without supervision. Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides and School of Rockcraft and Seneca Rocks Climbing School provide climbing guidance and instruction to help climbers reach the top. In addition to climbing gear, climbers should pack at least one quart of water, lunch, sunscreen, a light jacket, climbing shoes and non-restrictive clothing.
Attractions
Seneca Rocks is in close proximity to the best natural destinations in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. You can take a tour of Smoke Hole Caverns at the nearby Smoke Hole Recreation Area. While in the area, be sure to take a drive to Spruce Knob, the tallest peak in West Virginia, to enjoy spectacular mountain views. Also within the Monongahela National Forest is the Dolly Sods Scenic Area, a swampy area with several plant communities. About one hour away in Romney, W. Va., you can ride the Potomac Eagle Excursion Train through the Trough area of the South Branch Potomac River and possibly see bald eagles in their natural habitat.
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