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Seneca Rocks Trail #563

Intermediate/Difficult
 4.8 (17)
  1. Areas
  2. WV
  3. …Southern W. Virginia
  4. …Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
  5. Seneca Rocks
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“A steep climb up to the iconic Seneca Rocks. ”

Alex Dye
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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.1

KM

Point to Point

2,315' 706 m

High

1,537' 468 m

Low

931' 284 m

Up

791' 241 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

67%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views

Description

Starting from the parking area at the Sites Homestead off of WV 28, just north of the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, this trail climbs steeply to the summit of one of West Virginia's most iconic landmarks, Seneca Rocks. Although this is a tough trail, it is absolutely worth every step if you can make it to the top. At the top, scramble over rocks and through Table Mountain pine forest to enjoy the hard-earned view.

The Seneca Rocks formation rises over 900 feet above the South Branch of the Potomac River valley, and is a popular life-list destination for rock climbers looking to ascend its vertical rock face. From the top, you can watch rock climbers ascend, as well as soak in spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains and farmland throughout the valley. Evidence from a small 2017 wildfire can be seen on the charred bark at the base of pine trees on the summit.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Monongahela National Forest Office

Shared By:

Alex Dye with improvements by Jeff Monroe
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 17 votes

#1

in Seneca Rocks

#256

Overall
  4.8 from 17 votes
5 Star
82%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Seneca Rocks

#2

in West Virginia

#256

Overall
14 Views Last Month
2,009 Since Nov 22, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Summit of Seneca Rocks!
Jul 26, 2020 near Franklin, WV
View from Seneca Rocks Lookout
Feb 11, 2020 near Franklin, WV

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 53 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jul 17, 2022
Thomas Tejchman
it was challenging for me and girlfriend. we are both 50 and not in great shape but beautiful when at top 1.9mi
Jun 2, 2021
Ashleigh Shunk
May 23, 2021
Christopher Peckham
3.8mi — 2h 36m
May 2, 2021
Jennifer Dillon
11h 00m
Aug 16, 2020
Colin Credle
Imminent rain kept morning crowds small, but it quickly got crowded. Many were not wearing masks. The rocks are fun, but not much room up there. 1.8mi — 2h 00m
Aug 8, 2020
Russell Hobart
Jul 21, 2020
Tim Zendgraft
Summit Seneca Rocks for some rock climbing and rappelling. 3mi
Jun 5, 2020
Kevin F

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