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A steep climb up to the iconic Seneca Rocks.


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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

Shared By:

Alex Dye with improvements by Jeff Monroe

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 19 votes

#1

in Seneca Rocks

#222

Overall
  4.8 from 19 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Seneca Rocks

#222

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

0%
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17%
61%
22%
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Photos

View from the top of Seneca Rocks.
Oct 22, 2024 near Franklin, WV
Hiking up the switchbacks at Seneca Rocks in February.
Feb 11, 2024 near Franklin, WV
View from the top of the Seneca Rocks trail in February.
Feb 11, 2024 near Franklin, WV
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 17 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 22, 2024
Stewart Carnes
Feb 7, 2024
Eric Mitchell
Long steady climb going up, but well worth the view from the platform at the top.
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
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