One of the best known landmarks in West Virginia, the towering blade of sandstone known as Seneca Rocks has been attracting climbers for more than a century. More than 500 established routes ascend toward its tall, narrow summit, which soars nearly 900 feet above the North Fork of the South Branch at Seneca Rocks, WV.
The Seneca Rocks climbing area is best known for its wealth of traditional multi-pitch climbs, many of which ascend more 300 feet. Most routes are rated from 5 to 5.13, though many climbers consider its routes to be more difficult than their ratings indicate as most were pioneered before a standardized rating system had been established.
The climbing area is divided into routes that ascend toward its northern and southern summits. The southern summit has been designated as the highest summit in the eastern U.S. accessible only by technical climbing. The northern summit is also accesible by trail, and sightseers and picnickers routinely hike out onto its heights.
Seneca Rocks Climbing Area Access
Access to the Seneca Rocks climbing area is afforded by hiking trails managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest. From park areas at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, climbers can easily approach the base of the mountain beneath the rocks, a walk of approximately 15 minutes. Thereafter, trails to climbing routes ascend steeply on knee-high man-made stairs to the base of the rocks.
Read Article: Seneca offers climbers a taste of the Alps
Hotel lodging near Seneca Rocks: Elkins, Davis, Petersburg, WV
Content sponsored by New River Climbing School
