Pendleton County, West Virginia

Pendleton County, in eastern West Virginia (WV), was established in 1788 and named for jurist Edmund Pendleton. Its county seat is in Franklin. Pendleton County is renowned for its scenic vistas and dramatic rock formations, which include Champe Rocks and Seneca Rocks. Large parts of the county lie within national forest areas.

The highest point in the Allegheny Mountains, Spruce Knob, surmounts Spruce Mountain along the western flank of the county. The South Branch of the Potomac River and its forks have carved pastoral valleys that run the length of the county. As of the 2010 census, its population was 7,695.

Cities & Towns in Pendleton County

Brandywine, West Virginia
Cave, West Virginia
Cherry Grove, West Virginia
Circleville, West Virginia
Fort Seybert, West Virginia
Franklin, West Virginia
Harper, West Virginia
Judy Gap, West Virginia
Ketterman, West Virginia
Moyers, West Virginia
Onego, West Virginia
Riverton, West Virginia
Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
Sugar Grove, West Virginia
Upper Tract, West Virginia

Parks & Public Recreation Facilities

Monongahela National Forest
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Thorn Creek Wildlife Management Area
Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Pendleton County Historic Landmarks

Circleville School (Circleville, WV)

Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area

The county is part of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, a forested region of more than 500 square miles in central Appalachia in which tourism and forestry are industries.

Regional Information for Pendleton County, West Virginia

Further information on lodging, dining, and recreation in Pendleton County can be found in our guide to travel in the Potomac Branches Region of eastern West Virginia, where Pendleton County is located. The western highland region of the county is situated in the Allegheny Highlands Region, where relevant travel information can also be found.