Seneca Rocks, WV — Attraction in Franklin

Located in Pendleton County, Seneca Rocks is part of the Monongahela National Forest and is surprisingly not a West Virginia State Park. With 375 mapped climbing routes, Seneca Rocks provides multiple paths with varying difficulty for rock climbers.

Not a rock climber? No problem…you can also hike to the top along the 1.3 mile Seneca Rocks Trail. With a height of 900 feet above stream level, I wouldn’t call it an easy climb…but it’s definitely doable.

As we hiked the entire 3.6 mile “out and back” or maybe more appropriately labeled “up and down” trail, we knew there would be several switchbacks due to the elevation we needed to cover.

As we were enjoying the view from the overlook, one of our hiking partners for the day, said the trail continues up a little further if we wanted to go. Very shortly on our assent past the overlook we came to a warning sign that stated. “You alone are responsible for your safety! We know it’s very tempting to proceed past this point BUT….” This sign got my attention. Oh yeah. The signage didn’t stop there. It continued to inform us that “since 1971, 15 people have died at Seneca Rocks from falls.” By this time I’m looking at the sign then looking at the upcoming rock scramble then back to the sign. Decisions decisions! We decided to proceed with caution.

Located near the base of Seneca Rocks is the Sites Homestead. Built by Jacob Sites around 1839, the log house gives visitors a glimpse of how the early pioneers lived. Why is there a Sites Homestead at Seneca Rocks? Up until 1968, Seneca Rocks was owned by the Sites family line. Apparently several generations had lived in the homestead before the government made it federal property in the mid 1960s.

From what I understand, the Sites Homestead is not always open to walk through. However, we were fortunate to visit on a day when they were having a “pioneer event.” Volunteers dressed in period clothing were on site depicting life as a pioneer in the late 1800s. Basket Weaver Leslie Gordon was on deck demonstrating how early settlers made berry baskets from tree bark. Adjacent to the homestead is an example of a primitive flower, herb and vegetable garden. Life as a pioneer was very different from the life of luxury most have today.

As we closed out our day, we stopped by the Discovery Center for a golden hour shot of Seneca Rocks. I find it fascinating that weather makes such a difference in the appearance of the scenic view. All of the pictures attached to this post were taken the same day. Time of day really makes a difference.

Seneca Rocks is one of those places that no matter when you go or where you stand, you will find it’s beauty. Whether you are standing at the top of the mountain looking down or at its base looking up. Seneca rocks is...

My son and I road tripped from Sw OH to Mammoth Cave, then Myrtle Beach, Monticello, and finally Seneca Rocks on our return trip home. Cell service was not always available when passing through the National Forests east of Seneca Rocks. After our climb and watching the sunset, we got the last available room at Yokum's Motel. Service there was first rate with a room that sleeps 6 with two King-sized beds at a very reasonable rate. It also had a spacious sink area, small bathroom, efficiency kitchen, Coffee maker, microwave, small dining area, and included Wi-Fi. On the night stand was a note thanking us for staying, and mints for the morning. The Holy Bible was open to the book of John on the counter below a wall mounted big screen TV. Most of all it was clean and pristine, with extra pillows and blankets. Outside was a porch swing for each 2nd story room. Downstairs is a store and kitchen in the rear that serves breakfast and beverages. It looks like what you would expect of a truck stop, with great and friendly service.

The hike to the summit took us up switchbacks to the landing area, then we continued to the top. It took us about an hour, but we stopped several times to take pictures on the way. There are no balconies or railings at the summit which is 829 feet in height. Travel at your own risk. Consider taking hiking sticks, and lights. After sundown, the forest gets dark quickly. Beautiful area, well maintained trails. great views. We plan to...

This is a really nice hike with a well maintained trail. When I visited earlier this month (November 2023), the visitor center was closed. But there isn’t really any need to the center as there are maps posted showing the different trails. The hike itself is easy to moderate. However, after the overlook if one decided to continue (climbing the peak sharp rock formation) then it becomes difficult. For that part of the hike, I would highly recommend good hiking shoes and a pair of gloves. Otherwise, one can enjoy the scenery from the overlook For parking, there are no issues at all as there plenty of parking space around...