Near Seneca Rocks Trail #563
Picturesque rainbow at Seneca Rocks just after a little rain.
Near Seneca Rocks Trail #563
View from the top of the Seneca Rocks trail in February.
Near Seneca Rocks Trail #563
Hiking up the switchbacks at Seneca Rocks in February.
Near Seneca Rocks Trail #563
Summit of Seneca Rocks!
Near Seneca Rocks Trail #563
View from Seneca Rocks Lookout

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Hike Trail

Seneca Rocks Trail #563

4.7 (22 Ratings)
A steep climb up to the iconic Seneca Rocks.
2
mi
Distance
1,052
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsRiver/CreekSpringViews

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.98mi
Distance
1,052ft
Elevation Gain
951ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
2,345ft
High Point
1,530ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Alex Dye