The Seneca Rocks Trail might be one of the most popular hikes in West Virginia! It’s also known as the most dangerous, but only if you go out onto the cliffs.
However, you can still enjoy gorgeous views from the platform at the top of the rocks. The trail is about 3 miles, out and back. It’s moderate in difficulty, mainly due to some steeper sections.
Overall, this is a great hike for anyone visiting the Monongahela National Forest. If you think this is a trail you want to conquer, the guide below has everything you need to know!
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About Seneca Rocks
Towering nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, the Seneca Rocks’ white and gray spires are made of Tuscarora quartzite, a durable stone that shapes many of the region’s most iconic landscapes.
The rocks were formed around 440 million years ago from fine sand deposited along the edge of an ancient ocean. Over time, the water vanished, tectonic forces uplifted and folded the earth, and millions of years of erosion exposed the gorgeous formations we enjoy today.
Another cool rock formation in West Virginia is Pinnacle Rock!
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
You’ll want to stop into the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center if it’s open. It’s typically open seasonally from April through October, Thursday – Monday. Inside, you’ll see a nice exhibit about the geology of the area as well as some history about the indigenous people who lived there.
Also inside the Discovery Center are bathrooms, a water fountain (with a water bottle filling station), and a small gift shop. I also noticed a water bowl for pups by the entrance!
Prepare For Your Hike to Seneca Rocks
Parking
The closest parking lot to the Seneca Rocks trailhead is at the Sites Homestead. This is a large parking lot, holding about 50 cars. It was almost full during our visit over Memorial Day Weekend, especially around lunchtime since this is such a popular trail.
Another parking lot is located at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. There are two large lots here, each holding about 50 cars. From here, you’ll have to walk past the Discovery Center and take the walking trail over Seneca Creek. It’s about a 1/4-mile walk from the parking lot to the trailhead.
Good to know: The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is open Thursday-Monday, April through October
Amenities
There are vault toilets at the Site Homestead parking lot. When the Discovery Center is open, there are nice sized restrooms with flush toilets available inside.
A large picnic pavilion with several picnic tables is located at the Sites Homestead parking lot.
Pets
The Seneca Rocks Trail is dog-friendly, but they must remain on a leash
Dangerous Cliffs
Seneca Rocks is known for being the most dangerous hike in West Virginia. Since 1971, 15 people have died at Seneca Rocks. Please be cautious when on the cliffs and keep pets and small children nearby.
Good to know: You can enjoy the view from the top of Seneca Rocks without climbing onto the cliffs. There is a large viewing platform at the top where you can safely rest before heading back down.
Limited Cellular Service
There is little to no cellular service at Seneca Rocks. We had a few bars at the top of the cliffs, but that was it.
Hours
The Seneca Rocks Trail is open from 6 am – 10 pm. This would make an excellent sunset hike!
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Seneca Rocks Trail
| Trail Location: | Back of the parking lot next to the Sites Homestead |
| Trail Length: | 3 miles (out and back) |
| Trail Difficulty: | Moderate with steeper sections |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 900 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead to Seneca Rocks
Pick up the trail to Seneca Rocks at the back of the parking lot next to the Sites Homestead. There is a large sign with a map of the trail and other pertinent information.
Along the Trail
The 1.5 miles to the cliffs consists of several switchbacks along a wide trail. It is steep in sections (there are even a few staircases along the trail), but the path is mostly clear of rocks and roots.
It reminded me a lot of the trail to Maryland Heights, where there wasn’t a lot going on, but it still felt a little challenging due to the grade.
We encountered many people along the trail, as it’s a very popular hiking destination. To the delight of my daughter, we also saw many dogs along the way!
The Viewing Platform
The trail technically ends at the viewing platform. The large wooden deck has two benches and looks west. It’s a beautiful vista. You can see the Discovery Center, Sites Homestead, and even the restaurants at the corner of Allengheny and Mountaineer Drives.
Next to the viewing platform is a rocky area that leads to the cliffs. Many visitors were sitting there as well to rest and enjoy the view.
The Cliffs at Seneca Rocks
There is a large sign at the start of the cliffs warning hikers not to go on to the cliffs without proper climbing equipment. The sign mentions the number of fatalities from the cliffs over the past 50+ years.
However, if you are used to rock scrambles, you can probably safely enjoy the view from the cliffs if you know your limitations. Just remember, you are 900 feet above the ground.
We climbed to the first section that was pretty wide and open, which was good enough for us. Others continued past us, to the more narrow areas of the cliffs. We found it easiest to climb up the small crevice (which reminded me of the Billy Goat Trail scramble). Once at the top, we settled in, out of the way of other hikers, and enjoyed the view.
Other Hikes Nearby
There are tons of great hikes in the Monongahela National Forest. Several are close to Seneca Rocks. We combined our hike with the easy, half-mile trail at Spruce Knob, located about 35 minutes away (primarily due to the windy mountain road to the top).
Another good option is the trail to Rohrbaugh Cliffs, located on Brushy Ridge Road. That’s about 4.5 miles, an out-and-back route.
Seneca Rocks Wrap Up
While the trail to Seneca Rocks isn’t too exciting and is even a little steep, the payoff of the good view makes it totally worth it! This is a popular trail, so you’re going to encounter many people along the route, especially if you visit midday.
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