Seneca Rocks State Park: Address, Phone Number, Seneca Rocks State Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Seneca Rocks State Park
Seneca Rocks State Park
4.5
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This park is best known for it's rocky cliffs: a great place for rock climbing.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
337 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
70
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Jessie S
Cleveland, OH7 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
I first hiked this when I was 14 with my dad and the experience made such an impression on me that I have made it a sort of pilgrimage. I just went back this past weekend for my 4th visit there in the past 18 years (taking someone new each time). It's about an hour up and a half hour down if you take a couple small breaks. You don't have to be an experienced climber to continue on the rocks past the observation deck, but use your judgement. This trail is dog friendly. I've been there different times of the year and it's always been pretty heavily trafficked so if you want something more isolated this is not the hike for you. Be prepared to say hello to fellow hikers and pet all the goodest doggos.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travelling123441353
Rockville, MD49 contributions
Jul 2020
We only had a short time so instead of doing the hike, we actually just had a relaxing swim at the rock beach.
We went on a Sunday late morning and there were only about 15 people or so.
There is enough space that you were able to socially distance although most were not.
Dogs are welcome.
It's great for kids because you can swim to the other side where there are big rocks to jump off.
Go to the homestead and keep driving to the very very end of the parking lot. You will see cars parked. There is no sign for the beach. Just park and then walk down the path. It's probably 1/4 mile walk to the beach. (or less). 5 minutes.
Would be great to go after a long hike.
We went on a Sunday late morning and there were only about 15 people or so.
There is enough space that you were able to socially distance although most were not.
Dogs are welcome.
It's great for kids because you can swim to the other side where there are big rocks to jump off.
Go to the homestead and keep driving to the very very end of the parking lot. You will see cars parked. There is no sign for the beach. Just park and then walk down the path. It's probably 1/4 mile walk to the beach. (or less). 5 minutes.
Would be great to go after a long hike.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jmpncsu
Raleigh, NC4,371 contributions
Apr 2021
Seneca Rocks is a national recreation area, part of Monongahela National Forest, not a state park. We made the hike up to the top of Seneca Rocks while camping at Seneca Shadows Campground. The hike is about 1.5 miles each way and all uphill, but steps and switchbacks keep it from being too steep. Visiting in spring, there were a lot of wildflowers to stop and take a short photo break on the hike up. There is a nice overlook at the top with great views looking west. It is not recommended to go any higher, but you can scramble from here all the way to the top. It's the same view from the overlook, but fun if you like rock scrambling. It reminded us of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Be very careful if you go up here as a fall would be fatal.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
401eeg
Branson West, MO220 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
In the area for 3 months & want to see the sights. Hoped to see the Discovery Center but closed due to COVID. I know many reviews describe this as 'easy'. I respectfully disagree. There were people of all ages on the trail, toddlers to 80's. Most people were finding it rough going up. Only ones I saw speeding along were teenagers. It's doable but not what I would consider easy. I'm post cancer and I wanted to do it to prove I could. Views are worth the trip. Need portapotty at the top and it would be nice if there were elevation markers and distance markers; everyone was guessing & telling each other.
Written June 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WVTeacher20
Sistersville, WV109 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
My hubby and I have hiked to the top of this trail several times, but this was the first time to do it with our two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8. We had a great time with them. It was a perfect day; cool with low humidity, and the trail featured blackberry flowers, mountain laurel blooms, and lots of soft green vegetation. The hike is moderate, with only a few sections that are steep; most of them have steps built into the hillside. It took us a little over an hour to reach the top, and our grandchildren were speechless when they saw the views from the observation deck. Descent was much faster and took only a half hour. A beautiful, memorable adventure.
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
14jkc
Pittsburgh, PA268 contributions
Mar 2021
The trails are very well maintained. One small area has guard rails and a few other spots could maybe use them as well for when the trail is muddy or snow covered. Beautiful view from the top at the observation deck. This is a moderate hike so be prepared.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
recorder
Pineville, MO1,721 contributions
Jul 2021
I'll soon be 70 so this hike was a little challenging for me. But we made it to the top after a few breathers and the view made the trip worth while. People at the observation deck wanting to talk and helping us get our picture taken. Some were going on up past the STOP and think about it sign. We used different leg muscles as we made our way back down. The Discovery Center is a really neat place with clean rest rooms and lots of informative displays.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
818thomas2018
Marietta, OH36 contributions
Sep 2020
A 1.7 mile hike each way starting in the Seneca Discovery Center parking lot. The hike up is challenging, but there are several benches to rest on at different points on the trail. There is a nice overlook platform at the top, a great place for pictures of the valley below. There is no fee to walk this trail. There is also an option to ride up on horseback with a guide.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom K
Pennsylvania37 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
It is truly amazing the beauty that this country holds and its natural formations. Seneca rocks in West Virginia is one such place.
There is a friendly welcome visitors center with history and a Homestead at the base of the mountain. There is an approximate 2 mile hiking trail which is an easy walk but will raise your heart rate… To get to the top. It is well worth it to see the sights and the smoky blue mountains.
Be sure to bring along directions or maps as cellular service and GPS is quite limited due to the naval center blackout zone.
If you get a chance, and the weather is nice, don’t pass this piece of natural beauty by.
There is a friendly welcome visitors center with history and a Homestead at the base of the mountain. There is an approximate 2 mile hiking trail which is an easy walk but will raise your heart rate… To get to the top. It is well worth it to see the sights and the smoky blue mountains.
Be sure to bring along directions or maps as cellular service and GPS is quite limited due to the naval center blackout zone.
If you get a chance, and the weather is nice, don’t pass this piece of natural beauty by.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MikeSim93
Burke, VA42 contributions
Oct 2020
Seneca Rocks is a really beautiful park in WV. I went on a a perfect fall day with another friend. We did Seneca Rocks on one day, then Via Ferrata the next day. We wanted to explore the climbing areas so we went up the back road (not the main path), and eventually found ourselves at the top of the rocks. The path we took was a really challenging rock scramble, but so much fun. Its pretty steep. There are areas where the rocks have been piled to give decent footing. The good news is that the hard path up does not have a lot of people on it - we did not run into anyone else on the way up. The view from the top is gorgeous. My pictures dont do this place justice. It was pretty crowded, but folks did well to keep to one side for social distancing purposes. After doing to some more exploring around the top section, we ended up taking the easy path down. Cant wait to go back for some climbing. I saw some folks with drones, and that would be the best way to go for epic photos that capture the size and scale of this place.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arlen Breeden Jr
1 contribution
How do you get to Faux cave or cave hope from Smokehole Caverns coming towards Seneca.
Arlen Breeden Jr
1 contribution
How do you get to Faux cave or cave hope from Seneca Rocks Discovery center?
Deborah F
Columbia, MD865 contributions
We may be talking about different areas - but the cave the people tend to use for climbing etc is on the South End, visible from the road on the walk in.
Down below Seneca Rocks can you still swim in the swimming hole? It has been a few years since we have been there.
Deborah F
Columbia, MD865 contributions
I saw a family enjoying swimming there, last season. This season the water has been pretty high and there looked to be snags in the water.
Do they allow drones for photography?
Deborah F
Columbia, MD865 contributions
There's a useful site which mentions licensing requirements, and had the most detail: uavcoach. Of course in Federal parks, typically you need special permits for drones, but this is a state park.
Personally I find drones far more annoying than loud music when out hiking or climbing admittedly the pictures are fantastic and safer.
Mike K
Huntington, WV304 contributions
Would this be a nice place to bring a motorcycle to see the sights?
How far is the hike to observation area
Cathy R
Bement, IL5 contributions
Not far. The entire hike, there and back is about three miles.
What is there to do between the dates December 12th to the 20th?
phinsman
Irwin, PA25 contributions
With Seneca Rock being in the Appalachian Mountains, some of the roads to get there are pretty steep. If there is snow there, I would recommend having chains on your tires. Going through the Seneca Caverns might be available, but you'd have to check their website first to see if they offer tours during that part of December. Hiking up the Seneca Rock hill is pretty steep too, so if there is snow on the trail, it might be slippery. But there is a visitor center at Seneca Rock, but not sure if it is open in December... check their web site to see if they are open in December.
do you pay when you enter park? want to hike to top. is there a store that sells water near the rocks?
Guidow64
Richmond, VA66 contributions
You don't have to pay and parking is free. Yokum's across the road probably has snacks. Definitely take water as it a long way up. Were going back this weekend. It is an amazing view. You can go past the lookout and claw your way up onto the spar for bonus views.
Mistabar
Salem, WV
Are dogs on a leash welcome to all parts of the park, even the caves? Small dogs
travelwriter52
Clinton, SC3,221 contributions
Dogs are welcome on a leash. Caves are closed to visitors due to white nose syndrome on the bats. I don't know of any caves on Seneca Rocks though.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seneca Rocks State Park
- Hotels near Seneca Rocks State Park:
- (0.59 mi) Germany Valley Overlook Cabins
- (7.11 mi) North Fork Mountain Inn
- (0.61 mi) Yokum's Vacationland
- (3.09 mi) Appalachian Cabins
- (3.28 mi) Seneca Shadows
- Restaurants near Seneca Rocks State Park:
- (0.57 mi) Hoggie’s Barbecue
- (0.59 mi) Yokum's Vacationland Restaurant
- (1.03 mi) Subway
- (1.77 mi) Ground Up
- (9.19 mi) Gateway Family Restaurant
- Attractions near Seneca Rocks State Park:
- (0.22 mi) Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
- (0.39 mi) Sites Homestead
- (0.39 mi) Seneca Rocks Observation Platform
- (0.53 mi) Blue Ridge Mountain Guides
- (0.62 mi) Seneca Rocks Climbing School