Seneca Rocks is a roughly three and a half mile out-and-back hike located in Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. It’s a relatively famous landmark that attracts many visitors from around the globe, so this isn’t the best place to go in search of solitude.
This is a dog friendly hike. So, leash up your pups and bring them along for a nice stroll through the woods. The trail is fairly moderate in difficulty and if you’re accustomed to hiking around Virginia this will feel like a walk through the park.
Parking is free and rather plentiful here, and the trailhead features a visitor center. However, with no cell service at the trailhead, on the trailhead, or near the trailhead, you’ll want to download any maps and directions before getting here. I particularly recommend downloading directions home before embarking on your journey to Seneca Rocks. This would be a great trail to do in the fall, with all the leaves changing colors.
As you walk along the trail there are numerous informational signs along the way that talk about the area’s geology and natural history. Your reward at the end of this hike is a choose-your-own-adventure sort of deal. There’s an observation deck that provides a safe albeit stunning view of the surrounding area.
There’s also a short scramble up to an exposed rock spine that provides an even better view of the surrounding area, which I feel obligated to discourage people from attempting due to the sign that says do not climb up the rocks. Frankly, the best view of the rocks is from the parking lot.
Recently, I hiked Seneca Rocks and saw a rather large black snake slithering close to the trail. Fortunately, the majority of wild animals are about as interested in seeing humans as we are in seeing them. With the weather finally warming here in Virginia, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for snakes particularly in rocky areas where they like to hang out and sunbathe.
Happy Hiking!
