Let's set the record straight - I am no outdoorswoman. My ideal campsite has an electrical outlet for my blow dryer. I hike perhaps once a year. Even though I lived in West Virginia for two years, I seldom rambled through the woods or even walked a nature trail.

Fortunately, I did climb Seneca Rocks. And I'd do it again.

Seneca Rocks is a huge, craggy quartzite formation in Pendleton County, W. Va. The sharply pointed rocks loom above a lush green valley. If you climb to the top, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the valley and surrounding peaks.

The trail begins at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. It's a little over a mile long, but the rocks are nearly 900 feet high, so you'll definitely get some exercise. The trail is mostly dirt, but there are several stretches where you'll encounter partially-buried rocks or tree roots. At strategic spots along the trail, thoughtful rangers have set up benches. I, personally, am quite grateful to them.

When you reach the top of Seneca Rocks, you'll find an observation deck. You can look down on wheeling turkey vultures and out across the Appalachian Mountains. Far, far below, you can pick out the Discovery Center.

Wear sturdy shoes; this isn't a trail for sandals or even Crocs. The dry mountain air, combined with trail dust, will quickly parch your throat, so it's a good idea to carry a water bottle. If you have a GPS, bring it along; there is at least one geocache at the top of the rock formation.

If you're an experienced rock climber, try one of the many climbing routes. The easiest ones are rated 5.0. Climbing Seneca Rocks is not for amateurs; many climbers have died on the rocks when they left established routes or encountered weather problems. If you're a novice, contact one of the two nearby rock climbing schools, Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides and Seneca Rocks Climbing School. Both offer classes in rockcraft and self-rescue.

Less adventurous visitors can still enjoy Seneca Rocks. The Discovery Center has an exhibit area and small gift shop. On summer and fall Saturdays, visitors can experience Appalachia's finest traditions, including handcraft demonstrations and music. The Discovery Center is open from 9:00 - 4:30 (they close very promptly), so plan your hike accordingly. There aren't too many public restrooms in this part of Pendleton County.

Although the Discovery Center doesn't have a restaurant, you can cross the highway and hit Yokum's Store for picnic fare or snacks. Nearby, Harper's Country Store sells similar items, and you can also eat pizza and sandwiches upstairs at their Front Porch restaurant.

If you don't mind a drive, the Seneca Family Restaurant, on state route 9/5 off of Route 33, is a few miles southeast of Seneca Rocks. They're open during the day; hours vary because they're tied to the Seneca Caverns tour schedule. We like to eat at this family-run, kid-friendly restaurant. The food is good, the restaurant is clean, and the view is great. The restaurant also has an enticing gift shop and many examples of the art of taxidermy.