Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is a well known tourist attraction for rock climbers and nature lovers. It is part of a 100,000 area National Recreation Center located in the eastern section of West Virginia. Created in 1965, it was the first established in a USDA Forest Service. Sections of the property are leased for natural gas and farming through the Monongahela National Forest. The 900 foot razorback or fins of Tuscarora quartzite formation is rich with Indian history, which is preserved in the visitors center. The Center offers interpretive programs with traditional Appalachian crafters and artisans. There is a 1.3 mile hiking trail for those not adventurous enough to climb the walls. Two climbing schools are available for the beginner to the expert. Various climbing routes are categorized by difficulty.

The Legend of Seneca Rocks

Snow Bird wastthe only daughter of chief Bald Eagle and his wife, White Rock. As a young girl she played at the base of what is now known as Seneca Rocks. Often she gazed at the peaks and lwished to climb to the top. She became one of the most beautiful maidens of the Senecas. Her rank and beauty brought many men from her tribe and neighboring tribes to court her. So many choices, caused her to face the serious problem of choosing a mate.She narrowed her options to seven young warriors. All wished to win the hand of the Seneca princess. They gathered in an open space and arranged themselves in a semi-circle facing the mighty rocks. The faint-hearted had dropped from the contest, not daring to face the ordeal to which they were sure they would be subjected. Silence reigned on all sides. The beautiful Princess Snow Bird, in the royal dress of her tribe, moved gracefully into the circle to face her lovers. " Ever since I was a little girl," she anounced," I have watched yonder rocks push their rugged summits into the heavens and many times I have longed to be able to climb to their top. There have I spent the happiest, the most enjoyable days of my life. Of all the Seneca Indians, I am the only one who has accomplished the feat. One day, about a moon past, I decided upon a contest, a trial of bravery and endurance. You will soon engage in this contest, and to the successful one of you, I will give my hand, my heart and my life."

Princess Snow Bird set out on the journey, followed by the seven braves. Upward they climbed, the sure-footed maiden always leading. As the climb became more and more difficult, three of the seven turned back, dispirited and disappointed. Another followed to the fifth pinnacle and then wearied of the struggle and gave up. A fifth man crumpled in a heap near the same pinnacle and was rescued from death by the fourth, who led him back to safety. The two that remained followed closely in the footsteps of the maiden. Finally, with renewed determination, they set out on the last and most dangerous stretch of the journey, the maiden as always, in the lead. At last she reached the summit and turned to look for her most persistent suitor. He was only a few feet below her. In this moment of waiting, his foot slipped on the ledge of rock. The maiden hesitated for a fraction of a second. Was he not the bravest and strongest of the Senecas? Where would she ever find his equal? So with the alertness and strength of her young arms, she caught the falling brave and drew him to safety and to herself. Long they sat together talking of their future, and then as darkness approached, the two lovers descended by the trail at the rear of the gigantic rocks. They stood before Chief Bald Eagle and White Rock. The great chief conferred upon his newfound son-in-law the authority to become his successor as chief of the tribe.

Gendarme

A gendarme is a French word for a spiked pinnacle or isolated spire perched atop a mountain ridge. The word comes from a pinnacle's resemblance to a gendarme or medieval French soldier standing at guard. For centuries on stood in the center of Seneca Rocks. In 1987 it surrendered it's post and feel. As in everything in life, time marches on and change hold it's hand.

Camping

Conventional campsites are available. Thirteen sites in include electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, tent pad, lantern holder and paved parking large enough to accommodate two vehicles and 8 people. Some double sites are offered that can accommodate 4 vehicles and 16 people. All loops have modern flush toilets with showers.

Some sites can accommodate groups up to 40 people per site. Each group site has five tables and tent pads, a barbecue, fire ring and separate parking areas.Forty walk-in sites that offer a great view of the rocks are available at the north end of the campground. Each site has a picnic table, tent pad, lantern holder and fire ring.A wheelchair friendly bathhouse is available and an outdoor amphitheater is on hand for group meetings at no additional cost.A dump station is available.