Your Guide to Seneca Rocks Climbing
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Headed to Seneca Rocks to climb for the first time? This guide will give you the beta you need for a successful first ascent!
Seneca is located just 3.5 hours or less from major cities like Washington, D.C., Pittsburg, PA, Richmond, VA and more. The appeal of Seneca is that not only does it host amazing multi-pitch rock climbing but, it's the east coast's tallest 5th class summit. Routes range from 60 to 300 feet tall over 1-6 pitches. You can start climbing from Roy Gap road or hike up the "Stair Master" to the base of the South Peak to shorten the day. From the road it's 5-6 pitches to the summit, while hiking the stairs shortens the day to around 3.
How tall is Seneca Rocks?
The town of Seneca Rocks has an elevation of 1,568 feet.
The top of the rocks are around 900 feet above the valley.
From the base of the cliff the rock rises almost 300 feet.
Climbing Services
Seneca can present difficult route finding, following, and rappels. Hiring a guide to show you around the area can ensure you learn your way around and get plenty of climbing in!
- Blue Ridge Mountain Guides
- Seneca Rock Climbing School
- Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides
Climbing Season
- March through November
- Winter climbing is possible
What to Bring
- Helmet
- Trad Rack: Stopper, Cams 0.1-3, and Tri-Cams
- 60m 9.2-9.8 Single or Half Ropes
- 20-30 Liter Backpack
- Satellite Communicator (there is no cell service in town and very limited service at the cliff)
If you are thinking about investing in a satellite communicator, we highly recommend the Garmin InReach mini 2
- Guide Book
Where to Stay
Camping
Seneca Shadows Campground (NFS)
Princess Snowbird Campground
White’s Run Road (primitive roadside pullout car or tent camping) FREE!
Hostel/Bunk House
The Wexler Hut
Motel/Cabins
Yokum’s Motel
Yokum’s Cabins
Smoke Hole Resort
The Renovated Barn at Seneca Rocks
Where to Eat
There is not an abundance of food option in Seneca. The main restaurants are below. If you need a grocery store, you can travel north 30 minutes to Petersburg, WV. Anyone with dietary restrictions should plan on bringing their own food.
- Yokums General Store and Deli
- Gateway Restaurant (15 minutes south of town)
- Petersburg, WV has a selection of restaurants (25 minutes north of town)
- Thomas and Davis, WV variety of restaurants and shops around ski areas (40 minutes west of town)
What to Climb
Seneca has a number of classic climbs. We recommend starting out on a route well below your climbing ability at Seneca. Routes can be sandbagged!
- Old Man's Route 5.3
- Ecstasy Junior 5.4
- Conn’s West to Conn’s West Direct Finish 5.5
- Gunsight to South Peak 5.4
- Ecstacy 5.7
- The Burn 5.8
- Marshall’s Madness to Crack of Dawn 5.10
Common Rappelling Options
Some rappels at seneca require 2 60m ropes and will leave you in a free hanging stance if you don't have enough rope- Close Your Systems! The most common rappel is Traffic Jam. For this reason, many first time visitors choose to climb to the summit via Old Man's Route which passes by the top of traffic jam.
- Traffic Jam 3x 30m rappels
- Conn's West 2x 30m rappels (utilizing the tree anchor)
- Pleasant Overhangs/West Face Summit 1x 30m rappel to a 1x 60m rappel