In Pendleton County, Seneca Rocks rises nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. This scenic natural landmark is a popular climbing destination and a striking focal point in the landscape. Those looking to explore the region’s natural scenery will also find peaks, hiking trails, waterfalls and fishing opportunities.

Rock Formations, Peaks and Waterfalls

Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. Its stone-and-steel observation tower offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The region around Spruce Knob has 60 miles of scenic hiking trails. The campground there provides direct access to the one-mile Big Bend River Loop.

Big Bend Campground also has a one-mile nature loop trail. Most of it runs alongside a bend in the river. The two loops provide a clear point of reference for anyone who prefers a shorter walk: one is named the River Loop, while the other is a nature trail at Big Bend Campground.

Monongahela National Forest is a recreational area in Pendleton County. There, at the foot of Spruce Knob, lies Seneca Creek Falls. The five-mile hike on the Seneca Creek Trail leads to the falls. Both the distance and destination are clearly specified: it is a five-mile hike that leads to Seneca Creek Falls.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking is just one way to experience the landscape. Pendleton County offers fishing at remote fishing spots, lakes and rivers; cycling is another outdoor recreation option. Trout fishing is available at 25-acre Spruce Knob Lake and in the surrounding streams. Trails, peaks and waterways can all be highlights of a stay.

At Seneca Rocks, the Visitor Center has a catch-and-release fishing area, observation platforms, informative exhibits and a gift shop. Visitors can also play disc golf at Seneca Caverns, on a scenic course around the caves.

NROCKS offers a professionally guided, one-mile climbing experience on a Via Ferrata with fixed anchors. The tour lasts 3.5 to 5 hours and covers 1,085 feet of elevation gain. The route includes a 150-foot-high suspension bridge more than 200 feet long, as well as exposed heights of up to 280 feet. The stated duration helps visitors gauge this Via Ferrata as a multi-hour activity. Another option at NROCKS is the North Fork Valley canopy tour, which features seven zip lines up to 60 feet high and up to 680 feet long.

History and Local Discoveries

The Pendleton County Historical Museum, known locally as the Boggs House, is located in the county’s oldest house. Built from logs in 1758, the building originally served as a frontier fort three miles north of Franklin. The museum displays Civil War artifacts, World War II artifacts, regional folk art, quilts, and woven blankets and coverlets.

The museum is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May through September. Tours can be arranged by phone at other times of year. In 1985, part of Franklin’s historic district was designated a Historic District by the National Park Service and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center also presents the history of Native Americans associated with Pendleton County.

Drives through Pendleton County’s rural, unincorporated communities pass historical markers and include recorded stories. Events and local offerings also provide insight into different aspects of the county: West Virginia Trout Fest is held annually in Franklin on the first weekend of May. At Mountain State Maple Days, visitors can explore sugar shacks and sample fresh maple products.

The On The Rocks Craft Beverage Trail features tastings of hard cider, whiskey and maple moonshine made with locally grown and harvested ingredients. Along with the trails, fishing opportunities and historic sites, it offers another way to get to know Pendleton County—through its landscape as well as its history and local products.

Discover more destinations: Riverton, Kanawha, Greenbrier, Gilmer County, Preston County, Mercer County, Ohio, McDowell County.

For the main travel overview: West Virginia.