Seneca Rocks is perhaps the most well known of all natural landmarks in the Mountain State. As a result this hike, which climbs to an observation deck next to the rocks, is a very popular one for hikers of all levels of experience. It provides a good workout, climbing at a 10% grade all the way to the outlook – but it is short and the view is worth the effort.
This hike is most like Mary’s Rock in Shenandoah National Park and Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway: a popular trail featuring a short, sometimes steep climb to a spectacular vista.
Mile 0.2 – Walk through the Discovery Center to a vista on the other side. You can pick up a trail map here. Walk down the steps to the trail and take a left, following the sign towards Sites Homestead. Take a boardwalk then bridge over Seneca Creek.
Mile 0.3 – You will come out into another parking lot with picnic tables and pit toilets. This lot is larger than the first one, and can be used if the first one is full. This area was the site of the original Seneca Rocks Visitor Center, destroyed by arson in 1992. Follow the paved path through the lot.
Mile 3.5 – Follow your steps back to the Discovery Center, where you might use one of the coin operated binoculars to look for rock climbers on the rocks, or simply sit and soak in the views. Sharp eyes will be able to pick out the platform you reached, to the left of the rocks.
Mile 3.7 – Return to your vehicle in the Discovery Center parking lot.