A short drive away (60 miles) from Snowshoe WV, youll find Seneca Rocks, WV. It is a very scenic location and a hot spot for rock climbers. The peak is only accessible by experienced rock climbers, and occasional trekkers will find it impossible to reach without proper training and equipment. This is where youll encounter vertical layers of quartzite.
Seneca Rocks – More than Just Rock Climbing
If you’re interested in learning how to climb rocks, there are climbing schools nearby. There, under professional guidance, you can improve your climbing skills on local rock formations of various difficulty levels. For those not interested in rock climbing, visiting Seneca Rocks State Park is well worth the trip. There are over 11,000 acres of woodland, with a fishing lake, and log cabins. Its also where youll get to see amazing geological formations. A good way to learn more about rocks is to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, located at the base of the rocks. At this place, a 3-D map will show you an overview of the area and the steepness of the terrain.
Enjoy Caves and Caverns at Seneca Rocks
Meanwhile, if youre interested in the underground caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, then Smoke Hole Caverns will not disappoint you. The underground tour is approximately 2/3 of a mile and takes up to an hour. A guide accompanies visitors. In some spots, the surface is uneven, so proper shoes are needed.
Treasure Hunting at Seneca Rocks
This area is also a place to try gemstone mining. Visitors can purchase bags of mining rough and try their luck at a water sluice. Its possible to find amethysts, rubies, quartz crystals, and fools gold (pyrite). While this is not a place where you can expect to get rich, it is definitely much fun to try out some mining on your own. Make sure to bring proper clothing with you.
Seneca Rocks – Only a Short Drive From Snowshoe WV
Located in the neighborhood as well is Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. Its a vast terrain of over 100,000 acres, which also contains the highest peak in West Virginia. Spruce Knob stands at nearly 5,000 feet. While camping and climbing are good when the weather permits, skiing is a popular pastime in the area of Snowshoe WV. This Pocahontas County community is next to Snowshoe Mountain ski resort and contains around 250 acres of skiing terrain. The slopes are of various difficulty levels and are suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced skiers. During the warmer months, Snowshoe is visited for mountain biking trails and a golf course. Whenever you come to visit, youll find something to do.
You dont need to go all the way to the West to experience Americas great outdoors. West Virginia offers plenty of opportunities to experience wilderness, rock climbing, trekking, kayaking, camping, golfing, and skiing. Whether you come on your own, with friends, or with family, there are plenty of attractions for everyone.