Pendleton County
Amazing V I E W S Seneca Rocks , located in the Monongahela National Forest, is one of the most photographed landmarks inWest Virginia. The magnificent formation, which rises nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, is popular with rock climbers and a longtime scenic attraction in the state. With more than 375 climbing routes, hiking trails, and a Discovery Center, it’s no wonder that Seneca Rocks is one ofWest Virginia’s best-known destinations. Only trained and experienced rock climbers should attempt to scale the rocks. Two climbing schools are located in the valley beneath the rocks and to the south at Riverton. If you prefer hiking to climbing, you can still ascend the rocks. A 1.3-mile interpretive trail begins behind the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and winds up the formation to the top. There are stairs and steep switchbacks, of course, but you’ll also find benches to rest on. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the valley below. Just east of Seneca Rocks, Germany Valley is one of the most picturesque locations in the state. This 10-mile- long valley is known for its extensive cave system: With dozens of caves documented, it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 by the National Park Service. The valley is named for the German families who first settled here. The valley is bounded by the AlleghenyMountains with Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, and Seneca Rocks close by. If you want to experience Almost Heaven, spend the weekend at Germany Valley Overlook Cabins . It is hard to describe the panoramic viewwithout enlisting clichés like “breathtaking,” “jaw-dropping,” and “heart-stopping.” When you go, choose from one of
The only lodging located right in the heart of Seneca Rocks, Yokum’s Vacationland has a wide array of accommodations: from tent camping to kitchenettes to fully equipped log cabins with hot tubs. There is an on-site restaurant, general store, and riverside parking with hookups for campers and motorhomes. The beginnings of Yokum’s Vacationland date back to 1923, when Shirley Yokum’s parents opened Bland’s Store near Seneca Rocks. In fact, Shirley’s family heritage in Seneca Rocks goes back to her great-grandfather, Jacob Sites, who settled here in 1839. The Sites family actually owned Seneca Rocks until 1968, when the government made it federal property. Yokum’s now features four styles of cabins—family, fishing, snowbird, Yokum’s Vacationland and couples retreat; two campsites that offer bunkhouses; teepees; RV sites; tent sites; and a motel. FromYokum’s, it’s just a short drive to Spruce Knob, Seneca Caverns, Smoke Hole Caverns, Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, and the Monongahela National Forest. 24570Mountaineer Drive, Seneca Rocks, 800.772.8342, yokum.com
the four cabins that sleep six to nine people and are surrounded by 170 acres of pastureland grazed by cattle. The newest lodging option, Lookout Cabin, was built to resemble a fire tower. The others are more traditional. All of the cabins have fully equipped kitchens, baths with showers, central air and heat,
towels and linens, fire pits with wood, and picnic tables and Adirondack chairs—this is important because you won’t be able to tear yourself away from the view. 8540Mountaineer Drive, Riverton, 800.481.5680, germanvalleycabins.com
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