Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is located at the base of Seneca Rocks. An amazing view of the vertical wall of the Rocks dominates the scene. The Center is a great place to start your visit and learn about things to do in the area.
Interpretive programs are offered on weekends throughout the busy season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Traditional Appalachian crafters and artisans are on hand demonstrating their techniques, most Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Time-honored music of the West Virginia Mountains is offered at 1 and 3 PM on Saturdays. Special living history events, such as civil war reenactments, frontier living history, flint knapping and blacksmithing is offered during the summer. Please contact the Discovery Center for a complete listing of monthly scheduled events, special programs, or presentations.
General Information
The Sites Homestead is within walking distance of the Discovery Center. Nearby attractions, such as Seneca Creek Backcountry or Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, offer excellent opportunities for hiking, backpacking, or site seeing. Smoke Hole and Seneca, two commercial caverns, located nearby, offer tours to the public daily. Tours are also available at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, located 45 miles to southeast at Greenbank.
Within a short commute are three state parks, Cass Scenic Railroad, 55 miles, Blackwater Falls, 32 miles, and Canaan Valley, which is only 24 miles away.
Seneca Shadows, a National Forest campground, is one mile south of the visitor center on U.S. Route 33. Campsites, trailer sites with electronic hook-ups, walk-in tent areas, group campsites and warm showers are available. Camping is prohibited within the visitor center and picnic area grounds.
Picnicking is very popular and there are many tables and barbecue grills located near the river at the Seneca Rocks Picnic Area. Restroom facilities are available all year.
Catch and release fishing is allowed near the visitor center for a 3/4-mile section. All fish must be returned to the water, and only artificial lures may be used. Possession of bait is illegal. The area is patrolled by West Virginia Conservation Officers. Special area regulations may be found in the West Virginia fishing regulations brochure is available at the Discovery Center.
For more information, please contact the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center at (304) 567-2827 or the Cheat Potomac Ranger District at (304) 257-4488.
April - October
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is open Daily (to include Federal Holidays) until September 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Picnic Area and hiking trails open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Historic Site’s Wayside Inn is open Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Camping is prohibited on the grounds of the visitor center and picnic area.
Address: 13 Roy Gap Road Seneca Rocks, WV 26884
Phone: (304) 567-2827
Hours: May 19 through Sept. 1 daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.83126
Longitude: -79.376471
Directions
Seneca Rocks Discover Center is located at 13 Roy Gap Road. Entrance to the main parking lot is off U.S. 33, just south of the U.S. 33/State Route 28 intersection in Seneca Rocks.
Recreation Opportunities
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits Info
Interpretive programs are offered on weekends throughout the busy season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Traditional Appalachian crafters and artisans are on hand demonstrating their techniques. Time-honored music of the West Virginia Mountains is offered at 1 PM on Saturdays. Special frontier living history events are offered during the summer. For a complete listing of scheduled events, special programs, or presentations, please contact the Discovery Center.
Viewing Plants Info
Just outside the Discovery Center there is a pollinator garden. The Sites Homestead right next door offers spectacular heirloom gardens.
Visitor Centers Info
The Discovery Center offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area, its natural features, and a variety of wildlife. There is also a store inside that offers memorabilia and maps.
Viewing Scenery Info
The Discovery Center offers a spectacular view of Seneca Rocks.