The Experience
You will love: iconic rock formation with well maintained trail good for kids and dogs leading to a bountiful view of the Seneca recreation area and the Appalachian mountain range.
Need to know: The summit is a platform deck.
Need to know: The summit is a platform deck.
Your adventure begins at the Seneca Rocks recreation area / route 28 parking lot. The trail begins with a bridge walk over the North Fork river as the vertical nature of your trip looms above. This trail is comprised of compacted dirt and roots and while very friendly to kids and dogs It should be noted that your entire route is an ascent (at times steep). be mindful for rest and water breaks. The trails is an out and back, making for 1.1 miles up to the summit. The trail is largely forest however with its ascent you will notice the elevation gain and notice that the Seneca Rocks are always within view. After 1.1 miles, you will arrive at the man-made platform with take your breath away views of the town of Seneca and the surrounding mountain range. To the side of the platform sits a big warning sign about continuing on to the summit. Here is why, the summit is just 10 feet wide, flush with cracks, crevices and things to make you fall. I won’t tell you to pursue the summit view however I will tell you it is narrow, breathtaking and one should be very mindful of the dangers and its nothing to encounter for brag inducing photos or for just because. If you do venture to the summit, be patient with your footing and be prepared for the exposure to the elements (and to the heights). When you are ready to return to the car, retrace your steps along the same trail down through the forest and over the river to your car.
Fun fact: Seneca rocks is 440 million years old Tuscarora quartzite formed by an ancient ocean which left grains of compacted sand that helped construct this amazing rock formation. (fs.usda.gov)
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Fun fact: Seneca rocks is 440 million years old Tuscarora quartzite formed by an ancient ocean which left grains of compacted sand that helped construct this amazing rock formation. (fs.usda.gov)
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 1 water bottle
- hiking shoes
- Light snack
