West Virginia’s Iconic Seneca Rocks Are Legendary In More Ways Than One

If you were to make a list of best known West Virginia landmarks, what would you include? New River Gorge? Glade Creek Gristmill? One that would definitely make our list is Seneca Rocks. It's a truly legendary outcropping... in more ways than one.

The towering crag of Seneca Rocks is an iconic West Virginia landmark.

It's known far and wide for epitomizing the rugged, wild beauty that is so characteristic of the state of West Virginia.

Located in the state's Eastern Panhandle near the confluence of Seneca Creek and a branch of the Potomac River, the cliffs are a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers, and the views from the top are legendary.

There's history associated with the rocks, as well. The famous Seneca Trail (otherwise known as "The Great Indian Warpath") passes near the base, and ruins of two Native American villages were discovered when the Seneca Rocks Visitors Center was being built.

And perhaps because of the rich Native American history of the area, Seneca Rocks is the subject of its very own legend.

A romance novel written in 1932 tells the tale of Seneca Indian Princess Snow Bird, who grew up in the shadow of these rocks and frequently climbed them.

When it was time for Princess Snow Bird to wed, she suggested a contest to help her choose among her suitors, and her father, Chief Bald Eagle, agreed.

She would scale the difficult cliffs and her suitors would follow; whoever was the first to reach the top with her would win her hand.

Seven suitors began the journey up the cliffs, but for various reasons, only one made it all the way to the top with Snow Bird.

They were married and, of course, lived happily ever after.

While many doubt the legend's historical accuracy, everyone agrees that Seneca Rocks hold a legendary place as one of West Virginia's top attractions.

Have you climbed these awe-inspiring rock faces? Which one? Or do you prefer to relax and enjoy just looking at them from one of the many local attractions (like the Front Porch Restaurant) at their base?