Monongahela National Forest Climbing Articles

Monongahela National Forest Guide: Climbing

Looking for rock climbing in the Monongahela National Forest? Nothing beats Seneca Rocks, a striking rock formation deep in the heart of West Virginia's mountains. It features more than 400 adventurous, multi-pitch climbing routes of many difficulty levels, up to 300 feet in length, and a summit obtainable only by technical rock-climbing. Skills with placing removable protection and rigging belay stations are mandatory. Even the easy routes are challenging! And no matter what difficulty level you climb, the views from the top are stunning.
Conn's West (5.4) features lots of easy terrain, comfortable belay ledges, and variations to the regular route. Try the Direct Finish (5.5). In the parking lot at day's end, look back up and see the entire face you just climbed.
Get major exposure on Soler (5.7). Once you’ve climbed the huge flake on the first pitch, your reward is the spectacular second pitch, maybe the best 5.7 rock at Seneca, and it leads right to the summit crest.
Crack Of Dawn (5.10a) is nothing short of supreme. The lip of the overhang is perhaps the most exposed spot in all of Seneca Rocks.

By Travel Expert: Adam Polinski