The Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Seneca Rocks
The Renovated Barn is located right in the heart of the Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and is part of the Monongahela National Forest. It is one of few lodging options located just minutes to Seneca Rocks and within a 45 minute drive of several other iconic West Virginia sights, including Spruce Knob, the Dolly Sods, and Blackwater Falls to name a few. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place to be.
Spruce Knob
At 4,863 feet Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia. It is possible to drive to the top of Spruce Knob, where there is a small loop walk with lookout tower, as well as several longer hiking trails. The views can't be beat, and it's a great place to catch the sunset. It's also an incredible place to do some star gazing.
It's a 45 minute drive to the top of Spruce Knob, up small winding roads, from the Renovated Barn.
Roads are not cleared in winter, making it inaccessible during snowy conditions.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. There are 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as several lookout points and other waterfalls. Located just outside the towns of Davis and Thomas, they are accessible year round.
Blackwater Falls is about a 45 minute Drive from the Barn.
The Dolly Sods Wilderness
With 47 miles of trails, The Dolly Sods is considered by many people to have some of the best hiking on the Eastern side of the US. It's elevation ranges from 2500 feet to over 4700 feet, offering a variety of scenic views and eco-types. It is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the Monongahela National Forest.
There are several entrances to the Dolly Sods, each about a 45 minute drive from the Barn.
They close the gates in the Winter.
Other Things to Do in the Area
Hiking
There is a hiking trail to the top of Seneca Rocks that is just over a mile long. Visitors can take in the view from a lookout platform at the top. The North Fork Trail is another nearby trail that usually takes hikers 2-3 days to complete. The Dolly Sods, Spruce Knob, Blackwater Falls, and Canaan Valley offer miles of hiking trails. Visit the Discovery Center (open seasonally) in Seneca Rocks for more information and trail maps of these surrounding locations.
Horseback Riding
Yokum's Seneca Rocks Stables offers horseback rides to the top of Seneca Rocks, seasonally April-November. Rides go up 3 times per day Thursdays through Sundays and allow for a short stop on top at the observation deck. They also offer limited all day rides Mondays -Wednesday. Reservations recommended.
Zip Lines, Via Ferrata, & Rock Climbing
For the true adventure seeker, Nrocks Outdoor Adventures is located just 20 minutes south of the Barn. They have one of the only Via Ferratas in the US, as well as a canopy tour (ziplines), rock climbing, and even offer "wild caving" tours. Reservations required.
In Seneca Rocks there are 2 climbing schools, offering lessons in "traditional rock climbing." Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides & Seneca Rocks Climbing School have both been guiding clients safely up Seneca Rocks for decades.
Exploring Caverns
Tours below ground through Smoke Hole Caverns are offered daily between 10am and 5pm, year round. Catch a glimpse of some beautiful mineral rock formations and learn the interesting history and connection to the moonshining days of the past. The Caverns are located just 20 minutes from the Barn.
Fishing
The North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River and Seneca Creek both pass through Seneca Rocks. They stock the rivers seasonally, making this area a prime trout fishing destination. The Barn is located just minutes from both Seneca Creek and North Fork River. For lake fishing, Spruce Knob Lake is about a 50 minute drive from the Barn.
Skiing / Mountain Biking
Canaan Valley is home to wetlands, the Blackwater River, and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and has been designated a National Natural Landmark. In the summer it is a great escape for mountain bikers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. In the winter it really stands out as one of West Virginia's prime ski locations. Downhill, cross country, and backcountry skiing abound. Whitegrass Ski Touring Center offers cross country ski & snowshoe rentals, as well as lessons and many interesting events throughout the year. Timberline Mountain and Canaan Valley Ski Resort both offer downhill skiing, as well as a sled run at Canaan Valley Ski Resort. Canaan Valley is a 25 minute drive from the Barn.
Shopping & Restaurants
Seneca Rocks has a limited choice of restaurants. Yokum's Grill is located in Yokum's Store right in Seneca Rocks. Yokum's Store sells basic groceries, supplies and souvenirs. The Gateway Restaurant is about 12 miles south of town, at the base of Spruce Knob. For more options, the towns of Davis and Thomas are 2 quaint little towns located about 45 minutes from the Barn. They offer a variety of shops, restaurants, galleries, and breweries. A highlight is the Purple Fiddle, located in Thomas, which has live music several nights a week. Davis and Thomas can easily be combined with a trip to Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, and/or the Dolly Sods.