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PrintRock Climbing at Seneca Rocks
Hit the rocks! West Virginia has some of the best vertical walls of Tuscarora quartzite in the country. Enroll in rock climbing classes and learn to master the mountains.
Do you want to feel empowered? Build confidence? Gain a deeper awareness of mind and body? Live in the moment? Then grab a girlfriend and hit the rocks—and not Thelma and Louise-style. West Virginia is blessed with some of the best vertical walls of Tuscarora quartzite in the country. Take advantage of this gift and learn to master the mountains by enrolling in rock climbing classes. Once you complete the training, there won’t be a mountain you can’t climb—literally and figuratively.
The majestic Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County is the most famous rock outcropping in our state. Seneca Rocks Climbing School, one of the oldest schools on the East Coast, offers great courses for beginners and seasoned pros. Their classes are conducted entirely outdoors and all equipment is provided. The comprehensive basic course is perfect for the beginner. You’ll learn basic knots, equipment, rappelling techniques, and anchors. Intermediate and leading courses are popular for those looking to develop new skills.
Seneca Rocks Climbing School offers a Women’s Climbing Weekend that brings gals—28 to 60 plus year olds—together from around the country to improve on technique. Mind you, rock climbing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s physically and mentally challenging but the rewards are amazing. Christy Grimsley of Washington, D.C., recently attended the Women’s Weekend. She explains the appeal of climbing. “Climbing is the only place in my life where I’m 100 percent in the moment. When I’m climbing I’m completely where I am. I have a unique focus. Everything else falls away. When you climb, your mind can’t wander. You have to be present.”
Another attendee, Paige Chicklo of Richmond, Virginia, says, “Climbing is like crack. Once you do it, you can’t stop. Once you know you can do it, you don’t want to stop.”
The New River Gorge is also a favorite rock-climbing destination. Check out New River Mountain Guides—another climbing school that offers courses specific to women taught by female guides. Their private sessions are tailored to the individual’s ability level so you won’t feel pressured to keep up with others.
“I think the advantage of a women’s-only course is that it makes a challenging situation easier to approach,” says Diane Kearns, Seneca Rocks Climbing School owner and instructor. “I think women generally approach the sport from a different perspective than men. Competition seems less of a factor with women, the camaraderie probably has a greater emphasis, and the self dependence and fear conquering that climbing breeds is probably a greater draw.”
New River Mountain Guides
Suitable for first-timers who want to check out climbing in a safe and responsible manner. No experience necessary, great for families, corporate retreats, youth groups, etc.
$120 for 1 person
$80 per person for 2–8 people
Group rates and discounts available for additional days. Please call for pricing.
One Full Day
$225 for 1 person
$150 per person for 2–8 people
Group rates and discounts available for additional days. Please call for pricing.
Two Full Days
$425 for 1 person
Group rates and discounts available for additional days. Please call for pricing.
Seneca Rocks Climbing School
Comprehensive Basic
$295 for 2 days, $395 for 3 days
Class Size
Minimum 1–Maximum 3
per instructor
Bring a friend and get $90 off total fee, bring two friends and get $180 off total fee
Intermediate Course Cost $295 for 2 days, $395 for 3 days
Prerequisite: Prior multi pitch climbing experience is a huge plus. You should be comfortable and competent belaying, rappelling, seconding a lead climber (removing climbing protection), tying all forms of a figure-8 knot, water knot, and double fisherman’s knot.
800.548.0108
Seneca Rocks are Tuscarora sandstone, not limestone.