The major cliffs of eastern West Virginia, which include Seneca, Champe, and Nelson Rocks, differ significantly from other eastern climbing areas. The rock is similar to the quartzite found in the Shawangunks of New York state, Pennslyvania, and Maryland. In the Seneca area, the rock was subject to tremendous geological forces that literally titlted the entire strata on end. Seneca is a jagged group of towering fins whose South End resembles a fantastic cathedral with its many arches and buttresses. If you like climbing dead vertical rock you'll love Seneca.
Routes vary from one to four pitches, depending on the location.
Almost all routes tend to be strenuous regradless of the length. Some climbs follow obvious lines while others wander up blank looking, vertical faces. Despite the steepness of the rock many moderate routes exist, due in part to the presence of larger cracks and holds. The public perception that the climbing community abuses the environment is the most important issue facing the sport today. Climbers must act in a responsible manner to maintain climbing privaleges on public property and must be proactive in promoting the truth concerning the sport's true environmental impact.