Pendleton County: Appalachia’s best-kept adventure secret

Courtesy of Pendleton County CVB

Pendleton County isn’t about crowded parks or polished tourist spots. It’s rugged, raw and made for hikers, climbers, backpackers and anyone who wants to get outside.

With just 6,000 residents spread across 700 square miles, it’s a tight-knit, backwoods community that feels like a true slice of Appalachia.

Annie Humes, executive director of the Pendleton County Convention & Visitors Bureau, describes the county as having “an almost classic pioneer spirit. There's a personality here… it’s very close-knit,” reflecting a community where people know each other and newcomers are welcomed.

“The largest difference between the highest point and lowest point in the West Virginia Appalachian range."

The county stands out for its dramatic geography. Humes points out that Pendleton has “the largest difference between the highest point and lowest point” in the West Virginia Appalachian range, creating deep valleys and high ridges that attract adventurers seeking serious outdoor challenges.

There are a few must-see spots for visitors. Spruce Knob, the highest mountain in West Virginia, sits within the Spruce Knobs-Seneca Rocks Recreation Area inside the Monongahela National Forest. A lookout tower at the summit offers sweeping vistas, making it a natural destination for hikers and photographers.

Courtesy of Pendleton County CVB

“Seneca Rocks is the premier East Coast climbing location. You have people who are based on the East Coast and are world-class rock climbers. Seneca Rocks is where they come if they can only get away for a day or a weekend.”

Seneca Rocks is another highlight. Humes explains, “Seneca Rocks is the premier East Coast climbing location. You have people who are based on the East Coast and are world-class rock climbers. Seneca Rocks is where they come if they can only get away for a day or a weekend.” Guided climbing options at the base also make it accessible for beginners.

Nearby Nelson Rocks features NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, which offers zipline canopy tours, Via Ferrata routes, hiking and a wooden cable bridge between two rock formations. Humes says it’s “a spectacular place” and mentions that lodges are available for those who want to stay overnight.

For backpackers, Pendleton County is home to one end of the North Fork Mountain Trail. The 26-mile trail is mountain-bike friendly and can also be completed as a two-day backpacking trip.

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Fishing is another major draw. The county includes the headwaters of the Potomac River and offers excellent trout fishing, especially in spring and fall. Humes adds that the town of Franklin hosts the annual West Virginia Trout Fest, celebrating the area’s fishing heritage.

For scenic drives, Humes recommends Snowy Mountain Road, a backroad that winds along lower ridges leading up to Spruce Knob. She says it features “beautiful rock formations and farmland all the way along” and is one of her personal favorites.

Courtesy of Pendleton County CVB

Pack your gear, hit the trail and enjoy it. Pendleton isn’t going anywhere.

To plan your trip to Pendleton County, WV visit, https://www.pendletoncountywv.com/ or click their logo below.