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Seneca Rocks - summer months climbing

Original Post
Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

I'm planning a trip to Seneca Rocks. I just ordered the guide book, but I'm wondering a few things...

Is it too hot to comfortably climb there in the hotter Summer months of June, July, or August? Or does the elevation offset the hot temperatures making it comfortable? Perhaps one side or the other of the mountain stays out of direct sun for half the day if we end up climbing in hot weather? Thanks in advance.

Air Alexy · · Washington, DC · Joined May 2010 · Points: 30

It will be hot and sticky. However, if you follow the shade, and try to avoid climbing during the hottest hours of the day, you can still have a pleasant time. I like to get up early, climb on the west face for 3-4 hours, then take a siesta and/or a frolic in the ol' swimming hole in the river. Then you can hit up the east face in the afternoon for a few hours and be down in time to get pizza on the front porch while watching all of the n00bs from Pittsburgh rappel with their headlamps on. Seneca is magical.

McHull · · Catoctin Mt · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 260
It's Hot

FWIW, I'm not from Pittsburgh..
just a noob with a headlamp
Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Elevation doesn't come into play til 3500-4000 feet or so. I used to leave Snoeshoe and by the time we hit Petersburg the temperature went up from 75-80 to 90-95.

Chris Rice · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 55

As said earlier Seneca runs North South - so you climb mostly on East or West facing climbs. So chasing the shade is easy enough - will it be hot - of course it will, it's summer time. Will you have a great time anyway - of course you will.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

Thank you people for all of your feedback and comments. I have another question...

I'm looking at camping at the Seneca Shadows campground. My understanding is that the campground is in walking distance of the approach trail head. And that some of the camp sights are labeled "WALK TO". Is one of these the camping sight area I want to reserve to be closest to the approach trail head to lessen the walking distance?

Thanks!

McHull · · Catoctin Mt · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 260

They are the closest to approach trail, but it means there's no parking directly at the campsite.

you have to walk to the site.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

Thank you folks! That is exactly the information I was looking for. Have a wonderful day.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

One more question...

What sort of things in the area might you recommend to do on a rest day?

Matt Carroll · · Van · Joined Dec 2013 · Points: 249

Mountain biking in the surrounding area is pretty good, people swim at the local swimming hole, there is hiking (on the ridge looking east), go to dolly sods wilderness and backpack or trail run, fishing probably?, caving in Franklin is allegidly really good too if that's your thing.

Don MacKenzie · · Seattle, WA · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 25

I've climbed at Seneca every month of the year. In the winter, you follow the sun. In the summer, you follow the shade. Alexy is right: it's magical any time of the year. Have fun.

amarius · · Nowhere, OK · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 20

Back from spending a weekend at Seneca.
As off 2016/04/20 Harper's pizza is not available - issues with water supply.

Gateway restaurant, simple but good, is ~15 minutes away
They have Subway a few minutes WALK from Harper's.

One of the days, you must go to the Purple Fiddle, ~50 minute drive. Food is good, and you can enjoy live music and beer.
Hellbenders is also a must visit.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

Thanks for the additional information. What if you we wanted a little urban outing, like catch a movie or something? What's the closest town for that?

Ti ck · · souf yeast · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 1,760
anotherclimber wrote:Thanks for the additional information. What if you we wanted a little urban outing, like catch a movie or something? What's the closest town for that?
go somewhere other than senica....
Mark Thesing · · Central Indiana · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 60
anotherclimber wrote:Thanks for the additional information. What if you we wanted a little urban outing, like catch a movie or something? What's the closest town for that?
I'd head for Elkins. It's about 45 minutes away.
Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0

Thank you Mark, much appreciated.

Ben LaRiviere · · Salt Lake City · Joined Jul 2013 · Points: 5

I'm looking to climb a seneca in towards the end of july (july 2oth or so) I do not have a partner so let me you if you would like to trade belays.

Anonymous · · Unknown Hometown · Joined unknown · Points: 0
benlariv wrote:I'm looking to climb a seneca in towards the end of july (july 2oth or so) I do not have a partner so let me you if you would like to trade belays.
We've already been and gone. It was fun. Hope you find someone to climb with.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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