Avoid Seneca Rocks' Crowds At Its Secret Nearby Sister Called One Of WV's Most Beautiful Places

With its forested slopes and dramatic stone blades, Seneca Rocks is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in West Virginia. Climbers from all over the world journey to the Mountain State to climb these vertical cliffs and balance on their narrow summits. If you're not a diehard alpinist, you can also hike a 1.3-mile trail to the top, where the views of the surrounding valley and forest will make you feel like you're on top of the world.

There's only one downside to Seneca Rocks: Too many people know about it. A warm summer day can bring crowds of scruffy outdoorspeople, who all want to climb, hike, and slack-line along those famous rock faces. Even the observation deck can get mobbed, ruining any hopes of an epic selfie.

Seneca Rocks is still — and always will be — worth a visit, but if you don't feel like competing with other climbers for graspable fissures and belay lines, consider a visit to NROCKS (formerly known as Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center). This private adventure park in the town of Circleville is designed for all kinds of visitors, and the rock fins (narrow, wall-like rock formations) look strikingly similar to Seneca Rocks, which stand only 13 miles down the road. This region makes a perfect stop on a picturesque West Virginia road trip.

NROCKS hosts many outdoor activities on its grounds, but its most famous attraction is the "Via Ferrata," which has a broader meaning. A via ferrata is a network of rungs and cables that guides visitors up a sheer rock face. The name translates as "iron path," and these protected routes are designed for people who want to ascend a mountain without technical skills or years of practice. Europeans innovated similar systems in the 19th century, and soldiers perfected the via ferrata during World War I. The infrastructure is fastened firmly to the rock, and a first-timer in decent shape can confidently grasp onto the metal bars as they scramble to the top. Participants use carabiners to clip themselves in, so there is no risk of falling. At NROCKS, the only requirements are that you are at least 13 years old and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds.

If you've already cut your teeth on actual rock climbing, the Via Ferrata may underwhelm you — which is why NROCKS also hosts classes in top rope climbing. Here, rookies can hone their climbing and belaying skills, feeling around for handholds and solving "problems" in an encouraging environment. Seasoned instructors will guide you through the equipment and techniques for safe ascents and descents. Once you've mastered the basics, you can practice your skills on almost any rock face in the world.

One of the best parts about this region is that it's far from any major city. Seneca Rocks is a three-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and it's almost the exact same distance from Charleston, the capital of West Virginia. That makes NROCKS a great getaway for quiet reflection and midnight stargazing, but it probably means staying the night as well. Not surprisingly, NROCKS offers several options for lodging, including tent sites, motel-style guest rooms that fit up to four people, and the Yellow House Inn, a three-bedroom ranch house. If you're looking for something both rustic and comfortable, NROCKS also boasts several well-appointed log cabins. Reserve ahead, and you can avoid having to find an open spot at Seneca Rocks' pleasant-yet-busy campgrounds.

If you're just passing through on a day trip and can't spare enough time to climb mountains, you could instead soar through the trees on NROCKS' zip-line course. The North Fork Valley Canopy Tour will take you down 12 steel cables, the longest measuring 680 feet. Tromp across three "sky bridges," observe the forest from heights up to 80 feet, and rappel down a 40-foot rope. If you've never done this before, welcome to a high-flying new pastime: Here are 15 of the best places in the world to go zip lining.