Tri-County Brochure - Pendleton County West Virginia

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www.visitpendleton.com
A Picturesque Get Away
A camera will be the first thing you pack! Home to
Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, and
some of the most rugged mountain terrain to be found
on the East Coast, Pendleton County is a picturesque get
away that exemplifies the slogan “West Virginia, Wild and
Wonderful.” With two national forests, the Monongahela
and the George Washington, occupying a significant
portion of Pendleton County real estate, we offer some
of the best hunting and fishing in the Eastern U.S.
If hiking and rock climbing appeal to you, we have it.
Visitors will enjoy experiencing Seneca Rocks or the Via
Ferrata at Nelson Rocks. For those whose quest for
adventure is not quite so physically demanding,
Pendleton has a softer side.
Look inside to plan your next vacation!
Attractions & Recreation.................................. 4
Walking & Driving Tours ................................ 5
Experience Pendleton County Outdoors
Rock Climbing ........................................ 6
Mountain Biking ..................................... 8
Fishing & Hunting .................................. 9
On the Cover
Seneca Rocks: © Amberlee Christey Photography
Fisher Mountain Golf Club: Courtesy of G. Lyon
Pendleton County, WV
Rich in Histor y & Hospitality
From Native American history at the National Forest
Discovery Center to Harper’s Old Country Store at
Seneca Rocks to the charming architecture of the town of
Franklin, Pendleton County beckons the history lover in
us all.
Our heritage is rooted deep within the ridges and valleys of
our county. In 1758, a band of Shawnee Indians attacked
and burned Fort Seybert. After leaving the fort, the
Indians, along with their prisoners, went northward across
the mountain into Greenawalt Gap. From there, they
journeyed through Germany Valley, Seneca, and on to
their destination in the Ohio River Valley.
These same valleys tell the story of men who gave their
services, and many of them their lives, to the Confederacy
and Union during the Civil War. These accounts of history
are kept alive through events such as the Treasure
Mountain Festival and through stories that are passed
down throughout the generations.
Map ................................................................. 10
National Recreation Areas ................................. 12
Local Directory ............................................... 13
Visitor Centers ................................................... 15
Photo: © Gregory Grant Photography
www.visitpendleton.com Attractions & Recreation
The Highlands Golf Club at Fisher Mountain ... Work
on your game during your stay in Pendleton County. The
Highlands Golf Club at Fisher Mountain is an 18-hole
course surrounded by tall pines, narrow fairways and
unique greens with tiered landings. The signature hole, a
par 4 number 10, presents not only an island green but
also offers a breathtaking view of the entire valley. Visit
www.highlandsgolfwv.com for more information.
SpringFest - 1st Weekend in May
Ahh... Springtime in Pendleton
County! Celebrate the spring season
in Pendleton. Visitors enjoy a trout
rodeo, boxcar derby, music, great
food, an antique car show, and more!
Visit www.visitpendleton.com for
details.
Treasure Mountain Festival - 3rd Weekend in September
Each year, during the third weekend in September,
Pendleton County’s rural enclave pops to life and more
than 20,000 visitors trek in to the county to celebrate the
Treasure Mountain Festival. The festival includes treasures
for everyone to enjoy: a reenactment of
the burning of the Fort at Fort
Seybert, a grand parade, crafters and
food vendors and a Saturday night
concert featuring rock and country
music. Visit www.treasuremountain
festival.com for details.
Pendleton County, WV
Fisher Mountain Golf Club:
Courtesy of G. Lyon
Escape Underground
Seneca Caverns has been open to visitors since 1928, and
offers spectacular natural formations of flowstone and
calcite crystal. Outside the caverns, kids love to mine for
gemstones. Also on the property is The Stratosphere Cave,
which is open to guests 13 years and older as an undeveloped cave. Both of the caverns feature unique geological
formations that are visually stunning. For more
information on guided tours, visit www.senecacaverns.com.
Walking & Driving Tours
Stroll Down the Streets of Franklin ... In 1985, a portion
of the town of Franklin was designated a Historic District
by the National Park Service and placed on the National
Register of Historic Places. The town has a significant
collection of 19th Century architecture for history-lovers
to explore. Or, Drive the Country Roads ... Travel Pendleton County’s roads and learn about the heritage of the
surrounding countryside. A driving tour CD is available
for purchase. These tours will take you off the beaten path
to explore quaint rural towns while stopping at markers to
listen to stories that tell of years gone by.
Walking brochures, driving brochures, and the driving tour
CD are available at the Chamber of Commerce, and online
Photos Courtesy of
at www.visitpendleton.com.
Mike Mallow and Seneca Caverns
www.visitpendleton.com Ascend to the Top
Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center
The beautiful North Fork Valley in Pendleton County,
West Virginia is home to the Nelson Rocks Outdoor
Center (NROC), a one of a kind adventure-tourism resort
featuring two towering fins of rock sprouting from the
mountain. The 150 acres encompasses two adventure
activities: the Via Ferrata guided climbing route and the
North Fork Valley zipline Canopy Tour. Reservations are
required for both.
The Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center also offers several
lodging options to fit a variety of needs and budgets, as
well as their Welcome Center equipped with wireless
internet, food service, and a lounge for overnight
guests. Perfect for individuals and groups of all types. The
Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center – your home for West
Virginia adventures!
Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center
www.NelsonRocksOutdoorCenter.com
(877) 435-4842
Local Climbing Resources:
Gendarme Climbing Shop
800-548-0108
info@climbseneca.com
Seneca Rocks Climbing School
304-567-2600
www.climbseneca.com
Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides
304-567-2115
www.senecarocks.com
Pendleton County, WV
Pictured (Left):
Suspended bridge at
Nelson Rocks
of the Mountain State
Seneca Rocks
The pinnacle showcase of the Spruce Knob-Seneca
Rocks National Recreation Area is the world
renowned Seneca Rocks, over 900 feet of craggy
Tuscarora sandstone that has awed climbers and sightseers through the centuries. Early Native Americans
must have used the rocks as a milepost on hunting
and war expeditions over the Seneca Trail. The legend
of Princess Snowbird, who challenged suitors to climb
the rocks for her hand in marriage, was born and still
lives here.
Towering above the North Fork of the South Branch
of the Potomac River and the new Seneca Rocks
Visitor’s Center, the rocks beckon climbers of all
abilities from around the world. Beginners and
intermediates can receive climbing lessons from two
accredited schools located just below the Rocks.
According to a 1996 archaeological survey at the
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, native people built
two permanent, self-sustaining villages at the base
of the rocks long before the Europeans arrived to
the continent (around 1100 and 900 years ago). An
exhibit at the Center details this extraordinary find.
In the late 1870s, national attention was brought to
the “Cliffs of Seneca” in articles and illustrations of
David Hunter Strother who wrote a 10-part series
entitled “The Mountains” for Harper’s New Monthly
Magazine.
The Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation
Area was created in 1965 by an act of Congress and is
today a popular recreation destination and an iconic
image of the state of West Virginia.
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
1-304-567-2827
www.visitpendleton.com © David Cockerham / Mirror Slap Photography
Mountain Biking & Hiking
The Pendleton County mountain biking or hiking
adventure means more than 185 miles of trails,
ranging from pavement to forest road to off-road single
and double tracks. Miles of forest trails are maintained by
the National Forests.
Outside Magazine named Pendleton County’s North
Fork Mountain Trail, the best trail in West Virginia. This
ridge-top trail offers magnificent views of Germany Valley,
Seneca Rocks and the North Fork of the South Branch
of the Potomac. Backpacker Magazine stated that the trail
contains some of “the best mountain scenery in the East.”
Mountain Biking in Pendleton is an elevation ride, with
heights ranging from 4,861 feet to 1,600 feet above sea
level. Visit www.visitpendleton.com for more information
on biking and hiking in Pendleton County.
Check out the map on page 10 to locate
the following points of interest:
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George Washington National Forest
Monongahela National Forest
Seneca Recreation Area
Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks Recreation Area
Smoke Hole Recreation Area
Brandywine Lake Recreation Area
Camp Run Camping
Spruce Knob
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Caverns
West Side Shooting Range
North Fork Trail
Reeds Creek Fish Hatchery
Town of Franklin
Town of Seneca Rocks
Spruce Knob Recreation Area
Nelson Rocks Preserve
The Highlands Golf Club at Fisher Mountain
Pendleton County, WV
Gone Fishin’
Pendleton County is known for the best fishing in the
state. Three streams: the South Fork and North Fork of
the South Branch, and the South Branch of the Potomac
teem with trout, some stocked year-round from the
nearby Reeds Creek Trout Hatchery. In summer months,
channel, small and large mouth bass, fall fish, catfish, and
blue gill round out the catch.
A three-quarter mile “Fish for Fun” catch-and-release
section at the mouth of Seneca Creek, just below Seneca
Rocks, delights young anglers. Excellent lake fishing can
be found at Brushy Fork Dam, Brandywine Dam, and
Spruce Knob Lake. The Smoke Hole area, known locally
as the Smoke Holes, is popular with anglers seeking trout
and small mouth bass. It is stocked with rainbow and
golden trout from January through June and again in
October. Special catch-and-release restrictions apply
between Eagle Rock and Kimble Cabins.
Take to the Woods
Hunters bring in record numbers of whitetail deer every
year. Open seasons include black bear, wild turkey and
other small game. Over 180,000 acres of National Forest
Wildlife Management areas are open to hunting and
fishing in season. Hunting & Fishing Licenses can be
purchased at the Pendleton County Courthouse, online at
www.wvdnr.gov, and many other locations throughout the
county. An up-to-date list of licensing and game checking
stations is available at www.wvdnr.gov
© Gregory Grant Photography
www.visitpendleton.com Map
Out
Your
Visit
To Harman
Randolph County, WV
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Onego
Seneca
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Macksville
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Seneca Caverns
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Riverton
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Circleville
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33
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Cherry
Grove
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220
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22
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Germany Valley
Overlook
Highest Point
in WV
28
10
To Durbin
Pocahontas County, WV
5
8
Judy
Gap
Spruce Knob
104
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9
5
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ac
Riv
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25
Moatstown
ut
hB
So
220
20
Moyers
ra
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To Blue Grass
Highland County, VA
To Monterey
Highland County, VA
20
23
21
To Doe Hill
Highland County, VA
To Head
Highland
10 Pendleton County, WV
To Petersburg
Grant County, WV
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r
28
Po
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Ri
To Cabins
Grant County, WV
Big Bend
Rec. Area
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Br
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3
To Petersburg
Grant County, WV
220
2
a Rocks
To Petersburg
Grant County, WV
Brushy Run
220
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220
3
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WVDNR
Fish Hatchery
Deer Run
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Ruddle
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Fort Seybert
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Camp Run
Rec. Area
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33
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To Moorefield
Hardy County, WV
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Upper
Tract
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Oak Flat
Franklin
Brandywine
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33
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Thorn Spring Park
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Sugar
Grove
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To Harrisonburg
Rockingham County, VA
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Brandywine Lake
Recreation Area
25
Legend
33
U.S. Route
25
Primary County Route
Secondary County Route
25
9
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Forest Service Road
River
30
dwaters
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www.visitpendleton.com 11
Photo Courtesy of G. Lyon
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest extends into the
western half of the county, covering nearly 81,000 acres.
This forest is home to the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks
National Recreation Area. This popular outdoor
recreation destination is home of the legendary Seneca
Rocks, a challenge to even the best rock climber, and
Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. Fishing,
kayaking, canoeing, hiking and inner tubing during the
lazy days of summer are leisure-time activities at nearby
Smoke Hole Recreation Area.
George Washington National Forest
These forest lands cover nearly 48,000 acres of the eastern
part of the county. Brandywine Lake Recreation Area
features a 10-acre lake great for swimming, fishing,
camping and picnicking. Swimmers love the sandy beach.
Stocked trout are here for the taking, and fishermen are
welcome to take non-motorized boats into the lake. A
hard surface trail allows the physically handicapped to
access a fishing pier.
George Washington National Forest:
Brandywine Recreation Area
North River Ranger Station (866) 904-0240
Monongahela National Forest:
Spruce Knob/Seneca Rocks Recreation Area
Cheat-Potomac Ranger Station (304) 257-4488
Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (304) 567-2827
12 Pendleton County, WV
Local Directory
Where to Stay
Appalachian Cabins: Seneca Rocks (304) 567-7070
Brandywine Motel: Brandywine (304) 249-5136
County Line Farms Guest House: Seneca Rocks
(304) 227-4455
Franklin Inn: Franklin (304) 358-2118
Germany Valley Overlook Cabins: Seneca Rocks
(800) 481-5680
Hickory Hill Cabins: Franklin (304) 668-4487
Hideaway Cabin Rentals: Upper Tract (304) 358-7861
Lone Pine Lodging: Brandywine
(304) 249-5600 / (304) 249-5700
Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center: Seneca Rocks
(877) 435-4842
Shaw House B&B: Franklin
(304) 358-3580
The Silver Maple Hubbard Inn: Franklin
(304) 902-9007
The Star Hotel & Restaurant: Franklin
(304) 358-3580
Thompson’s Motel: Franklin
(304) 358-2331
Victorian Inn: Franklin
(304) 358-3580
Yokum’s Vacationland Motel and Cabins: Seneca Rocks
(304) 567-2351 / (800) 772-8342
Is Camping More your Style?
Big Bend Camping Area: Upper Tract (304) 358-3253
Brandywine Recreation Area Campground:
Brandywine (866) 904-0240
Camping at the Grove: Cherry Grove (304) 434-3056
Camp Run Camping Area: Fort Seybert (866) 904-0240
Cave Country Camping Area: Franklin (304) 358-7553
River Rock Hideaway: Circleville (304) 567-7625
Seneca Rocks RV Resort: Seneca Rocks (304)567-3322
Seneca Shadows Campground: Seneca Rocks (877) 444-6777
Thorn Spring Park: Franklin (304) 358-7737
Yokum’s Vacationland Campground:
Seneca Rocks (304) 567-2351
www.visitpendleton.com 13
Local Directory
Where to Eat
Asbury’s Family Restaurant
at Seneca Caverns
Riverton
(800) 239-7647 or
(304) 567-2691
D&K Dairy Bar
Cherry Grove
(304) 567-3113
Fireside Café
Franklin
(304) 358-3733
Fox’s Pizza Den
Franklin
(304) 358-2118
Fox’s Pizza Den
Brandywine
(304) 249-5136
Front Porch Restaurant
Seneca Rocks
(304) 567-2555
The Gateway Restaurant
Riverton
(304) 567-2810
The Highlands Golf Club
Franklin
(304) 358-2261
The Korner Shop Café
Franklin
(304) 358-2979
Main Street Grille
Franklin
(304) 358-3572
Moe Fatz, One Cool Cone
Franklin
(304) 358-3399
Potomac Highlands
Snack Bar
Franklin
(304) 358-2010
Subway
Franklin
(304) 358-2002
The Star Restaurant
Franklin
(304) 358-3580
Yokum’s Vacationland
Restaurant
Seneca Rocks
(304) 567-2351
Fairs & Festivals
Spring Fest
First weekend of May
Pendleton County Fair
Third week of July
Treasure Mountain Festival
Third weekend of September
14 Pendleton County, WV
Photo: © Gregory Grant Photography
Pendleton County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
600 North Main Street / P.O. Box 737
Franklin, WV 26807
Phone: 304-358-3884
E-mail: pendletoncvb@visitpendleton.com
www.visitpendleton.com
Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation or
adventure, The Pendleton County Convention & Visitors
Bureau invites you to indulge in all that our county has to
offer.
The Convention & Visitors Bureau is conveniently located
at the corner of U.S. Rte. 220 and Rte. 33 in Franklin.
Make it one of your first stops on your way into town.
With so many things to do in Pendleton County, we want
to help you make the most of your stay.
The following brochures are available at the
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and online at
www.visitpendleton.com:
Civil War in Pendleton County
Explore our Backyard
Heritage Travels Driving Tour
Maps of Pendleton County
Walking Tour of Franklin
www.visitpendleton.com 15
Pendleton County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 737 • 600 North Main St.
Franklin, West Virginia 26807
www.visitpendleton.com
OH
64
KY
77
70
WV
79
64
33
Charleston 55
77
33
220
76
Pittsburgh
68
220
81
70
81
PA
DE
95
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Harrisburg
Winchester
MD
Washington DC
Richmond
95
66
Approximately 3-4
hours driving time
55
50
Strasburg
Harrisonburg
64
Pendleton
County
VA
NJ
Visit Pendleton