| Interpretive
programs are offered on weekends throughout the busy season (Memorial
Day through Labor Day). Traditional Appalachian crafters and artisans
are on hand demonstrating their techniques, most Saturdays from
10 AM to 4 PM. Time-honored music of the West Virginia Mountains
is offered at 1 and 3 PM on Saturdays. Special living history events,
such as civil war reenactments, frontier living history, flint knapping
and blacksmithing is offered during the summer. For a complete listing
of monthly scheduled events, special programs, or presentations,
please contact the Discovery Center. |
 |
| Within
walking distance, of the Discovery Center, is the Sites
Homestead. The home was originally constructed as a single-pin,
log home in 1839 by Jacob Sites. In the 1860's additions were added
by Jacob's son William. Jacob Sites moved into the North Fork of
the Potomac Valley during the 1830's. Exterior renovations to the
Homestead were completed in May of 1990, using locally available
materials and skilled craftsmen. Tours of the home are available
on Saturdays, during the summer season, and weekdays by special
request at the information desk. Visitors are welcome to tour the
grounds of the Homestead and heirloom gardens at any time during
the regular day-use hours.
Nearby attractions,
such as Seneca
Creek Backcountry or Spruce
Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, offer excellent
opportunities for hiking, backpacking, or site seeing. Smoke Hole
and Seneca, two commercial caverns, located nearby, offer tours
to the public daily. Tours are also available at the National
Radio Astronomy Observatory, located 45 miles to southeast at
Greenbank.
Within a short commute are three state parks, Cass
Scenic Railroad, 55 miles, Blackwater
Falls, 32 miles, and Canaan
Valley, which is only 24 miles away.
Camping is available at commercial
campgrounds to the north of the rocks along State Route 28. Seneca
Shadows, a National Forest
campground, is one mile south of the visitor center on U.S. Route
33. Campsites, trailer sites with electronic hook-ups, walk-in
tent areas, group campsites and warm showers are available. Camping
is prohibited within the visitor center and picnic
area grounds.
Picnicking is very popular and there
are many tables and barbecue grills located near the river at
the Seneca
Rocks Picnic Area. Restroom facilities are available all year.
"Catch and release" is the only
type of fishing allowed near the visitor center for a 3/4 mile
section. All fish must be returned to the water and only artificial
lures may be used. Possession of bait is illegal. The area is
patrolled by West Virginia Conservation Officers. Special area
regulations may be found in the West Virginia fishing regulations
brochure is available at the Discovery Center.
The Discovery Center is closed for the 2008 Season. The Center will open Spring 2009.
For more information please contact
the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center at (304) 567-2827 or the Cheat
Potomac Ranger District at (304) 257-4488.
|
