FAQs
Where is the nearest medical facility?
What are my shopping and dining options?
No cell phone service?
Due to its location near the Green Bank radio observatory, Seneca Rocks is in the Radio Quiet Zone and there is no cell phone service in and around Seneca Rocks and and you cannot rely on GPS devices for navigation. Registrants are advised to print out directions and maps to follow to navigate to the area.
Be advised that there are limited payphones and they tend to be unreliable. Driving about 20 minutes north on Rt. 28 to Smoke Hole Caverns Hotel will get you to a cell phone service area. Depending on your provider you may also obtain cell service if you drive 20 minutes east on Rt. 33 to North Fork Baptist Church.
In the case of emergencies at home, participants can leave the telephone number of The Gendarme Climbing Store, (304) 567-2600, with friends or family members and phone messages will be collected and posted for climbers.
Are there any ATMs?
There is an ATM in town, but it has been known to "run dry" on busy weekends. Credit cards are accepted at local stores and restaurants but purchases made at the Seneca Women's Climbing Summit will need to be made in cash or with a check. Beverages, ice, provisions, and camping equipment are available from two general stores in town. The Gendarme Climbing Store offers a wide selection of climbing apparel, shoes, and gear.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Subscription Wi-Fi service can be purchased from Harper’s Store and free Wi-Fi is available from Seneca Rocks Climbing School. (You will need to ask for the password.)
Where is the nearest medical facility?
Local climbing guides act as first responders to emergencies on the mountain and monitor the 911 channel on walkie-talkies. In the case of medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is approximately 25 minutes away.
Grant Memorial Hospital
117 Hospital Dr
Petersburg, WV 26847
(304) 257-1026
What are my shopping and dining options?
The Gendarme Climbing Store offers a wide selection of climbing gear and and clothing.
Harper's and Yokum's are the two general stores in town. Harper's has a wide selection of T-shirts and souveniers. Yokum's carries more grocery items and has a small deli in the rear. The Macksville Mart has a deli counter that serves breakfast and lunch. Yokum's Motel also has a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
10 Miles down US-33W (15 min drive), you can enjoy a sit down meal at the Gateway Restaurant. They are only open Monday - Saturday. Closed on Sundays. Call ahead 304-567-2810 to check business hours.
Both Harper's and the Macksville Mart sell gasoline.
If you get off the mountain in time or prefer to use a flush toilet instead of a biffy before you head up the hill, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Discovery Center has a climbing exhibit, an observation platform, and a nice gift store. The climber's parking lot is located below the visitor center.
What should I bring?
For your convenience, we have provided a sample climbing and packing list.