Champe Rocks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Champe Rocks |
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 Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Pendleton County, West Virginia, US |
| Nearest city | Seneca Rocks, West Virginia |
| Range | Appalachians |
| Coordinates | 38°53′29″N 79°18′42″W / 38.89139°N 79.31167°W |
| Climbing type | traditional and sport crag |
| Height | 330 feet |
| Ratings | Mixed leaning towards expert |
| Grades | I and II |
| Rock type | Tuscarora quartzite |
| Quantity of rock | Month's worth |
| Development | Developed |
| Cliff aspect | East and west |
| Season | Spring to fall |
| Ownership | National Forest (but most direct access is through private land) |
| Camping | None |
| Classic climbs | Psychotic Reaction (5.9), Fintasia (5.11+), Enchampement (5.11+) |
| Stars |   |
Champe Rocks are two large rock formations in Pendleton County, West Virginia. You can easily see them from West Virginia Route 28. These impressive rocks are part of the Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.
They are made of strong, white or gray Tuscarora quartzite. Along with the famous Seneca Rocks nearby, Champe Rocks are a popular challenge for rock climbers.
These rocks are part of a longer ridge called Champe Knobs. This ridge also includes other cool rock formations like Judy Rocks and Nelson Rocks. Champe Rocks stand tall at 2,257 feet above sea level.
The Story Behind Champe Rocks
Champe Rocks are named after a brave soldier named Sergeant Major John Champe. He lived from 1752 to 1798. During the American Revolutionary War, Champe became a secret agent.
His mission was to capture General Benedict Arnold, an American who had betrayed his country. George Washington himself chose Champe for this important task. Champe pretended to join the British side to get close to Arnold.
He almost succeeded in his mission. However, Arnold changed his plans at the last minute, and Champe's mission had to be called off. After the war, John Champe, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, settled near these rocks.
Visiting Champe Rocks
Champe Rocks are located within the Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. You can clearly see them from West Virginia Route 28. However, getting to the rocks directly can be tricky.
There is no public path from the road to the rocks. This means visitors would have to cross private land to reach them. Because of this, the rocks are not climbed very often.
