When you hear the words “wild and wonderful” used, as they often are, to describe West Virginia, does anything specific come to mind? Is it the mountains that are wild and wonderful? The rivers? The people? To all of these, we say, “Yes!” And we would add some of West Virginia’s other natural wonders to the list as well, including the many impressive rock formations scattered throughout the state.
Towering over the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River are two razor-thin cliffs that run in parallel along a mountain slope like a giant, protruding backbone.
These two cliffs are known as the Champe Rocks, and while they aren't nearly as well known as the nearby Seneca Rocks or even the N Rocks, they are formed of the same white/gray Tuscarora quartzite.
Located in Pendleton County within the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, these crags are easily visible from West Virginia Route 28. They are rarely climbed, however, as there is no public access to them from the nearest road.
There's even more to the story than just beauty or potential for adventure for these two giant cliffs, though. They also come with their own unique historical association.
The Champe Rocks are named for John Champe, an infamous double agent in the Revolutionary War who, after his service, lived for a while in their shadow and later died at Prickett's Fort near Fairmont.
Champe is best known for his daring plan to capture Benedict Arnold while posing as a soldier in the British army. His true loyalty, however, was to the Americans, and his plan was approved by General George Washington himself. It was abandoned when Champe's unit was relocated and he lost daily access to Arnold.
Were you aware of the story of this Revolutionary War double agent or his association with West Virginia? The state history is just one more reason "Wild and Wonderful" is such an apt nickname for West Virginia!
Have you seen the Champe Rocks on your travels through West Virginia? If you’re not familiar with these cliffs, you can find their location on Google Maps here. And did you know that the nearby Seneca Rocks also has a fascinating backstory?
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