Castle Rock

Castle Rock is a prominent natural landmark in Pineville, West Virginia, beside the Pineville Public Library. Rising about 200 feet above Rockcastle Creek, it was named for its castle-like appearance and was known to early explorers simply as the castle. Its broad base and narrower shale upper section give it an unusual profile, created as rock layers laid down about 200 million years ago were shaped by erosion over time. Ladders once let people reach the top, but they were removed in 1911 after Virgil Senter fell to his death. Later, steps and handrails were added to provide access to the terrace.

Pineville, West Virginia · United States