Caudy's Castle

Caudy's Castle is a sandstone rock formation near Forks of Cacapon that rises roughly 400 feet above the Cacapon River valley floor. The white Oriskany sandstone displays tan coloring from iron mineral deposits accumulated over millions of years of geological time.

The formation is tied to a pioneer named James Caudy who fortified himself there during armed conflict in the region during the 1700s. This event connects to the broader struggles over land control during the early colonial expansion period in the upper Potomac region.

The formation stands as a physical record of early American settlement conflicts, marking the interactions between pioneers and indigenous populations in West Virginia.

Visitors can reach the top by following a winding trail that starts at the western base of the rock formation. The hike can be steep and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear and some physical effort are recommended for the experience.

The extremely narrow ridge sections force visitors to climb in single file along precarious passages near the top of the formation. These tight spaces once gave a small group an advantage against much larger numbers of attackers in past conflicts.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 39.38180,-78.42890

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21