The overall trip for us took about 4.5 hours as one of the climbers had to downclimb at some point, which took some time. If you are intensely scared of heights, this might not be the best activity for you. Climbers each receive safety briefing, instruction, and equipment fitting on the ground before ascending the rock. For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves. NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. West Virginia has some of the most stunning landscapes of the Appalachians and has drawn tourists since the early days of the United States (The Greenbrier has been frequented by around half of the US presidents). Try our new Top Ropes program. When we clipped out and stepped back onto packed earth at the end of the course, we were basically on top of a small mountain. At the end of the bridge, another climb awaited. Our sister company, The Outdoor Learning Center specializes in both with groups of all shapes and sizes. Haha. There is no doubt about it. Okay, that looks like both crazy fun and just plain crazy. Beginners and experienced enthusiasts enjoy the Via Ferrata at NROCKS. OYMYO Oh yeah, I should tell you Im 77. We met our guide Bryan and two other couples who we'd be climbing with, and soon set off on a short hike to get to the beginning of the course. These interesting razorback formations were formed by rock being folded more than 250 million years ago as the Appalachian Mountains were just settling into being. But also there are a couple escape routes if you get up there and decide its too much for you. The highest part of the climb will be about 300 feet up on the air if you choose to climb to the top of the head wall, but the main route is about 200 feet off the ground. Overcome the fear of heights and climb the exciting Via Ferrata and see the West Virginia Appalachians at their finest. This post details what to expect from the Nelson Rocks via ferrata, where to stay near Nelson Rocks, and our experience climbing the NRocks klettersteig. Driving along US33 is a stunning drive as youll see many of these formations from the road. If you intend to take your DSLR, I recommend having a good strap attached to your DSLR to make it easier to take out of your bag. Most of us did not have good cell phone service at all in the area. This proposal is in absolute the most flexible and complete via ferrata trekking in the Dolomites! It felt reassuring to be firmly secured to the safety cable. The bridge was our favorite part of the climb, as my son had been waiting a year to get the chance to cross it. Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. We climbed up and to the left on the first fin, and then passed through a notch near the top of the rock. The staff at NROCKS tries their very best to accommodate walk ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. My harness held all the weight, allowing me to dangle, hands free, on the side of the mountain. The rock is the same Tuscarora Quartzite as Seneca and Champe Rocks located to the north. I'm in fairly decent shape cardio and muscle-wise (thanks, at-home HIIT workouts, and former-gymnast calves and thighs), and I knew I was well within the weight range required for the climbing gear. With via ferrata, you are responsible for yourself to ensure that you stay safe in many cases. I do remember almost 15 years ago, when i step into slippery point or spots then suddenly, i get knocked very hard in the head, and thanks God im wearing a helmet. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on a climbing adventure through the alpine terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Introductory Guide to Via Ferrata: What to know before your first via Sure it looks fun, but all that danger! The only real rule on a via ferrata like this is that you must always, always have at least one of your lanyards attached at all times. Specialties: NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, High Flying Adventure!! During the climb, visitors gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a large suspension bridge, and be rewarded with stunning views. British woman plunges 300ft to her death in front of husband during It is a nice change of pace that gives climbers a chance to leave their rope and rack in the car and climb nonstop for a couple of hours without stopping to belay. He can be reached on Instagram at aaronspray, Climbing on the NROCKS via ferrata in West Virginia, Planning A Visit To Nelson Rocks And Via Ferrata, The Greenbrier has been frequented by around half of the US presidents, then try out Colorado's new Via Feratta, which is perfect for those not afraid of heights, Travel In The Balkans: A Stunning Via Ferrata Launched In Kosovo And Promises To Take Your Breath Away, The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why. The guides are really great with helping you through the course! We climbed up the second fin, and then reached an optional extra climb. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (formerly Nelson Rocks Adventure Center) is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. We would absolutely love to try this experience. It blends a via ferrata route with zip lines, a 70-foot rappel and a 50-foot free fall. The Preserve is . One end was to remain fastened to our safety harness, while the other two clipped to the continuous steel cable that ran the entire length of the Via. This part was the most exhilarating and terrifying bit for me. Its best to make it so that only one person goes across the bridge at a time as a second person can make the bridge move a lot. Good thing, heights doesnt bother you. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. AVA built another hybrid via ferrata/adventure course just outside of Buena Vista that opened in summer 2018. For many years, this land was privately owned although it was opened to climbers in 1998 after being opened as part of the private Nelson Rocks Preserve. Yes. How to Get Here - nrocks.com They are especially common in the European Alps. (He really doesn't like heights, so I was pretty proud of him before we even left on our West Virginia road trip. Packages - nrocks.com I was tired by the end. Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. West Virginia State Police say Amanda Joy Crawford was climbing a via ferrata (iron way) at the Nelson Rocks Preserve in Pendleton County when she unhooked one of her lines to go around a tree, mis-stepped, and fell almost 150 feet. The headwall was the last big challenge of the day. Our guides were friendly experienced climbers who were able to instruct many of us in some rock climbing techniques that were helpful for more difficult sections. She was pronounced dead at the scene. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (formerly Nelson Rocks Adventure Center) is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. Look no further; weve got lodging that fits your style and budget including cabins, guest rooms, tent sites and a guest house! Im just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a normal life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. Check out the license plate sculptures I'm selling on Etsy! That said, the Via Ferrata takes place in a wilderness setting which means there are elements of safety that are out of our control: wild animals, sudden changes in weather, or other acts of nature. Where: NROCKS is located in Circleville, West Virginia. Elliot definitely has that healthy fear. . The Headwall offers an optional, 100 foot climb, straight up. Instead, you'll hike partway down on a steep trail through the forest, and then catch a ride the rest of the way down in a bus or 4WD vehicle. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. Reviews - nrocks.com Via Ferrata : Washington and Lee University Sign up to climb the Via Ferrata on the night of the full moon, April October. These elements include necessity of harnesses, carabiners, shock-absorbing leashes and knowledge . You'll find most via ferrata routes/courses in Europe, but there are also a couple in the United States now including the NROCKS course in West Virginia. Please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. All Rights Reserved, Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. Climbers/hikers are required to use harnesses, helmets, and locking carabiners. New Yorkerborn and raised. I seek to inspire people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into the lifestyle they already have - and I only share tips based on my personal experiences and places I've actually traveled! Print/PDF map. Your review is great for those wanting to try it. I dont write the death at Nelson Rocks as a way of scaring you, but a way of reminding you that you must remain attached to the cable, follow conventional safety advice, and to listen to the instructions of your guide. I did this years ago and your pictures bring back awesome memories! Via Ferrata - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort "Via Ferrata" is Italian for "Iron Road" and describes the time of climbing using metal rungs and cables affixed to the rock. Nelson Rocks is . AWESOME.. Visitors see a picturesque formation with razorback ridges like Champe Rocks, Judy Rocks, and Seneca Rocks. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. So what do you think? Were sure to have the lodging type that fit the needs of your adventure! Sometimes they may not be able to accommodate walk-ins. the route is touted as the highest via ferrata in the world. While you're at it, sign-up for our e-mail newsletter and be the first to learn about new events and promotions at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures. Your email address will not be published. Flexible because you can choose from 2 to 10 days of via ferrata trekking. At Elkins, follow signs to stay on 33 East and onto Rt 33/55 to Seneca Rocks. Going down is tougher, I learned, because instead of fighting against gravity, youre moving with it, while trying not to move too fast. For more information, tips, or trip ideas come talk to our friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre and Station Gallery. The NROCKS Via Ferrata adventure includes gear, a short training, and a mile long guided tour. I think without helmet and proper gear or shoes, i think i am no longer in this world. These allow people to ascend and descend the over one thousand feet of rock surface without the need for technical knowledge or climbing gear. Your email address will not be published. Its important to have good technique and to check into how often the via ferrata is maintained. Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. The extra climb is an additional 100 vertical feet up, with a bit of an overhang at the top. The key, we all later agreed, was staying focused on our feet, and not the tree tops, far below. The Via Ferrata is the most important feature of this area as it is the only "iron way" in the United States. During our climb, we learned a lot about how he happily lives a primitive life. The Granite Via Ferrata starts at 8,700 feet in elevation and gains 220 feet in a little more than a mile. The Via Ferrata is open by appointment only. Climbers are faced with several vertical rock faces, and you reach an elevation of about 1000 feet (though you're usually never more than about 250 feet above the actual ground). Nelson Rocks | DIY Outdoors | West Virginia University The tragedy happened at an altitude of 6000ft on the Via Ferrata delle Trincee, above Arabba in the Dolomites, a spectacular mountain chain straddling Italy and Austria. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. You must be 13+ as well as in good physical condition to climb. Must be 13 years of age or older and have prior experience on the Via Ferrata at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, *taxes not included in pricing. 10/20/2022. The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. There are no extra reinforcements to keep the contraption from bouncing, twisting, or swaying in the wind. The via ferrata ascends two fin-shaped quartzite outcrops. There is one such route on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park that has been climbed by thousands without incident. All of our outdoor adventures are amazing, so why pick just one? Almost anyone! Your email address will not be published. If you have a paralyzing fear of heights, this is not the place to try to conquer it first. Boating, fishing, RVing, ATVing, and hunting are among the most . But you should plan to be up on the rocks for at least 4 hours, and bring everything you might need during that time. Please take a minute to explore our photos to get a better idea of what the climb entails. The bridge is built with four cables. MUST have prior experience on the Via Ferrata at NROC & must be 13 years old or older. I am very lucky that Im not really afraid of heights! When I first saw photos of this via ferrata, I was immediately sold on doing it. Learn more about me here. There are plenty of great places to catch a spectacular desert sunset in Joshua Tree National Park. We were approaching hour number five. This route does not use rope (unlike normal rock climbing). This dirt road leads through the hollow in between the two hills, and ends on private property (where Id bet they have a very nice viewbut you cant go there!). Rocky hills, heart-stopping high-wire thrills on West Virginia's Via The double-fin rocks provide the unique combination of physical challenge and overwhelming beauty! There was an infamous death at Nelson Rocks some years ago. Never were we supposed to remove both clips at the same time. Then off you go, the higher you climb, the better the views! Access high places usually reserved for experienced technical rock climbers, providing exhilarating views and exposure. Theres only a handful of them in the U.S., and one of them is located in the hills of eastern West Virginia. Join the ADB Community! Rock Climbing in Nelson Rocks, Eastern WV - Mountain Project Member. The Nelson Rocks via ferrata is a great introduction to this fantastic sport that requires little equipment. At Seneca, bear right at the three-way stop to continue on Rt.33 East. The Via Ferrata trail is 3.5 kilometers, 2.2 miles long loop trail. Please read our privacy policy. Youll gear up, and get taught how to use the 2 carabiner lanyard which allows climbers to be clipped into the safety cable at all times. Is this something you'd like to try in West Virginia? Filed Under: Adventure Travel, North America, Travel, United States, via-ferrata. N Rocks offers a wide range of climbing experiences including the Via Ferrata, a bridge suspended 150 feet in the air that spans the two fans of Nelson Rocks. Bring sunscreen with you as the direct sun can be a bit intense if youre higher up! #1 - Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata Circleville, West Virginia Length: 2.2 mi This is a guided rock climbing tour on private property. There are a couple more good viewpoints near the upper end of the Via. The view from the end of the bridge, looking back after crossing it. First, youll scale the wall that will bring up up the fin. Via Ferrata in the Dolomites: the best via ferrata treks Sometimes you think that spot is okay to put your foots, but suddenly its not. Via ferrata is an Italian phrase that translates to iron road or the iron way, and describes a climbing route in the mountains that melds hiking with rock climbing. Also, when headed uphill, the next rung is usually right in front of you; downhill, its below your feet, where its difficult to see. *taxes not included in pricing. You need to know yourself. Taking You to New Height on the Via Ferrata - Destination Adventure Yes, I really did walk around Gary, Indiana, April Road Trip: Where to Travel in April, Spring Trip Suggestions, May Road Trip: Where to Travel in May and Late Spring, August Road Trip: Where to Travel in August & Late Summer, September Road Trip: Where to Travel in September & Early Fall, January Road Trip: Where to Travel in January & Winter, February Road Trip: Where to Travel in February and Winter, Sunset near Cap Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, Mount Carmel Tunnel & Zions East Side in Winter, Hiking WV-Pike Knob - EdgewiseWoods, Gardens and Critters. Via Ferrata is perfect for families, groups or individuals 10 years of age or older. All one needs to do is climb into one of the metal rungs and hang out. World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Portugal. Would EXTREME VIA FERRATA IN WEST VIRGINIA | NELSON ROCKS - YouTube It can be can downright terrifying at times, but for me, those moments of fear are drowned out by the overarching feeling of completing the route. Which city has the best rental car deals, and some bargain-hunting tips, Hammond or Hohman? One of the best via ferrata experiences that Ive had in the US (if not the world) was climbing the via ferrata klettersteig course in Nelson Rocks, West Virginia. It's a short hike to the base of the west fin, where you climb 200 feet to a ridge and traverse along solid ledges. Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. Touching those hot rocks barehanded is not a pleasant experience. Nrocks Company Profile | Management and Employees List Caving is an outdoor activity that involves exploring underground and undeveloped passages. Nelson Rocks - Wikipedia This is generally considered a challenging route and is a route that only those with a reasonable level of physical fitness should attempt to complete. (There were also safety waivers involved, though we filled those out before leaving home.). A typical via ferrata route is comprised of a series of steel cables, metal rungs, ladders, bridges, steps, and other fixtures. It runs near Circleville in West Virginia. Ive done via ferratas/klettersteige in five countries now. The cable is fixed into the rock in sections, and when you get to a new section you have to move your clips, one at a time. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. As we rested at the foot of the bridge, a group of West Virginia State Police troopers came up behind us. - JRR Tolkien. Click here to find out what dates are available and to book your adventure today! Very nice climb. because each plank is spaced 18 inches apart (to decrease wind resistance and weight, Brian told us adding to the thrill was merely a bonus). Ascend the slopes of the Via Ferrata by the light of the moon with our exclusive Full Moon Tours. There are also rustic cabins for rent for a $10 cabin fee, and $10 per . You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The Nelson Rocks via ferrata provides your equipment, including the helmut, the harness, and the via ferrata set. PDF I Came, I Climbed, DNR I Conquered WV - Wonderful WV The Via officially ended at the top of the hill. If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. Constructed by a world-class team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging professionals, the route winds its way through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge. An 86-year-old man has died climbing a Via Ferrata alpine route at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, B.C. But what if you didnt have to carry all those ropes, and learn how to use all that equipment? There it is! He managed to get through the course, but he said that he was done climbing for good. That said, the view from the top was incredible. Let's back up a second, though. Lodging is limited in the area. Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. A healthy fear of heights, as NROCKS officially calls it on their website, is perfectly normal when you're climbing cliff faces and dangling off rock walls like you do on a via ferrata. Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia: Crazy Fun or Just Plain Crazy? Rising over 800 ft above the valley floor, these unique dual razorback ridgelines are a feature many come to Nelson Rocks, West Virginia to experience first hand! Italian for by way of iron, the Via Ferrata is a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables that allows you to climb up and over two towering rock fins. Via Ferrata : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost My husband tucked it into his backpack, however taking it out was very difficult. When encountering a tree, you need to keep one clip attached while attaching the second clip to the cable. This Terrifying Foot Bridge In West Virginia Is a Must-Visit for Brian told us that only about 3% of climbers find the Headwall descent to be the scariest part of the climb. She slipped and fell 150 feet. Think you might like to book this adventure for yourself? There is a very tiny sign marking the turn, but youd never see it if you werent looking for it. Thanks so much for this! This makes it much easier to climb . It typically takes from three and a half to five hours to do the entire route at Nelson Rocks, but it can certainly take longer, especially if you stop to . I felt so confident, that about midway I pulled out my camera for a few photos. Amanda Joy Crawford / North Versailles native, victim in rock-climbing Previously, the move had been pure fun. Sign up to receive the Insider's Guide to the North Fork Valley! Climbers are able to rest while climbing. Youre not allowed on the via ferrata without doing so After this, we were given our gear along with a safety instruction to show us how to properly use our via ferrata set. If you've ever driven through eastern West Virginia, you may have seen some of the towering fins of Tuscarora quartzite that rise out of the landscape like the craggy backs of dinosaurs. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. In convention rock climbing, someone needs to be ensuring that you dont fall. With no one behind me, I could take my time. I use an army surplus backpack for climbing and always bring my Nalgene water bottle with me! After this point, youll turn onto the fin. Hiker who died had unclipped from cable on Colorado via ferrata Tours offered day before, of, and after the Full Moon. Afterwards, thats a great spot for photos in case youre not comfortable taking one during the via ferrata. You can visit the. (Source: From an article by Lauren McKay), (Editors Note: There may be more than two via ferratas in the U.S. It consists of cables, bridges and metal pieces drilled into the rock. The bridge wasnt terrifying. As I rounded the corner and climbed through the notch, the view was incredible. Indiana Dunes National Park: Worth the drive from Chicago? The only restroom fulfills the stereotypical assumption many visitors will likely make before arriving in West Virginia. <3. This meant I would bring up the rear, and I couldnt have been happier. While this activity might look technical in photos, you don't have to have any climbing experience in order to participate. But if you're like me and think this looks/sounds awesome, keep reading! 2023 Best Via Ferrata Trails in Circleville | AllTrails Looking for a challenge? The view looking across the hollow, onto the rock fins on the opposite hillside. Participants are secured to the rock by wearing a special harness that attaches to the steel cable. While there were definitely some sections of the course that were more challenging for me because of my height (for example, I skipped that extra optional wall climb), I didn't run into any major issues or get stuck anywhere. Bring one, bring all! I always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. My confidence level suddenly dropped (thankfully it was the only thing). There's no easing into this via ferrata; you start with a vertical climb straight away! This is insane and I cant wait to go! During World War I, the Italians permanently installed cables and ladders in the Alps (specifically, the Dolomites), to allow for faster and safer troop movement.
