It's probably one of the most unique activities I've done while traveling in the US. Read the full disclosure policy. At the shed, I paid the $45 fee for climbing the Via, received my safety equipment, and met my climbing partners. Instead, a via ferrata (Italian for "iron way") is a series of ladders and cables that take you up hundreds of feet of cliffs. Privately owned by NROCKS, the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks is a climbing and traversing adventure using steel rungs and cables to move up the rock face rather than climbing on the rock. I decided to tackle the headwall, along with Neil and Jeanne. Steel cables, metal rungs and a hanging bridge are combined to add safety and ease to your climbing here. I do enjoy to read this kind real life experience. Look at our package deals to combine activities and lodging. Here's everything you need to know. While Nelson Rocks is best known for rock climbing, this is not the only activity to enjoy. Access to hiking trails, the via ferrata, and canopy tours at . We signed our indemnity forms first. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. Like Seneca Rocks, Nelson Rocks were used as a training ground for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division in the early 1940s and an estimated 75,000 pitons are still to be found hammered into the rock. Good thing, heights doesnt bother you. American expat and cat lover fromNew York Citywho lived inAmsterdam. 'Via Ferrata' is Italian for 'Iron Way'. I got a bit unlucky and I was behind someone who decided about halfway up that he didnt want to complete the climb. During this 3.5-5 hour climb youll gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet. Back at the parking lot, we removed our equipment and praised Brians guidance, while Bonnie and Jeanne worked up the courage to visit the outhouse. . In general, Id recommend bringing a backpack for your stuff, water, and snacks. We can see the backside of Nelson Rocks , one of the many fins of Quartzite and Tuscarora Sandstone that are seen standing edgewise on []. Hes been living the life of a pioneer for several years now at Nelson Rocks, in a cabin that doesnt have an electric light or a flushing toilet. These allow people to ascend and descend the over one thousand feet of rock surface without the need for technical knowledge or climbing gear. I take requests! Gnarliest thing I've done on the eastern half of the states. Ferratas make rock climbing an enjoyable activity that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. Initially designed and built to transport troops in Italy during World War 1, Via Ferratas have now become a recreational activity for outdoor enthusiasts. There are no extra reinforcements to keep the contraption from bouncing, twisting, or swaying in the wind. If you get nervous, fingerless climbing gloves can be helpful as they prevent your hands from getting too sweaty to grip the rock/ladders welland prevent your hands from getting too cut up. Getting There Nelson Rocks Preserve is located in Eastern WV, off of Rte. Wonderful exact and informative review. For the first stage of the climb, we went up and to the left, working our way to a notch in the first fin. Climbing can be dangerous. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. Via ferrata or klettersteig is a form of climbing where you utilize steel cables that are drilled into the rock in order to climb. What if there were rungs and safety cables already built into the rock? A small shed serves as its business headquarters. Passing through the notch is tricky, though, as it requires climbers to swing around to the other side of the rock. Nelson Rocks Preserve is located at the first dirt road south of Judy Gap (the intersection of WV 28 and US 33, where US 33 arrives from the east). Buena Vista. Come out, strap in, and hang on for a wild ride. [] view is amazing and the clouds are scudding on by. 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). From that time I drove a few hundred miles out of my way to head towards a potential snowstorm. 2023 Best Via Ferrata Trails in Circleville | AllTrails So what do you think? NROCKS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES - 49 Photos & 35 Reviews - 141 Nelson - Yelp - JRR Tolkien. Located in the Potomac Highlands region near Circleville, WV, NROCKS is an easy drive from Davis and Seneca Rocks, WV, and is less than an hour from the Canaan Valley and Timberline Resort. The Downstream OVF Route. Required fields are marked *. Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. All participants on the Via Ferrata are required to be guided by an NROCKS approved guide. nrocks.com - Via Ferrata, Zip Lines, Climbing, North Forks Valley, WV Plywood Does not approve of this tag. It is operated by NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (previously Nelson Rock's Outdoor Center). A few individuals have attempted to establish more via ferratas in the U.S., but most are opposed to this because of the level of destruction it causes to the rock. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. But if you think you're ready and get up on the course and realize it's not for you, there are two escape routes built in one right near the beginning, and another before the suspension bridge. The bridge is built with four cables. Our group was on the smaller side, which allowed for instructors to stop and help when people were struggling. A fifth cable runs overhead, which allowed us to clip in. A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. The Via Ferrata is the most important feature of this area as it is the only "iron way" in the United States. Thats where the final, big challenge awaited. AWESOME.. In 2002, he helped install the Via Ferrata drilling hundreds of holes in the hard quartz rock, and then gluing the rungs into place. Your videos and photographs inspires us give it a try amazing scenery! Yes. 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. Neil and Jeanne posed for a picture at the top of the headwall. World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Portugal. Would You need to know yourself. Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. This is a stunning part of West Virginia (the highest point of the state is only 5 miles away). Your email address will not be published. Print/PDF map. We recommend the following items: You can bring a GoPro or camera and we can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it. If you are in good shape this is a great experience. From a distance, those rocks dont look impressive. By direct translation, Via Ferrata is an Italian term meaning, "iron path". How much: This activity costs $125 per person during the high season, and $80 per person during the low season. Instead of staying clipped into the safety cable, I hooked onto one of the rungs above my head, and let go. 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. Thinking a lot about Zion this time of year. Once on the rock, climbers must ensure their own safety by keeping their equipment properly connected to the fixed-anchor systems at all times. 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. A night out like no other! These elements include necessity of harnesses, carabiners, shock-absorbing leashes and knowledge . and fun. In order to do this you must sign up for a guided tour at NRocks. 2023 A Dangerous Business. Nelson Rocks Climbing Access: Access to the Nelson Rocks climbing area is private. 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 always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. 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. 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. The premier Via Ferrata in North America. We were approaching hour number five. The Via Ferrata At Nelson Rocks "Via Ferrata" is Italian for "Iron Road" and describes the time of climbing using metal rungs and cables affixed to the rock. Check out the license plate sculptures I'm selling on Etsy! There are less than a dozen Via Ferrata in the United States. 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. You're clipped in on the bridge, too, so there's no risk of falling, but it certainly is an adrenaline rush anyway since you can see through the bottom and feel it swaying and bouncing as you walk. Via Ferrata - nrocks.com Then,Paris. I decided to skip this one since Bryan was honest and said it would probably be hard for me at my shorter height. You must be 13+ as well as in good physical condition to climb. Glad this brought back some memories; it was so fun! Home United States West Virginia Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia: Crazy Fun or Just Plain Crazy? Your email address will not be published. Reservations, policies, discounts and specials. My name is Amanda, and I'm a former journalist-turned-blogger from Ohio who's been writing about travel since 2010. One of the friends has returned with his parents to climb Nelson Rocks again since the first climb. Touching those hot rocks barehanded is not a pleasant experience. After reaching the top, take the time to gaze out and soak in the views of Spruce Knob in the distance. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. As I grew tired on the descent, I was thankful that earlier in the climb, I had become comfortable with whats known as the resting position. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. Hey, Im right there with you. Its important to have good technique and to check into how often the via ferrata is maintained. The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. Your email address will not be published. The rock is made of quartzite and sandstone, which makes the rock easy to grip although a bit sharp at times. The town where A Christmas Story was born. The double-fin rocks provide the unique combination of physical challenge and overwhelming beauty! 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. Those rock fins that protrude from the side of the mountain are part of NRocks (a.k.a. Introductory Guide to Via Ferrata: What to know before your first via San Juan Mountain Guides is proud to introduce the brand new Ouray Via Ferrata (OVF)! I bought this after my first via ferrata. 86-year-old killed climbing Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain - CBC Really appreciate all the details youve shared, thanks! The Nelson Rocks via ferrata is a great introduction to this fantastic sport that requires little equipment. The other two are waist-high, creating handrails. Afterwards, thats a great spot for photos in case youre not comfortable taking one during the via ferrata. At this point, unguided climbing is prohibited on the property and all climbing is regulated by the company that owns the property. Before this, though, Bryan gave us a safety briefing, and showed us how to safely hook in to the course. Please do not wear sandals of any kind or crocs. While climbing the Nelson Rocks via ferrata, there was a man who really struggled with his fear of heights who had to downclimb from the summit climb. We took a short break at this point, and Bryan told us that we had one last chance to take an escape route if we were feeling shaky on the course. Many people chose not to do to optional summit climb (another 100 feet up), which consisted of ladders leading up to the summit of one of the fins. Our group took a break at the end of the bridge, if for no other reason than to give us the chance to work up the nerve. The type of mountain climbing Crawford was doing is rare in the United States. 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 . This makes it much easier to climb cliffs, and sort of creates a hybrid between hiking and rock climbing. READ NEXT: 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. The man was climbing the steep mountain on August 23 when he fell,. Gavinroy38, Colne, United Kingdom. New Yorkerborn and raised. My arms were growing weak, and the sweat on my hands was loosening my grip. The climb is fairly long and you dont want to get dehydrated.