After reaching the top, take the time to gaze out and soak in the views of Spruce Knob in the distance. Experience the Nelson Rocks Preserve, as it weaves its way over a half mile of some of the wildest terrain around. Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. Look at our package deals to combine activities and lodging. These were the very first Via Ferrata, which translated means iron roads. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. Before this, though, Bryan gave us a safety briefing, and showed us how to safely hook in to the course. The route is open year-round as the weather . Oct 25, 2017 . 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. Once you turn the corner, youre 150-200 feet up in the air with a sheer drop along the cliff face with good foot and hand holds. . 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. Looks. For the first stage of the climb, we went up and to the left, working our way to a notch in the first fin. Happily married to Jacob. I did this years ago and your pictures bring back awesome memories! NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! The temperature tends to be about 10F cooler in the mountains, and may be even cooler due to wind. We lucked out with the weather and set off from Pennsylvania with a group of adventurous friends ready to conquer the via ferrata. This place looks amazing! An expensive watch will likely end up scratched by the rocks. 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. I think without helmet and proper gear or shoes, i think i am no longer in this world. Via Ferrata - The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. Its important to have good technique and to check into how often the via ferrata is maintained. Your safety is dependent on you as the guides can help, but there is only so much they can do if you do not follow proper via ferrata technique. Steel cables, handles, and ladder rungs are installed in places where the trail steepens. 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. The double-fin rocks provide the unique combination of physical challenge and overwhelming beauty! I felt so confident, that about midway I pulled out my camera for a few photos. I'll admit it: I found myself stifling a laugh as I watched back some GoPro video my husband Elliot had filmed while climbing a via ferrata route in West Virginia. NROCKS offers Via Ferrata tours, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, and guided rock climbing and caving tours. If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. The Downstream OVF Route. Photos (126) Directions. Also, wear a cheap wristwatch (or none at all). There's no easing into this via ferrata; you start with a vertical climb straight away! Either way, youre going to need a place to rest your head at night after a day of adventure. 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. - JRR Tolkien. 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. You might even save a buck or two! A great place to really get out and get some fresh air rock climbing in is the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to do a rock climb without needing all the experience required to do lead climbing. Via ferrata was invented by the Italians as a way of fighting in the mountains and easily passing troops through the Alps during World War I. The staff at NROCKS tries their very best to accommodate walk ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Hey, Im right there with you. It . You should wear close-toed shoes that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). Going down is tougher, I learned, because instead of fighting against gravity, youre moving with it, while trying not to move too fast. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This makes it much easier to climb . Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia is a ropes and rocks course on steroids. . As an Airbnb Associate and Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. but up close, you realize theyre several hundred feet above the ground. AWESOME.. Constructed by a world-class team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging professionals, the route winds its way through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge. My short legs made things a little more difficult for me, but I didn't get stuck anywhere and was having fun from the moment I clipped into that cable. I methodically made my way across the 150-foot-high bridge, swaying between two giant rock formations in eastern West Virginia. Touching those hot rocks barehanded is not a pleasant experience. With no one behind me, I could take my time. Although Nelson Rocks is not the first via ferrata in the United States, it is certainly one of the most scenic ones. We climbed on a sunny day in October and I brought a sweatshirt with me, however I ended up putting it in the backpack after I got sweaty from the exercise. It was a big confidence boost for us all. The route is considered challenging and takes, on average, just over 1.5 hours to complete, according to Alltrails.com, or between 3.5 and 5 hours, according to the Nelson Rocks website (they also call the difficulty of the route "moderate"). [] view is amazing and the clouds are scudding on by. Hi, I enjoyed your review! Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. It was really cool, and I would definitely do it again! Participants MUST be 13 or older and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds. The Via Ferrata is open by appointment only. Uncategorized / By imvince11. The Headwall offers an optional, 100 foot climb, straight up. Is this something you'd like to try in West Virginia? A . (He really doesn't like heights, so I was pretty proud of him before we even left on our West Virginia road trip. The group were on a break . The Via Ferrata found at NRocks was the second to be introduced in the United States, and it is one of only three currently in the country. Once on the rock, climbers must ensure their own safety by keeping their equipment properly connected to the fixed-anchor systems at all times. At the top of the narrow rock knife is an unobstructed view of the entire area. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ascend the slopes of the Via Ferrata by the light of the moon with our exclusive Full Moon Tours. Nelson Rocks is a large privately owned rock formation located in the North Fork Valley of Pendleton County, West Virginia, United States. Almost anyone! Via Ferrata climbers must be at least 13 years of age and must be in good physical condition with the ability to handle the physical challenges of climbing while maintaining tether connections, etc. Yes. Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 91 Baker Street Nelson BC Phone: (250) 352-3433 Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706. And the photos are beautiful. We took another break before tackling the long hike down. I recommend wearing pants instead of shorts as the rock can be a bit sharper and youll want to protect your legs from getting cut up. Basically, you affix your two lanyards to the steel cable line using carabiners. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. Id recommend trying out conventional rock climbing at a gym first as the adrenaline as well as the drop at Nelson Rocks (especially after the first turn onto the fin) can make your fear worse if youve never really challenged your fear of heights before. While Nelson Rocks is best known for rock climbing, this is not the only activity to enjoy. This proposal is in absolute the most flexible and complete via ferrata trekking in the Dolomites! Oh yeah, I should tell you Im 77. During this 3.5-5 hour climb you'll 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. The razorback ridgelines rise some 800 feet above the valley floor. Established in 2002. 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. The views are spectacular and the the fulfilling feeling of accomplishment is like none other. Please take a minute to explore our photos to get a better idea of what the climb entails. They had always wanted to spend a few days hiking, climbing, and rafting through the Mountain State on their way to the Sunshine State, and now they were finally doing it. How much: This activity costs $125 per person during the high season, and $80 per person during the low season. The view looking across the hollow, onto the rock fins on the opposite hillside. With via ferrata, you are responsible for yourself to ensure that you stay safe in many cases. A small shed serves as its business headquarters. The climb is fairly long and you dont want to get dehydrated. 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 . 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. While our safety record speaks for itself, the Via Ferrata is only as safe as the climbers on the route. Climbers are able to rest while climbing. My name is Amanda, and I'm a former journalist-turned-blogger from Ohio who's been writing about travel since 2010. The bridge is 150 feet high and 200 feet across. We spoke with an Eastern Mennonite University professor who is familiar with via ferratas. 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. 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!). "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. Bryan Williams, the operations manager of N Rocks Outdoor Adventures, describes the Via Ferrata as a unique style of rock climbing that bridges the gaps between rock climbing and hiking. By the way, thanks for the great experience. Had no idea you could do something like this in West Virginia. Gavinroy38, Colne, United Kingdom. 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. 2021 - Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in Circleville, West Virginia. Nelson Rocks says that climbers need to have "some physical ability.". A typical via ferrata route is comprised of a series of steel cables, metal rungs, ladders, bridges, steps, and other fixtures. 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. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. Thinking a lot about Zion this time of year. Brian told us that only about 3% of climbers find the Headwall descent to be the scariest part of the climb. We sold the park to new management in 2009, but with the 20th anniversary of the via approaching, I still take pride in our creation, especially when I hear/read of peoples experiences climbing it. All you need is a decent level of fitness, and the ability to follow directions in order to use your equipment correctly. Send me updates and special offers from NROCKS! After going uphill for about 15-20 minutes, we arrived at the base of the first fin we'd be tackling and basically dove right in. Our sister company, The Outdoor Learning Center specializes in both with groups of all shapes and sizes. 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. After this point, youll turn onto the fin. It is also a great workout and a spectacular way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. To zip you must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Via Ferrata Dolomites: customised hut to hut treks in the Central Dolomites. No matter what your skill level, weve got rock for you! We regularly welcome visitors from Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, DC. 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. (And, for the record, they haven't had any serious injuries on this course; in fact, our guide Bryan told us he thought the whitewater rafting trip we'd done a few days previously was way more dangerous!). In general, Id recommend bringing a backpack for your stuff, water, and snacks. Lets start out with a picture taken from a few miles away, atop Spruce Knob, to give you a lay of the land. All Via Ferrata climbers will experience heights of approximately 200 feet! . As I turned to take the shot down the valley, I unintentionally leaned against the cable at my side, causing the entire bridge to shift. Which city has the best rental car deals, and some bargain-hunting tips, Hammond or Hohman? You need to know yourself. No one in our group wanted to bow out, though, and we soon made our way across the bridge a couple at a time. Ms. Crawford, 24, originally from North Versailles, fell to her death Thursday at. Gnarliest thing I've done on the eastern half of the states. The other two are waist-high, creating handrails. Climbing can be dangerous. On three sides Nelson Rocks is surrounded on three sides by the Monongahela National Forest. Does climbing suddenly sound a little more reasonable? But I'm not going to lie to you: I was a little worried about whether I *could* do it. From that time I drove a few hundred miles out of my way to head towards a potential snowstorm. Brian is fanatical about safety, and spent a good half-hour making sure we knew what we were doing. We appreciate and understand the desire and preference of using your own gear if you have it, but in order to comply with our insurance policy, we require everyone who comes to experience the Via Ferrata at NROCKS to use the gear that is supplied by staff. He managed to get through the course, but he said that he was done climbing for good. But, fun nonetheless!! The rock is made of quartzite and sandstone, which makes the rock easy to grip although a bit sharp at times. Each 6-foot interval at this via ferrata, you reach an eyebolt, detaching one carabiner from the cable and clipping it above the eyebolt and then the next, keeping you securely by the rocks. Plenty of people do take this option when they see the next obstacle: the 200-foot-long suspension bridge that takes you over to the second rock fin. Read the sites full Privacy / Disclosure policy here. As he reached the top of a cliff face and looked around the corner to see cables and foot holds suspended over a completely sheer drop, he said, very matter-of-factly: Oh well that's terrifying.. "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. Theres not an easy answer. READ NEXT: 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. What if you could make your way up a mountainside, almost as easily as climbing a ladder? For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves. Haha. Theres a hostel and brewery called Brewstelin Elkins with a homey atmosphere that is perfect for groups. You should expect the journey to take four hours or more. Note: This trip was first published in 2008. If filling out paperwork isnt your idea of time well spent, download and complete a waiver today! Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. Getting There Nelson Rocks Preserve is located in Eastern WV, off of Rte. There are certain places on the hike where you absolutely must plant your hands on the darker rocks during the climb up or down. But Elliot set aside his fears and went up to the very top with the rest of the group. Related: The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why. Sometimes you think that spot is okay to put your foots, but suddenly its not. Yes, some of the other mountains look taller, but thats because theyre closer. All participants on the Via Ferrata are required to be guided by an NROCKS approved guide. MUST have prior experience on the Via Ferrata at NROC & must be 13 years old or older. It felt reassuring to be firmly secured to the safety cable. and the view downhill, towards the hollow and the next mountain. I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. Pricing subject to change without notice. There is no doubt about it. I use an army surplus backpack for climbing and always bring my Nalgene water bottle with me! One of them really is a Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window). This is the view looking uphill, between the two rock fins. the route is touted as the highest via ferrata in the world. Driving along US33 is a stunning drive as youll see many of these formations from the road. My confidence level suddenly dropped (thankfully it was the only thing). Located on the opposite side of the canyon from the renowned Ouray Ice . I did both the Canopy Tour and Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks on back to back days. It is a one-of-a-kind adventure experience with a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally guided rock climbing. Sign up to receive the Insider's Guide to the North Fork Valley! What to bring: You don't need to bring any climbing gear, as a harness and helmet will be provided. At the time, it was only the second via ferrata in the United States. Specialties: NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. Attracting thousands of people annually from the east coast and beyond since the early 2000s, the Via Ferrata is open year-round, weather permitting. While they are not for everyone, they are a great option to combine hiking with rock climbing. West Virginia rock climbing at its finest! There are a lot of websites to go to,including www.nelsonrocks. If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about, Tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in Amsterdam, 25 Essential Travel Tips for Amsterdam From An Amsterdam Resident, What to know before attending the Emily and Fin Sample Sale in London, The best museums in Amsterdam and which museums to skip, Russian travel tips: 30 things to know before visiting Russia for the first time, St. Gilgen: A beautiful town in Austria . The origins of Via Ferrata date back to the 19th century but associated more widely with World War I. 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. One last short hike took us up to a lookout point above both fins, which made our achievement seem even more impressive. They are especially common in the European Alps. It didnt take long to gain altitude again, and leave the swinging bridge behind. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, a canopy tour (including with zip-lines), and lodging (including rustic cabins). Check out this video of our via ferrata experience: Somehow, even after showing him photos and videos of the course, Elliot agreed to try the NROCKS via ferrata with me. Climbers are connected to steel cables while using the steel rungs and/or rock face to traverse, ascend, or descend the route. NROCKS offers Via Ferrata tours, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, and guided rock climbing and caving tours. We signed our indemnity forms first. Several times, I had to quickly clip to a rung and go hands-free, just to give myself a rest. > Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata A mountain jungle gym connects two majestic quartzite fins in West Virginia's North Fork Valley. 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. At the end of the bridge, another climb awaited. Now, living inThe Hague, the Netherlands. You can visit the. A short drive from Nelson, . Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. Here are more photos of me, an exceedingly average-looking American woman, successfully doing this course: If this looks fun to you, then you should absolutely try it! It pays to get to know your fellow climbers a few weeks after our climb, Neil and I exchanged pictures (a much better idea than passing a camera back and forth!). ), Check out the monthly Sharp End podcast, based on Accidents in North American Climbing and hosted by Ashley Saupe, We respect your privacy. A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. The via ferrata ascends two fin-shaped quartzite outcrops. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. The view from the end of the bridge, looking back after crossing it. 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. The Via Ferrata is the most important feature of this area as it is the only "iron way" in the United States. 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! Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. Stu Hammett, the original owner purchased the property that NROCKS stands on today in 1997 with the intent of turning it into a Mecca for climbing enthusiasts. He says this type of climbing is designed to prevent any accidents. We ended up staying overnight in nearby Elkins (keep reading for where we stayed.). This is true for most via ferratas in Europe, but in the United States, liability laws result in having instructors there to monitor your safety. The one thing Id like to add is that even though you CAN do it year-round, I wouldnt recommend it. One of the most eye-catching attractions along the Via Ferrata is a 200-foot-long suspension bridge hanging 150 feet above the ground below. In 1997, a climber by the name of Stu Hammett bought the land that NROCKS sits on today (known simply as Nelson Rocks), and in 2001 decided he wanted to build his own via ferrata course. Check out the license plate sculptures I'm selling on Etsy! With via ferratas, there are typically more footholds for downclimbing as it is more technically difficult as you have less visibility, so that wasnt my favorite moment. 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). The bridge is built with four cables. 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. The town where A Christmas Story was born. It's probably one of the most unique activities I've done while traveling in the US. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." Your videos and photographs inspires us give it a try amazing scenery! There it is! Nothing screams fun family adventure more than a trip on our ziplines! I HIGHLY recommend it! Access to hiking trails, the via ferrata, and canopy tours at .

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