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. Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. 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. No matter what your group size, we assure fun outdoor adventure for everyone! By direct translation, Via Ferrata is an Italian term meaning, "iron path". Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. It consists of cables, bridges and metal pieces drilled into the rock. Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. Suddenly, I could see the other rock fin, the chasm in between, and of course, that swinging bridge. But I'm not going to lie to you: I was a little worried about whether I *could* do it. The bridge is built with four cables. Constructed by a world-class team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging professionals, the route winds its way through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge. I brought a box of granola bars with me, which was helpful for helping me find the extra energy to climb. 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. Really appreciate all the details youve shared, thanks! We regularly welcome visitors from Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, DC. Bring your camera so that you can snap some photos of the West Virginia landscape; its one of a kind! Okay, that looks like both crazy fun and just plain crazy. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (formerly Nelson Rocks Adventure Center) is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. 91 Baker Street Nelson BC Phone: (250) 352-3433 Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706. 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. 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. A typical via ferrata route is comprised of a series of steel cables, metal rungs, ladders, bridges, steps, and other fixtures. Doesn't seem nearly as sketchy as the bridge you have to cross at the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in West . I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. I once again let the Ontarians go ahead. 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. Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. The one thing Id like to add is that even though you CAN do it year-round, I wouldnt recommend it. Im 41 and athletic, and I did find it challenging. You're not climbing those ladder-like rungs the whole time, but you're using your arms and legs frequently to push and pull yourself up, and your core and feet to keep yourself balanced on lots of uneven surfaces. 86-year-old killed climbing Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain - CBC We lucked out with the weather, however if youre driving to Nelson Rocks solely to the via ferrata, Id recommend ensuring that youre there for two days in case the weather doesnt cooperate on one of the days. Isnt there another VF in West Virginia somewhere, I forgot the name of it. 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. Nelson Rocks Climbing Area - West Virginia Explorer Glad this brought back some memories; it was so fun! The Via officially ended at the top of the hill. Print/PDF map. Then off you go, the higher you climb, the better the views! Does climbing suddenly sound a little more reasonable? 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. Is this something you'd like to try in West Virginia? Interested in outdoor education and teambuilding? The razorback ridgelines rise some 800 feet above the valley floor. Ive done via ferratas/klettersteige in five countries now. But, fun nonetheless!! It was amazing last January. Our group hiked up to the base of the first fin, then stopped for some instruction. NROCKS now operates the via ferrata, their expert adventure guides taking willing participants up and over two of those imposing fins of rock a couple times per day. A small shed serves as its business headquarters. The Preserve is . In order to do this you must sign up for a guided tour at NRocks. Where: NROCKS is located in Circleville, West Virginia. My arms were growing weak, and the sweat on my hands was loosening my grip. What to bring: You don't need to bring any climbing gear, as a harness and helmet will be provided. Had no idea you could do something like this in West Virginia. Climbing the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks - Time to Climb Burt, Bonnie, Neil, and Jeanne were from Ontario, and had driven through the mountains every year on their way to vacation in Florida. Steel cables, handles, and ladder rungs are installed in places where the trail steepens. To reserve a Zip, Climb and Stay Package, please call (540) 437-9901 to speak to a company representative. 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 . But I'm short and rather curvy, and I didn't see any people who looked like me in any of the photos NROCKS (or anyone else) had shared of the via ferrata course. Reviews - nrocks.com It's probably one of the most unique activities I've done while traveling in the US. Ms. Crawford, 24, originally from North Versailles, fell to her death Thursday at. Leave your cell phone in the car theres no coverage here. Nelson Rocks features the Via Ferrata - Italian for "Iron Road." The Via Ferrata contains metal rungs that stick out of the rocks along with cables to hook into as you climb. Tackle This Via Ferrata Bridge Suspended Between Nelson Rocks In West (Source: From an article by Lauren McKay), (Editors Note: There may be more than two via ferratas in the U.S. <3. (You can read more about via ferrata here.). Still, you must be aware of weather as a cloudy day can create dangerous conditions on many via ferratas. There are usually a couple different tour times to choose from each day. 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. 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. If you are in good shape this is a great experience. The Downstream OVF Route. You must be 13+ as well as in good physical condition to climb. . San Juan Mountain Guides is proud to introduce the brand new Ouray Via Ferrata (OVF)! Those colors are so beautiful! 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). Guidebook Author to Moon Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, published March 2022. Definitely worth putting on the to-do list if youre in West Virginia! I used to live in West Virginia for a couple years and Im so sad that I didnt get a chance to explore muchIm definitely going to have to keep this place in mind! The via ferrata is one of only a handful in the US and well worth . Also have done 1 VF in New Zealand and 2 in Colorado. The Granite Via Ferrata starts at 8,700 feet in elevation and gains 220 feet in a little more than a mile. These fins are part of the Allegheny mountain range, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains. At least if it failed you'd die an instantaneous death too, which is frankly one of the best things we can ask for in life..right? 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. After this point, youll turn onto the fin. All one needs to do is climb into one of the metal rungs and hang out. Italian for 'by way of iron' or 'iron road' the Via Ferrata is a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables. The key, we all later agreed, was staying focused on our feet, and not the tree tops, far below. Required fields are marked *. To subscribe, visit our website at www.wonderfulwv.com or call 800.225.5982. A few things I'd be sure to bring include: What if I get scared? NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! They were using the Via to train for rescue operations. . Haha. Unforeseen circumstances are just that. To zip you must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Participants are secured to the rock by wearing a special harness that attaches to the steel cable. He wasnt crying, but he was quivering. 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. This West Virginia Via Ferrata Is Longer (And Higher) Than - MSN Manufacturers of Via Ferrata kits are frequently recalling equipment to improve it after someone falls to their death. While Nelson Rocks is best known for rock climbing, this is not the only activity to enjoy. Almost anyone! America's Best Via Ferratas: 6 Great Vertical Adventures in the USA 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! Nelson Rocks Preserve): a privately-owned nature preserve near Judy Gap, West Virginia. Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata: West Virginia - Breezy Days Ahead which took us to the far side of the second rock fin. Have to give it a try some time when Im looking for something crazy! Also go to Google and just put in via ferrata. 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. 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. The rock is made of quartzite and sandstone, which makes the rock easy to grip although a bit sharp at times. It was so unique definitely highly recommend it if it looks fun to you! But you should plan to be up on the rocks for at least 4 hours, and bring everything you might need during that time. Rock Climbing in West Virginia to the Scary Swinging Bridge at N Rocks Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. The Headwall offers an optional, 100 foot climb, straight up. Required fields are marked *. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. There is no doubt about it. Elliot is also wary of heights, but he said most of this was okay for him since he was in a harness and clipped in at all times.