You should wear close-toed shoes that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). Think you might like to book this adventure for yourself? The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. That said, the view from the top was incredible. Sign up to climb the Via Ferrata on the night of the full moon, April October. By the way, thanks for the great experience. 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. But what if you didnt have to carry all those ropes, and learn how to use all that equipment? Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. READ NEXT: 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. [6] Description [ edit] If you blink, youll miss the one tiny sign pointing up the dirt road that leads to the preserve, off WV Route 55 near Judy Gap. The Via Ferrata is open by appointment only. Gavinroy38, Colne, United Kingdom. Basically, you affix your two lanyards to the steel cable line using carabiners. 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. So, you think youd have to be insane to be a rock climber, huh? I brought my DSLR, which was a bit difficult to climb with. Doesn't seem nearly as sketchy as the bridge you have to cross at the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in West . A tourist who fell 200 feet to her death from a "via ferrata" trail in Colorado had unclipped from the safety cable, the sheriff's office said. It hangs 150 feet above the ground, and is made of a few cables and wooden planks spaced about 16 inches apart. Climbing the Via Ferrata is safe but be very careful to follow all the safety procedures and listen to the safety instructors. We recommend the following items: You can bring a GoPro or camera and we can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it. They are especially common in the European Alps. Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on a climbing adventure through the alpine terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Our Via Ferrata tethers allow for at least one connection at all times. After reaching the top, take the time to gaze out and soak in the views of Spruce Knob in the distance. The rock is made of quartzite and sandstone, which makes the rock easy to grip although a bit sharp at times. Our group hiked up to the base of the first fin, then stopped for some instruction. *taxes not included in pricing. As we rested at the foot of the bridge, a group of West Virginia State Police troopers came up behind us. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The NROCKS Via Ferrata is a one-of-a-kind adventure experience that includes a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-led rock climbing. There are a lot of websites to go to,including www.nelsonrocks. I think without helmet and proper gear or shoes, i think i am no longer in this world. Bring one, bring all! But you should plan to be up on the rocks for at least 4 hours, and bring everything you might need during that time. . From 2017. The most adventurous climbers can take the extra challenge of completing the Head Wall, an additional 100 feet of vertical climbing. Nelson Rocks also offers the chance to explore the route at night with their Full Moon Tours. Participants MUST be 13 or older and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds. There is a very tiny sign marking the turn, but youd never see it if you werent looking for it. Suddenly, I could see the other rock fin, the chasm in between, and of course, that swinging bridge. Hard 5 (73) Circleville, West Virginia. There are certain places on the hike where you absolutely must plant your hands on the darker rocks during the climb up or down. Bring sunscreen with you as the direct sun can be a bit intense if youre higher up! The ferratas were built by the Army during World War 1. NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! All of our outdoor adventures are amazing, so why pick just one? She was pronounced dead at the scene. Nelson Rocks Climbing Access: Access to the Nelson Rocks climbing area is private. Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (formerly Nelson Rocks Adventure Center) is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. 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. I couldnt help but look down. 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. Print/PDF map. 'Via Ferrata' is Italian for 'Iron Way'. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." 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. As each climber ahead of me reached the notch, I heard a wow!, and when it was my turn, I said it too. Brian only wanted three people at the most on the bridge at a time. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures: Fantastic time on the Via Ferrata - See 392 traveler reviews, 491 candid photos, and great deals for Circleville, WV, at Tripadvisor. A few things I'd be sure to bring include: What if I get scared? A guided trip at the privately owned preserve takes approximately four hours, with a total elevation gain of 850 feet. If filling out paperwork isnt your idea of time well spent, download and complete a waiver today! 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). While this activity might look technical in photos, you don't have to have any climbing experience in order to participate. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. At the end of the bridge, another climb awaited. Flexible because you can choose from 2 to 10 days of via ferrata trekking. Canopy tour is a series of about a dozen zip lines which was a blast. Uncategorized / By imvince11. My name is Amanda, and I'm a former journalist-turned-blogger from Ohio who's been writing about travel since 2010. Access to hiking trails, the via ferrata, and canopy tours at . The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. Member. It was amazing last January. 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? Im slightly afraid of heights but I think (hope) this is something I can manage. Related: Travel In The Balkans: A Stunning Via Ferrata Launched In Kosovo And Promises To Take Your Breath Away. Nothing screams fun family adventure more than a trip on our ziplines! The naturally-occurring route has been there forever; the rungs and cables merely make it easier to navigate it. 1. It felt reassuring to be firmly secured to the safety cable. Reservations, policies, discounts and specials. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. There it is! Participants are secured to the rock by wearing a special harness that attaches to the steel cable. The climb was a huge confidence booster for my son as well. Wonderful exact and informative review. What if you could make your way up a mountainside, almost as easily as climbing a ladder? 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 is no doubt about it. Ferratas make rock climbing an enjoyable activity that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. The only restroom fulfills the stereotypical assumption many visitors will likely make before arriving in West Virginia. I just climbed the Nrocks via ferrata with my 13 year old son. This includes time for the pre-climb orientation, and several rest stops along the way. You need a car if youre visiting It is possible to stay on lodges at Nelson Rocks itself, however we ended up staying in the nearby Elkins, West Virginia as there were more options for food. No matter what your group size, we assure fun outdoor adventure for everyone! My harness held all the weight, allowing me to dangle, hands free, on the side of the mountain. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. One of the friends has returned with his parents to climb Nelson Rocks again since the first climb. Your email address will not be published. The origins of Via Ferrata date back to the 19th century but associated more widely with World War I. . NROCKS offers Via Ferrata tours, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, and guided rock climbing and caving tours. During the climb, visitors gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a large suspension bridge, and be rewarded with stunning views. 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. Your email address will not be published. The bridge wasnt terrifying. 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. Rocks fall from above and hit you in the head or knock you out, but the most common issue here is equipment failure. The Via Ferrata runs up, over, and through the two rock fins, which jut out from a rounded, tree-covered hillside. 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. Under perfect conditions, he traversed the entire Via in just 15 minutes. **To climb the Via Ferrata at NROCKS you must be at least 13 years old. Those rock fins that protrude from the side of the mountain are part of NRocks (a.k.a. There is one such route on Half Dome in Yosemite National Park that has been climbed by thousands without incident. Me, though? There are a couple more good viewpoints near the upper end of the Via. Were sure to have the lodging type that fit the needs of your adventure! Now, living inThe Hague, the Netherlands. Anissa Laverne Larson, 53, of Tucson, Ariz.,. We climbed horizontally along the wall until we reached the point where the bridge is. Now, though, they are mostly used for recreation. Come out, strap in, and hang on for a wild ride. 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. With via ferratas, you are supposed to remain hooked in at all times, so you can imagine how deadly a fall can be if you slip from 150 feet off the ground. As I rounded the corner and climbed through the notch, the view was incredible. 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. Ive always wanted to do this kind of adventure, it sounds like a lot of fun! 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. While these are very popular in Europe, especially in I Chasing. Oh yeah, I should tell you Im 77. I tried to stand, but the sheer drop on either side of my feet left me feeling dizzy. Burt, Bonnie, Neil, and Jeanne were from Ontario, and had driven through the mountains every year on their way to vacation in Florida. The rock is the same Tuscarora Quartzite as Seneca and Champe Rocks located to the north. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. My husband tucked it into his backpack, however taking it out was very difficult. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. (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!). Visitors see a picturesque formation with razorback ridges like Champe Rocks, Judy Rocks, and Seneca Rocks. Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. I always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. Im just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a normal life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. Looking down into the gap between the two rock fins, the swinging bridge now appeared tiny and distant, and not the least bit threatening. Either way, youre going to need a place to rest your head at night after a day of adventure. All of our outdoor adventures are amazing, so why pick just one? Filed Under: Adventure Travel, North America, Travel, United States, via-ferrata. 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. North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, High Flying Adventure!! 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. You don't have to look like a rock climber to do this via ferrata, though. 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).