The Nelson Rocks via ferrata is a great introduction to this fantastic sport that requires little equipment. We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata everyone will need their hands free to climb. Climbing can be dangerous. You should wear close-toed shoes that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). The two outcrops are. The other two are waist-high, creating handrails. 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 . 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. Sure it looks fun, but all that danger! I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. Ferratas make rock climbing an enjoyable activity that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. I was the owner/GM when we (with a ragtag band of local guides/climbers) built the via in 2002. Ouray Via Ferrata - San Juan Mountain Guides Also have done 1 VF in New Zealand and 2 in Colorado. Music is: M. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. Learn more about me here. Send me updates and special offers from NROCKS! Via Ferrata - Telluride Mountain Club I took up climbing somewhat recently and would love to go climbing in WV! There's also a few famous routes close to Barcelona, including one difficult one on Montserrat. Boating, fishing, RVing, ATVing, and hunting are among the most . The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. I had no idea, either, so was so excited to discover this so close to home! But last week a rock-climbing date with him ended in tragedy at the West Virginia climbing venue where he works. Under perfect conditions, he traversed the entire Via in just 15 minutes. 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). Nelson Rocks, in the North Fork Valley of West Virginia, is located just 10 miles south of the famous trad climbing area of Seneca Rocks. Really appreciate all the details youve shared, thanks! Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. Beginners and experienced enthusiasts enjoy the Via Ferrata at NROCKS. If I had leaned any further, it felt like the entire bridge would have flipped. Fantastic time on the Via Ferrata - Tripadvisor Please read our privacy policy. Check out the license plate sculptures I'm selling on Etsy! The course isn't for the faint of heart or those with more than a healthy fear of heights. 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). NRocks Via Ferrata: Rock Climbing Adventure - TakeMyTrip.com My confidence level suddenly dropped (thankfully it was the only thing). Introductory Guide to Via Ferrata: What to know before your first via Via Ferrata : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost A night out like no other! 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Our sister company, The Outdoor Learning Center specializes in both with groups of all shapes and sizes. 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. 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. These were the very first Via Ferrata, which translated means iron roads. As I rounded the corner and climbed through the notch, the view was incredible. Via Ferrata is a protected trail or climbing route used in the mountains to make passage easier and more secure. There it is! Almost anyone! At the time, it was only the second via ferrata in the United States. Photos (126) Directions. The climb is fairly long and you dont want to get dehydrated. 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. Generally considered a challenging route. A great place to really get out and get some fresh air rock climbing in is the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. I do enjoy to read this kind real life experience. Reservations are not required for the Via Ferrata, but they are encouraged or "highly recommended." Looks like it would be an incredible experience. Climbing the NROCKS Via Ferrata in West Virginia! - YouTube 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. 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. Okay, that looks like both crazy fun and just plain crazy. I wore a good pair of hiking sneakers, athletic clothes, and my fingerless climbing gloves. I always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. Attached to your harness will be a special via ferrata kit that includes two clips. You need to be attached to the rope at all times and you want to ensure both clips are attached to the cable for your own safety. Yes, some of the other mountains look taller, but thats because theyre closer. org, to learn about these. Brian went first, then Bonnie, who had designated herself as the most nervous member of the group. Nothing screams fun family adventure more than a trip on our ziplines! And the photos are beautiful. Also, wear a cheap wristwatch (or none at all). Now, though, they are mostly used for recreation. This via ferrata at Nelson Rocks in West Virginia was EPIC! To reserve a Zip, Climb and Stay Package, please call (540) 437-9901 to speak to a company representative. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. [6] Description [ edit] Excellent Canopy Tour and Via Ferrata. The Via Ferrata runs up, over, and through the two rock fins, which jut out from a rounded, tree-covered hillside. If you intend to take photos, I recommend bringing your GoPro as the views are great and its the easiest way to capture stunning photos of the via ferrata without having to stop. 28, just 11 miles south of Seneca Rocks. With my oldest daughter all packed up, we made a detour to West Virginia before she headed off to college in Boston for a side trip to West Virginia. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. The one thing Id like to add is that even though you CAN do it year-round, I wouldnt recommend it. Im just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a normal life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. Climbers are able to rest while climbing. An 86-year-old man has died climbing a Via Ferrata alpine route at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, B.C. Just up the road from NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is an area called Seneca Rocks, where rock climbers have long tested their mettle on one such fin. 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. There was an really nice diner in town that we went to before heading out. There are certain places on the hike where you absolutely must plant your hands on the darker rocks during the climb up or down. This is a typical ladder found with via ferratas. Via Ferrata - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort This is insane and I cant wait to go! "It's a dangerous business, going out your door. During World War Two, these formations were used by the 10th Mountain Division of the American Army. 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. (You can read more about via ferrata here.). My name is Amanda, and I'm a former journalist-turned-blogger from Ohio who's been writing about travel since 2010. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on a climbing adventure through the alpine terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Oh yeah, I should tell you Im 77. Karen. Very nice climb. To zip you must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Rock Climbing in West Virginia to the Scary Swinging Bridge at N Rocks The NROCKS Via Ferrata is a one-of-a-kind adventure experience that includes a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-led rock climbing. Yes, I personally wouldnt want to do this in the winter, but Im sure there are plenty of crazy people who do it then! How much: This activity costs $125 per person during the high season, and $80 per person during the low season. Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. YES! NOT QUITE THE SAME THING single use material - keeping with the wishes - please press start. Once the group came back down, we had some more scrambling up the far side of the second fin to do before reaching the end of the course. Those colors are so beautiful! The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. Good thing, heights doesnt bother you. It is also a great workout and a spectacular way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world. Lets start out with a picture taken from a few miles away, atop Spruce Knob, to give you a lay of the land. Still, you must be aware of weather as a cloudy day can create dangerous conditions on many via ferratas. The Granite Via Ferrata starts at 8,700 feet in elevation and gains 220 feet in a little more than a mile. We were approaching hour number five. Also, when headed uphill, the next rung is usually right in front of you; downhill, its below your feet, where its difficult to see. Ascend the slopes of the Via Ferrata by the light of the moon with our exclusive Full Moon Tours. Nelson Rocks Climbing Access: Access to the Nelson Rocks climbing area is private. It was a big confidence boost for us all. The views are spectacular and the the fulfilling feeling of accomplishment is like none other. 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. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ohio's outdoor sector generated $10.6 billion and more than 131,000 jobs in 2020. Happily married to Jacob. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. If you've never seen the phrase via ferrata before, you might be wondering what the hell I'm talking about. All in all, we finished the climb in 3.5 hours, made some new friends, and had the time of our lives! This proposal is in absolute the most flexible and complete via ferrata trekking in the Dolomites! The average Via Ferrata trip times range from 3.5 hours to 5 hours, depending on the size and speed of the group. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. I once again let the Ontarians go ahead. I have climbed the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata twice, the last time at age 80! Before this, though, Bryan gave us a safety briefing, and showed us how to safely hook in to the course. You don't have to look like a rock climber to do this via ferrata, though. 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. Theres only a handful of them in the U.S., and one of them is located in the hills of eastern West Virginia. Italian for 'by way of iron' or 'iron road' the Via Ferrata is a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables. <3. Your email address will not be published. The Downstream OVF Route. The rust-red rocks of Arizona's Grand Canyon top many a bucket list - and for good reason. It . Access high places usually reserved for experienced technical rock climbers, providing exhilarating views and exposure. 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). 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. Bring your camera so that you can snap some photos of the West Virginia landscape; its one of a kind! 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. America's Best Via Ferratas: 6 Great Vertical Adventures in the USA Climb to New Heights in Almost Heaven - West Virginia North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, High Flying Adventure!! So instead. Built in 2002, the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks was only the second of its kind to be established in the United States and still one of . 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. 2023 Best Via Ferrata Trails in Circleville | AllTrails We signed our indemnity forms first. We spoke with an Eastern Mennonite University professor who is familiar with via ferratas. Note: This trip was first published in 2008. The Army used them to train for planned assaults in the mountains of Italy. PDF I Came, I Climbed, DNR I Conquered WV - Wonderful WV Climbers each receive safety briefing, instruction, and equipment fitting on the ground before ascending the rock. Sign up here to get exclusive travel tips, deals, and other inspiring goodies delivered to your inbox. Once Jeanne neared the end, and Neil reached the middle, I took my first step. Steel cables, metal rungs and a hanging bridge are combined to add safety and ease to your climbing here. (There were also safety waivers involved, though we filled those out before leaving home.). Now, living inThe Hague, the Netherlands. Established in 2002. Going down is tougher, I learned, because instead of fighting against gravity, youre moving with it, while trying not to move too fast. Is this something you'd like to try in West Virginia? 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. Getting There Nelson Rocks Preserve is located in Eastern WV, off of Rte. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. No matter what your group size, we assure fun outdoor adventure for everyone! The bridge is 150 feet high and 200 feet across. *taxes not included in pricing. Oct 25, 2017 . 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. Nelson Rocks Preserve): a privately-owned nature preserve near Judy Gap, West Virginia. Having a home base to come back to after a day of West Virginia outdoor adventure is important, which is why we offer convenient on-site lodging options. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. 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. 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. It makes me want to prepare a trip right away! Were sure to have the lodging type that fit the needs of your adventure! The Iron Route - Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine Brian is fanatical about safety, and spent a good half-hour making sure we knew what we were doing. The guides are really great with helping you through the course! No matter what your skill level, weve got rock for you! Then,Paris. A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. Estes Park and Colorado Via Ferratas Nelson Rocks - Wikipedia Many of these original routes still exist today although theyre used for leisure climbing. Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. While they are not for everyone, they are a great option to combine hiking with rock climbing. But what if you didnt have to carry all those ropes, and learn how to use all that equipment? Yes, it is an outhouse. There isnt a great place to take an up-close picture, until youre actually on the rocks. We did one via ferrata known as the Stairs of Death in Ronda, which gave an incredible view of Ronda's famous bridge as we climbed up the sides of the gorge. The via ferrata ascends two fin-shaped quartzite outcrops. At Seneca, bear right at the three-way stop to continue on Rt.33 East. The double-fin rocks provide the unique combination of physical challenge and overwhelming beauty! It takes 3.5 to 5 hours to complete and is recommended for those in at least moderate physical condition.
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