Originally, there were many arches in this area, however these arches eroded over time, leaving the fins that you can still climb today. 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 . As I rounded the corner and climbed through the notch, the view was incredible. 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. 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. The tragedy happened at an altitude of 6000ft on the Via Ferrata delle Trincee, above Arabba in the Dolomites, a spectacular mountain chain straddling Italy and Austria. Definitely worth putting on the to-do list if youre in West Virginia! Fall on Rock, Inadequate Protection, West Virginia, Nelson Rocks Preserve Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. I couldnt help but look down. Hope to do it again this year at 73. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. Most of us did not have good cell phone service at all in the area. The ferratas were built by the Army during World War 1. Yes, I personally wouldnt want to do this in the winter, but Im sure there are plenty of crazy people who do it then! Youd have to be crazy to trust your life to a little metal clip hammered into the side of a mountain. Related: The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why. I methodically made my way across the 150-foot-high bridge, swaying between two giant rock formations in eastern West Virginia. There's also a few famous routes close to Barcelona, including one difficult one on Montserrat. Doesn't seem nearly as sketchy as the bridge you have to cross at the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in West . It was so unique definitely highly recommend it if it looks fun to you! 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. 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. While resting, snacking, and gulping down what remained of our water supplies, Brian told us how he has climbed the Via Ferrata hundreds of times even in rain, fog, or snow. Print/PDF map. To reserve a Zip, Climb and Stay Package, please call (540) 437-9901 to speak to a company representative. Brian only wanted three people at the most on the bridge at a time. 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. Elliot definitely has that healthy fear. Any limitations? Taking You to New Height on the Via Ferrata - Destination Adventure (There were also safety waivers involved, though we filled those out before leaving home.). 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 . During World War Two, these formations were used by the 10th Mountain Division of the American Army. Two ran at our feet, with narrow, widely spaced boards serving as steps in between them. and Arches. Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata: West Virginia - Breezy Days Ahead Via Ferrata : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. And the photos are beautiful. They can provide a helmet that has the GoPro mount. Rocky hills, heart-stopping high-wire thrills on West Virginia's Via Was that really just a couple of weeks ago? At Seneca, bear right at the three-way stop to continue on Rt.33 East. 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). Those colors are so beautiful! [6] Description [ edit] He says this type of climbing is designed to prevent any accidents. The Nelson Rocks via ferrata provides your equipment, including the helmut, the harness, and the via ferrata set. Vincent Everett - Riding Coach with Vincent Everett She was pronounced dead at the scene. 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. AVA built another hybrid via ferrata/adventure course just outside of Buena Vista that opened in summer 2018. 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). A short drive from Nelson, . Via Ferrata Dolomites: customised hut to hut treks in the Central Dolomites. 'Via Ferrata' is Italian for 'Iron Way'. **To climb the Via Ferrata at NROCKS you must be at least 13 years old. I discovered I was in that minority. Hiker who died had unclipped from cable on Colorado via ferrata These were the very first Via Ferrata, which translated means iron roads. There isnt a great place to take an up-close picture, until youre actually on the rocks. Via Ferrata - nrocks.com Via Ferrata is a protected trail or climbing route used in the mountains to make passage easier and more secure. You can climb in to get a 360 view of the area from the top. Previously, the move had been pure fun. Lodging is limited in the area. I put the camera away and didnt waste any more time returning to solid ground. I take requests! 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. 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. 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. Thanks for letting me re-live the adventure. Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. The highest part of the climb will be about 300 feet up on the air if you choose to climb to the top of the head wall, but the main route is about 200 feet off the ground. Check out this 2.2-mile loop trail near Circleville, West Virginia. It was a big confidence boost for us all. I just climbed the Nrocks via ferrata with my 13 year old son. Nelson Rocks says that climbers need to have "some physical ability.". At the time, it was only the second via ferrata in the United States. Boating, fishing, RVing, ATVing, and hunting are among the most . Yes. . Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort. TripAdvisor.com, Join the NROCKS family and receive our free Insider's Guide to the North Fork Valley, packed with useful information about the region. Guest lounge, hiking, climbing wall and more! Climbing the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks. Good thing, heights doesnt bother you. 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! As an Airbnb Associate and Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, High Flying Adventure!! The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. New Yorkerborn and raised. Via Ferrata - The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. In general, Id recommend bringing a backpack for your stuff, water, and snacks. If you are in good shape this is a great experience. It . You might even save a buck or two! If you intend to take your DSLR, I recommend having a good strap attached to your DSLR to make it easier to take out of your bag. Ascend the slopes of the Via Ferrata by the light of the moon with our exclusive Full Moon Tours. All you need for this day on the rocks is some physical ability, an appreciation of the outdoors, and of course a desire to have a great day outside! You need to know yourself. Me, though? Climbing the NROCKS Via Ferrata in West Virginia! - YouTube 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. There are less than a dozen Via Ferrata in the United States. I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. 22 350 number so that you know that you're not going to keep in our saviour bring out your statistics are quite skewed there be 52 if you like I give you a list of Nobel Prize winners in you'll be quite surprised that sounds fun let us know, and also, you guys don't normally get too much there did you . 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). 4 most rewarding rock climbs for beginners - Almost Heaven - West Ouray Via Ferrata - San Juan Mountain Guides How long: Most groups take between 3.5 and 5 hours to complete the course (it took our group 4 hours). 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. Weighed down with climbing gear, this hike was actually one of the more difficult parts of the whole day! British woman plunges 300ft to her death in front of husband during but up close, you realize theyre several hundred feet above the ground. Sometimes you think that spot is okay to put your foots, but suddenly its not. Ferratas make rock climbing an enjoyable activity that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. He can be reached on Instagram at aaronspray, Climbing on the NROCKS via ferrata in West Virginia, Planning A Visit To Nelson Rocks And Via Ferrata, The Greenbrier has been frequented by around half of the US presidents, then try out Colorado's new Via Feratta, which is perfect for those not afraid of heights, Travel In The Balkans: A Stunning Via Ferrata Launched In Kosovo And Promises To Take Your Breath Away, The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why. Interested in outdoor education and teambuilding? It makes me want to prepare a trip right away! I bought this after my first via ferrata. These extraordinary views will leave your jaw on the floor - MSN North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, High Flying Adventure!! But, fun nonetheless!! 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. OYMYO NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all . 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. 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. At the shed, I paid the $45 fee for climbing the Via, received my safety equipment, and met my climbing partners. I did both the Canopy Tour and Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks on back to back days. Climbing the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks - Time to 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. The via ferrata in Telluride, also known as the "Krogerata," was the brain child of renowned climber and local builder, Chuck Kroger. So, you think youd have to be insane to be a rock climber, huh? NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! They are especially common in the European Alps. It includes climbing ridglines, fin- like rock formations, being. There are no extra reinforcements to keep the contraption from bouncing, twisting, or swaying in the wind. This part was the most exhilarating and terrifying bit for me. Where: NROCKS is located in Circleville, West Virginia. Look at our package deals to combine activities and lodging. But what if you didnt have to carry all those ropes, and learn how to use all that equipment? <3. The rock is the same Tuscarora Quartzite as Seneca and Champe Rocks located to the north. Instead of staying clipped into the safety cable, I hooked onto one of the rungs above my head, and let go. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Thats where the final, big challenge awaited. 2023 Best Via Ferrata Trails in Circleville | AllTrails org, to learn about these. 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. 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. 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. 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. Which city has the best rental car deals, and some bargain-hunting tips, Hammond or Hohman? 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. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere with very spotty cell service, so you might want to grab an offline map before you head there. Via Ferrata is perfect for families, groups or individuals 10 years of age or older. And I wondered to myself how exactly I had been talked into this. Built in 2002, the NROCKS Via Ferrata was only the second of its kind to be established in the United States and still one of only three on the East Coast. The average Via Ferrata trip times range from 3.5 hours to 5 hours, depending on the size and speed of the group. 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. 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. Must be 13 years of age or older and have prior experience on the Via Ferrata at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, *taxes not included in pricing. It runs near Circleville in West Virginia. Touching those hot rocks barehanded is not a pleasant experience. The staff at NROCKS tries their very best to accommodate walk ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. I HIGHLY recommend it! I wore a good pair of hiking sneakers, athletic clothes, and my fingerless climbing gloves. One of them was more nervous than anyone in our group. Your email address will not be published. We would absolutely love to try this experience. YES! We took another break before tackling the long hike down. You don't have to look like a rock climber to do this via ferrata, though. 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. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. American expat and cat lover fromNew York Citywho lived inAmsterdam. Almost anyone! The Nelson Rocks via ferrata is a great introduction to this fantastic sport that requires little equipment. Our group hiked up to the base of the first fin, then stopped for some instruction. Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. As long as you follow that rule, you'll avoid any serious falls/injury. Neil was feeling pretty confident at this point! From 2017. I always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. As we rested at the foot of the bridge, a group of West Virginia State Police troopers came up behind us. Canopy tour is a series of about a dozen zip lines which was a blast. 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. America's Best Via Ferratas: 6 Great Vertical Adventures in the USA Visitors from the Northeast region and around the world enjoy adventure vacations at NROCKS. Required fields are marked *. If you have a paralyzing fear of heights, this is not the place to try to conquer it first. Visitors see a picturesque formation with razorback ridges like Champe Rocks, Judy Rocks, and Seneca Rocks. Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia is a ropes and rocks course on steroids. We regularly welcome visitors from Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, North Carolina and Washington, DC. NROCKS says the course can take anywhere from 3.5-5 hours on average, and our group finished in about 4 with a couple short breaks for water/snacks. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. Unfortunately with many via ferratas, many people can underestimate their fear of heights and turning back can be more difficult than you think it might be depending on the route. There was an infamous death at Nelson Rocks some years ago. We signed our indemnity forms first. I took up climbing somewhat recently and would love to go climbing in WV! Never were we supposed to remove both clips at the same time. Steel cables, metal rungs and a hanging bridge are combined to add safety and ease to your climbing here. Nelson Rocks is a longer via ferrata located in West Virginia that is 4ish hours. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. 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. Your email address will not be published. One of advantage of via ferrata compared to other forms of climbing is that you dont need to have a belayer. Could a chunky-yet-adventurous woman complete this course? As each climber ahead of me reached the notch, I heard a wow!, and when it was my turn, I said it too. With via ferrata, you are responsible for yourself to ensure that you stay safe in many cases. 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. Suddenly, I could see the other rock fin, the chasm in between, and of course, that swinging bridge. When we clipped out and stepped back onto packed earth at the end of the course, we were basically on top of a small mountain. It's probably one of the most unique activities I've done while traveling in the US. Neil and Jeanne posed for a picture at the top of the headwall.
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