Looking down into the gap between the two rock fins, the swinging bridge now appeared tiny and distant, and not the least bit threatening. The via ferrata ascends two fin-shaped quartzite outcrops. Rocks fall from above and hit you in the head or knock you out, but the most common issue here is equipment failure. Basically, you affix your two lanyards to the steel cable line using carabiners. Climbing can be dangerous. I was the owner/GM when we (with a ragtag band of local guides/climbers) built the via in 2002. which took us to the far side of the second rock fin. 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. #1 - Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata Circleville, West Virginia Length: 2.2 mi This is a guided rock climbing tour on private property. I have climbed Nelson Rock here times, age 66,67 and 69. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ohio's outdoor sector generated $10.6 billion and more than 131,000 jobs in 2020. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. The ferratas were built by the Army during World War 1. Also have done 1 VF in New Zealand and 2 in Colorado. It runs near Circleville in West Virginia. But, fun nonetheless!! Also, wear a cheap wristwatch (or none at all). Any limitations? You can climb in to get a 360 view of the area from the top. They are especially common in the European Alps. That said, the Via Ferrata takes place in a wilderness setting which means there are elements of safety that are out of our control: wild animals, sudden changes in weather, or other acts of nature. Related: The Telluride Via Ferrata Is For Experienced Climbers Only, And This Is Why. 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. Happily married to Jacob. 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. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. There's also a few famous routes close to Barcelona, including one difficult one on Montserrat. Constructed by a world-class team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging professionals, the route winds its way through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge. 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. It is operated by NROCKS Outdoor Adventures (previously Nelson Rock's Outdoor Center). Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. Established in 2002. He managed to get through the course, but he said that he was done climbing for good. Two ran at our feet, with narrow, widely spaced boards serving as steps in between them. Please read our privacy policy. I sat down and dangled my feet over the side. 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 passes through the notch, then continues up the other side of the first fin. Drive about 1/2 mile and turn left at the NROCKS sign and Yellow House Inn, onto Nelson Gap Road (gravel road). The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. 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. Ferratas make rock climbing an enjoyable activity that most people with a reasonable level of fitness can enjoy. Nelson Rocks says that climbers need to have "some physical ability.". More info can be found here: https://www.nrocks.com/ You will be supplied with a harness, a helmet, and guides for your rock climbing adventure. For many years, this land was privately owned although it was opened to climbers in 1998 after being opened as part of the private Nelson Rocks Preserve. 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). This is from last week. I brought a box of granola bars with me, which was helpful for helping me find the extra energy to climb. Your email address will not be published. Dave Holcomb, Hey there fellow old fart, Gonna be there in October after a trip to Williamsburg with my wife. From this one, you can see Spruce Knob, the tallest point in West Virginia. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to do a rock climb without needing all the experience required to do lead climbing. If you are in good shape this is a great experience. The via ferrata is one of only a handful in the US and well worth . Join the ADB Community! org, to learn about these. Our group hiked up to the base of the first fin, then stopped for some instruction. My arms were growing weak, and the sweat on my hands was loosening my grip. Filed Under: Adventure Travel, North America, Travel, United States, via-ferrata. 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. Located on the opposite side of the canyon from the renowned Ouray Ice . During this 3.5-5 hour climb youll 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. Let's back up a second, though. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. No matter what your group size, we assure fun outdoor adventure for everyone! While reservations are not required for the Via Ferrata, they are highly recommended. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Hey, Im right there with you. You need to know yourself. There is a very tiny sign marking the turn, but you'd never see it if you weren't looking for it. I'm in fairly decent shape cardio and muscle-wise (thanks, at-home HIIT workouts, and former-gymnast calves and thighs), and I knew I was well within the weight range required for the climbing gear. . After this point, youll turn onto the fin. Brian went first, then Bonnie, who had designated herself as the most nervous member of the group. Looks. Oct 25, 2017 . We met our guide Bryan and two other couples who we'd be climbing with, and soon set off on a short hike to get to the beginning of the course. In convention rock climbing, someone needs to be ensuring that you dont fall. Under perfect conditions, he traversed the entire Via in just 15 minutes. During World War Two, these formations were used by the 10th Mountain Division of the American Army. Required fields are marked *. Privately owned by NROCKS, the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks is a climbing and traversing adventure using steel rungs and cables to move up the rock face rather than climbing on the rock. So what do you think? So, you think youd have to be insane to be a rock climber, huh? . Brian only wanted three people at the most on the bridge at a time. Those colors are so beautiful! Caving is an outdoor activity that involves exploring underground and undeveloped passages. Ive done via ferratas/klettersteige in five countries now. > Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata A mountain jungle gym connects two majestic quartzite fins in West Virginia's North Fork Valley. We ended up staying overnight in nearby Elkins (keep reading for where we stayed.). The staff at NROCKS tries their very best to accommodate walk ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. It makes me want to prepare a trip right away! - JRR Tolkien. This part was the most exhilarating and terrifying bit for me. Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. . All Rights Reserved, Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission. At Elkins, follow signs to stay on 33 East and onto Rt 33/55 to Seneca Rocks. <3. No one in our group wanted to bow out, though, and we soon made our way across the bridge a couple at a time. Your email address will not be published. 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). There are plenty of great places to catch a spectacular desert sunset in Joshua Tree National Park. What if there were rungs and safety cables already built into the rock? Really appreciate all the details youve shared, thanks! "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. 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. Italian for 'by way of iron' or 'iron road' the Via Ferrata is a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables. YES! There are usually a couple different tour times to choose from each day. We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata everyone will need their hands free to climb. Note: Subscribers to our iPad version can access bonus video and photos for this story. Lodging is limited in the area. 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. You might even save a buck or two! The Nelson Rocks and some of the surrounding areas (including Seneca Rocks) was originally used by the US Army (the 10th Mountain Division) as preparation for fighting mountain assault troops in Italy. Make a reservation today to guarantee a spot on one of our tours! Come out, strap in, and hang on for a wild ride. But also there are a couple escape routes if you get up there and decide its too much for you. 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). If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. I could have stayed here for quite a while, but after just a few minutes, my partners begun the trip back down the mountainside, and I didnt have much choice but to follow them. The key, we all later agreed, was staying focused on our feet, and not the tree tops, far below. Guidebook Author to Moon Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, published March 2022. It takes 3.5 to 5 hours to complete and is recommended for those in at least moderate physical condition. 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. Previously, the move had been pure fun. 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. 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. Interested in outdoor education and teambuilding? I put the camera away and didnt waste any more time returning to solid ground. But, the climb was incredibly rewarding! I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. The Via Ferrata runs up, over, and through the two rock fins, which jut out from a rounded, tree-covered hillside. I dont write the death at Nelson Rocks as a way of scaring you, but a way of reminding you that you must remain attached to the cable, follow conventional safety advice, and to listen to the instructions of your guide. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. Hidden in the knobs of West Virginia, youll find some stunning fins that jut out of the ground. A short drive from Nelson, . You can visit the. 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. Reservations, policies, discounts and specials. We would absolutely love to try this experience. Steel cables, metal rungs and a hanging bridge are combined to add safety and ease to your climbing here. READ NEXT: 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. On three sides Nelson Rocks is surrounded on three sides by the Monongahela National Forest. You do want to make sure that you're physically and mentally fit enough for this activity before booking. Most of us did not have good cell phone service at all in the area. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The very first via ferratas were built as a way to traverse tricky mountain passes, and were most famously used during WWI to help move troops through the Alps. As a big fan of climbing, my husband and I have done a number of via ferratas in different countries, but I still often think back on one of my first via ferratas in the United States. Theres not an easy answer. *Pricing subject to change without notice, Join the NROCKS family and receive our free Insider's Guide to the North Fork Valley, packed with useful information about the region. Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia is a ropes and rocks course on steroids. If filling out paperwork isnt your idea of time well spent, download and complete a waiver today! N Rocks offers a wide range of climbing experiences including the Via Ferrata, a bridge suspended 150 feet in the air that spans the two fans of Nelson Rocks. Thats a shame because its a Pittsburgh is jam-packed with the oddest little curiosities in the most unlikely places sometimes, right below your feet. Never were we supposed to remove both clips at the same time. Your videos and photographs inspires us give it a try amazing scenery! Brian is fanatical about safety, and spent a good half-hour I also kind of trauma when think about safety. Climb the Iron Way, take in the stunning scenery, ascend breathtaking heights, and make memories to last a life time or until the next time. 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. The bridge is 150 feet off the ground with a gap of about one foot between the steps. We spoke with an Eastern Mennonite University professor who is familiar with via ferratas. 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. During the climb, visitors gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a large suspension bridge, and be rewarded with stunning views. First, youll scale the wall that will bring up up the fin. Via Ferrata is a protected trail or climbing route used in the mountains to make passage easier and more secure. Participants MUST be 13 or older and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds.
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