One of advantage of via ferrata compared to other forms of climbing is that you dont need to have a belayer. If you have a paralyzing fear of heights, this is not the place to try to conquer it first. 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. We were approaching hour number five. 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. I couldnt help but look down. Hard 5 (73) Circleville, West Virginia. I did both the Canopy Tour and Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks on back to back days. 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. It was so unique definitely highly recommend it if it looks fun to you! Reservations, policies, discounts and specials. As we rested at the foot of the bridge, a group of West Virginia State Police troopers came up behind us. The climb is fairly long and you dont want to get dehydrated. As each climber ahead of me reached the notch, I heard a wow!, and when it was my turn, I said it too. In order to do this you must sign up for a guided tour at NRocks. Tours offered day before, of, and after the Full Moon. We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata everyone will need their hands free to climb. You might even save a buck or two! The darker colored rocks on Angels Landing start to get quite hot around the noon hour during the summer months. Sometimes you think that spot is okay to put your foots, but suddenly its not. An 86-year-old man has died climbing a Via Ferrata alpine route at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, B.C. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Ohio's outdoor sector generated $10.6 billion and more than 131,000 jobs in 2020. Check Out the Via Ferrata Feature on Destination Adventure! There are two escape points on the Via Ferrata, should you decide you dont want to continue. It pays to get to know your fellow climbers a few weeks after our climb, Neil and I exchanged pictures (a much better idea than passing a camera back and forth!). The bridge wasnt terrifying. 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. He managed to get through the course, but he said that he was done climbing for good. Theres a hostel and brewery called Brewstelin Elkins with a homey atmosphere that is perfect for groups. What I just described is a Via Ferrata. Climbing the Via Ferrata is safe but be very careful to follow all the safety procedures and listen to the safety instructors. Looking down into the gap between the two rock fins, the swinging bridge now appeared tiny and distant, and not the least bit threatening. AWESOME.. Our group started up the first rock wall, getting used to clipping in and out while using the ladder-like steel rungs to climb. Learn more about me here. 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. But, fun nonetheless!! Passing through the notch is tricky, though, as it requires climbers to swing around to the other side of the rock. Climbers are connected to steel cables while using the steel rungs and/or rock face to traverse, ascend, or descend the route. The course isn't for the faint of heart or those with more than a healthy fear of heights. We spoke with an Eastern Mennonite University professor who is familiar with via ferratas. 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. I always admired those ridiculously fit dudes who could scale a cliff like a monkey climbs a tree. At the time, it was only the second via ferrata in the United States. Many sections of the route are un-cabled to add technical mountaineering elements (something Chuck cherished). For even more info on things to do in the area visit the Nelson Kootenay Lake Toursim website. Could a chunky-yet-adventurous woman complete this course? Then,Paris. NROCKS offers Via Ferrata tours, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, and guided rock climbing and caving tours. Brian told us about half the climbers call this the scariest part, and on a previous trip, it had made his brother cry. 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. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats. Lodging is limited in the area. 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 . 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 views are spectacular and the the fulfilling feeling of accomplishment is like none other. Gnarliest thing I've done on the eastern half of the states. 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. It felt reassuring to be firmly secured to the safety cable. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. All one needs to do is climb into one of the metal rungs and hang out. As he reached the top of a cliff face and looked around the corner to see cables and foot holds suspended over a completely sheer drop, he said, very matter-of-factly: Oh well that's terrifying.. I discovered I was in that minority. Learn how your comment data is processed. She slipped and fell 150 feet. Climbers must be at least 13 years of age and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds to tackle this route. NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. Heights don't really bother me. Good thing, heights doesnt bother you. NRocksisnt a big operation. Photos (126) Directions. Also, when headed uphill, the next rung is usually right in front of you; downhill, its below your feet, where its difficult to see. This via ferrata at Nelson Rocks in West Virginia was EPIC! The via ferrata in Telluride, also known as the "Krogerata," was the brain child of renowned climber and local builder, Chuck Kroger. We can see the backside of Nelson Rocks , one of the many fins of Quartzite and Tuscarora Sandstone that are seen standing edgewise on []. Some people like to wear gloves when climbing (fingerless are preferred). 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). The Via Ferrata is the most important feature of this area as it is the only "iron way" in the United States. **To climb the Via Ferrata at NROCKS you must be at least 13 years old. Youd have to be crazy to trust your life to a little metal clip hammered into the side of a mountain. At the top of the narrow rock knife is an unobstructed view of the entire area. Hidden in the knobs of West Virginia, youll find some stunning fins that jut out of the ground. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nation's Premiere Via Ferrata. They were using the Via to train for rescue operations. 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. While they are not for everyone, they are a great option to combine hiking with rock climbing. So what do you think? Please check ourdisclosurepagefor more information. 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. Attached to your harness will be a special via ferrata kit that includes two clips. Both Jacob and I struggle with vertigo/a fear of heights and for us, being attached to the cable in the air is exhilarating. I methodically made my way across the 150-foot-high bridge, swaying between two giant rock formations in eastern West Virginia. I once again let the Ontarians go ahead. Music is: M. 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. I tried to stand, but the sheer drop on either side of my feet left me feeling dizzy. The route is open year-round as the weather . Wonderful exact and informative review. org, to learn about these. Plenty of people do take this option when they see the next obstacle: the 200-foot-long suspension bridge that takes you over to the second rock fin. The remaining hike was certainly the least thrilling part of the day. It takes 3.5 to 5 hours to complete and is recommended for those in at least moderate physical condition. My arms were growing weak, and the sweat on my hands was loosening my grip. I got a bit unlucky and I was behind someone who decided about halfway up that he didnt want to complete the climb. The bridge is 150 feet high and 200 feet across. Manufacturers of Via Ferrata kits are frequently recalling equipment to improve it after someone falls to their death. Nelson Rocks is a privately owned rock formation in the North Fork Valley of Pendleton County. 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. One of them was more nervous than anyone in our group. Yes, I personally wouldnt want to do this in the winter, but Im sure there are plenty of crazy people who do it then! When encountering a tree, you need to keep one clip attached while attaching the second clip to the cable. The route Crawford was climbing was only the second of its kind in the United States. You may wear shorts if conditions allow. Going down is tougher, I learned, because instead of fighting against gravity, youre moving with it, while trying not to move too fast. Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. The Headwall offers an optional, 100 foot climb, straight up. Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia is a ropes and rocks course on steroids. NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! It can be can downright terrifying at times, but for me, those moments of fear are drowned out by the overarching feeling of completing the route. READ NEXT: 10 Awesome Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. There isnt a great place to take an up-close picture, until youre actually on the rocks. But, the climb was incredibly rewarding! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Driving along US33 is a stunning drive as youll see many of these formations from the road. If I had leaned any further, it felt like the entire bridge would have flipped. This is insane and I cant wait to go! Sure, it would be awesome, but theres no way Id do it. Most of us did not have good cell phone service at all in the area. 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? the route is touted as the highest via ferrata in the world. It is also a great workout and a spectacular way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world. The course IS physically demanding. Harnesses or lanyards that get old or sun-damaged eventually fail. Have to give it a try some time when Im looking for something crazy! 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. But don't worry: you don't have to climb back down the fins. It . Nelson Rocks is a large privately owned rock formation located in the North Fork Valley of Pendleton County, West Virginia, United States. At the end of the climb, the rocks narrow ledge was only a couple of feet wide. The most adventurous climbers can take the extra challenge of completing the Head Wall, an additional 100 feet of vertical climbing. Come out, strap in, and hang on for a wild ride. - JRR Tolkien. 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. The NROCKS Via Ferrata adventure includes gear, a short training, and a mile long guided tour. Doesn't seem nearly as sketchy as the bridge you have to cross at the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata in West . I HIGHLY recommend it! After reaching the top, take the time to gaze out and soak in the views of Spruce Knob in the distance. Climbing can be dangerous. My confidence level suddenly dropped (thankfully it was the only thing). 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. Yes. 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. Required fields are marked *. It was really cool, and I would definitely do it again! I felt so confident, that about midway I pulled out my camera for a few photos. What if there were rungs and safety cables already built into the rock? Once on the rock, climbers must ensure their own safety by keeping their equipment properly connected to the fixed-anchor systems at all times. Reservations are not required for the Via Ferrata, but they are encouraged or "highly recommended." and the view downhill, towards the hollow and the next mountain. I took up climbing somewhat recently and would love to go climbing in WV! Thanks for letting me re-live the adventure. It was amazing last January. With no one behind me, I could take my time. Suddenly, I could see the other rock fin, the chasm in between, and of course, that swinging bridge. At least for my friends, they found the bridge to be scariest part. San Juan Mountain Guides is proud to introduce the brand new Ouray Via Ferrata (OVF)! To reserve a Zip, Climb and Stay Package, please call (540) 437-9901 to speak to a company representative. My harness held all the weight, allowing me to dangle, hands free, on the side of the mountain. 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. In convention rock climbing, someone needs to be ensuring that you dont fall. They have facilities of their own, but can also customize a day trip at NROCKS to focus on teambuilding. We climbed horizontally along the wall until we reached the point where the bridge is. I take requests! For the first stage of the climb, we went up and to the left, working our way to a notch in the first fin. The other two are waist-high, creating handrails. He wasnt crying, but he was quivering. At the shed, I paid the $45 fee for climbing the Via, received my safety equipment, and met my climbing partners. We recommend the following items: You can bring a GoPro or camera and we can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it. Several times, I had to quickly clip to a rung and go hands-free, just to give myself a rest. The Army used them to train for planned assaults in the mountains of Italy. 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! Climbers/hikers are required to use harnesses, helmets, and locking carabiners. But also there are a couple escape routes if you get up there and decide its too much for you. 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. The razorback ridgelines rise some 800 feet above the valley floor. Im 41 and athletic, and I did find it challenging. While the safety cables continued, there were only a few spots, like this one, that required a brief climb. And the photos are beautiful. . 2023 A Dangerous Business. For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves. Interested in outdoor education and teambuilding? On three sides Nelson Rocks is surrounded on three sides by the Monongahela National Forest. 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. Wild Caving is a partnership between NROCKS and WILDGUYde Adventures. She was pronounced dead at the scene. We climbed up and to the left on the first fin, and then passed through a notch near the top of the rock. Was that really just a couple of weeks ago? . He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. Dave Holcomb, Hey there fellow old fart, Gonna be there in October after a trip to Williamsburg with my wife. 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. When: You can book this via ferrata year-round; they run tours every day of the week from April through the end of October, and offer tours Friday-Sunday during the winter months. We would absolutely love to try this experience. Nothing screams fun family adventure more than a trip on our ziplines! 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. Send me updates and special offers from NROCKS! I brought my DSLR, which was a bit difficult to climb with. Here's everything you need to know. 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. But last week a rock-climbing date with him ended in tragedy at the West Virginia climbing venue where he works. Rocks fall from above and hit you in the head or knock you out, but the most common issue here is equipment failure. Sign up to receive the Insider's Guide to the North Fork Valley! After this point, youll turn onto the fin. From this one, you can see Spruce Knob, the tallest point in West Virginia. The Via Ferrata is open by appointment only. 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. Theres only a handful of them in the U.S., and one of them is located in the hills of eastern West Virginia. One last short hike took us up to a lookout point above both fins, which made our achievement seem even more impressive. I was the owner/GM when we (with a ragtag band of local guides/climbers) built the via in 2002. It includes climbing ridglines, fin- like rock formations, being. I first considered Zions east side is often underappreciated and unvisited by many of the parks visitors. [6] Description [ edit] 28, just 11 miles south of Seneca Rocks. Its a system that is said to be safe for people who have no prior climbing training. 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). I put the camera away and didnt waste any more time returning to solid ground. Read the full disclosure policy. Climbing a Via Ferrata in West Virginia: Crazy Fun or Just Plain Crazy? At the Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center, the 1750 feet of -inch aircraft-grade stainless-steel cable (tensile strength: 11,800 pounds), the 115 stainless-steel rungs, and the 145 iron bolt hangers. This route does not use rope (unlike normal rock climbing). There is no doubt about it. This is where we came across that exposed section that Elliot found pretty terrifying, but it didn't last long before we had rock under our feet again. I stayed at the Hermitage Motor Inn in Petersburg, 33 miles north of Judy Gap. Brian only wanted three people at the most on the bridge at a time. Check out this 2.2-mile loop trail near Circleville, West Virginia. Brian told us that only about 3% of climbers find the Headwall descent to be the scariest part of the climb. Specialties: NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is the premiere guided climbing center in West Virginia and the North Fork Valley Region. 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. One of the most eye-catching attractions along the Via Ferrata is a 200-foot-long suspension bridge hanging 150 feet above the ground below. Luckily, theres a good place to rest and have a bite to eat there while you watch others going across the bridge. Climbers don helmets and harnesses, and use a set of leashes and carabiners to affix themselves to the cable system as they climb. ), We signed up for a morning tour, and arrived early on an overcast Friday to check in and get geared up in harnesses and helmets. Happily married to Jacob. NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all . Any limitations? You must be 13+ as well as in good physical condition to climb. 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. 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. There was an really nice diner in town that we went to before heading out. and fun. The headwall was the last big challenge of the day. Those rock fins that protrude from the side of the mountain are part of NRocks (a.k.a. Access high places usually reserved for experienced technical rock climbers, providing exhilarating views and exposure. Participants need to be 13 or older, and weigh between 88 and 265 pounds in order to safely use the climbing equipment. Anissa Laverne Larson, 53, of Tucson, Ariz.,. Nelson Rocks, a primarily privately owned rock formation in Pendleton County known as NRocks Outdoor Adventures, has a spectacular footbridge. Is this something you'd like to try in West Virginia? An expensive watch will likely end up scratched by the rocks. Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. You can visit the. Glad this brought back some memories; it was so fun! Pricing subject to change without notice. Note: Subscribers to our iPad version can access bonus video and photos for this story. We took a short break at this point, and Bryan told us that we had one last chance to take an escape route if we were feeling shaky on the course. The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. Had no idea you could do something like this in West Virginia. 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. All participants are required to have an NROCKS-approved guide. All of our outdoor adventures are amazing, so why pick just one? In 1997, a climber by the name of Stu Hammett bought the land that NROCKS sits on today (known simply as Nelson Rocks), and in 2001 decided he wanted to build his own via ferrata course. No matter what your skill level, weve got rock for you! Please do not wear sandals of any kind or crocs. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on a climbing adventure through the alpine terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. 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. Our Via Ferrata tethers allow for at least one connection at all times. You can climb in to get a 360 view of the area from the top. 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. Bring one, bring 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. Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. But Elliot set aside his fears and went up to the very top with the rest of the group. 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. In 2002, he helped install the Via Ferrata drilling hundreds of holes in the hard quartz rock, and then gluing the rungs into place. 10/20/2022. The Downstream OVF Route. If filling out paperwork isnt your idea of time well spent, download and complete a waiver today! The view from the end of the bridge, looking back after crossing it. 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. You should dress for movement and according to the weather. 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! These allow people to ascend and descend the over one thousand feet of rock surface without the need for technical knowledge or climbing gear. The via ferrata is one of only a handful in the US and well worth . There are also rustic cabins for rent for a $10 cabin fee, and $10 per . NROCKS Outdoor Adventures: Fantastic time on the Via Ferrata - See 392 traveler reviews, 491 candid photos, and great deals for Circleville, WV, at Tripadvisor. Once you turn the corner, youre 150-200 feet up in the air with a sheer drop along the cliff face with good foot and hand holds.
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