If I had leaned any further, it felt like the entire bridge would have flipped. In convention rock climbing, someone needs to be ensuring that you dont fall. Plywood Does not approve of this tag. On three sides Nelson Rocks is surrounded on three sides by the Monongahela National Forest. 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. Please take a minute to explore our photos to get a better idea of what the climb entails. Maybe youre in town to zip through the trees, or climb the local rock, or just to see the sights of West Virginia. This occurred while a woman was climbing with the proper gear, but completely unhooked herself from the safety cables while going around a tree. 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. 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. OYMYO We spoke with an Eastern Mennonite University professor who is familiar with via ferratas. Once Jeanne neared the end, and Neil reached the middle, I took my first step. 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. *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. Theres not an easy answer. You might even save a buck or two! 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's probably one of the most unique activities I've done while traveling in the US. There is a very tiny sign marking the turn, but youd never see it if you werent looking for it. The remaining hike was certainly the least thrilling part of the day. Via Ferrata - Jackson Hole Mountain Resort At the top of the narrow rock knife is an unobstructed view of the entire area. Now, though, they are mostly used for recreation. 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. Click here to find out what dates are available and to book your adventure today! 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. 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. Wild Caving is a partnership between NROCKS and WILDGUYde Adventures. I did this years ago and your pictures bring back awesome memories! Participants are secured to the rock by wearing a special harness that attaches to the steel cable. Check Out the Via Ferrata Feature on Destination Adventure! 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. What I just described is a Via Ferrata. Many experienced rock climbers have enjoyed climbing the Via Ferrata. Bryan Williams, the operations manager of N Rocks Outdoor Adventures, describes the Via Ferrata as a unique style of rock climbing that bridges the gaps between rock climbing and hiking. My husband who had service through Appalachian Wireless was the only one who had a decent connection, so its best to go old school with buying a map or printing out directions before you go. 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. Steel cables, handles, and ladder rungs are installed in places where the trail steepens. 91 Baker Street Nelson BC Phone: (250) 352-3433 Toll Free: 1-877-663-5706. NROCKS offers Sport Climbing, Top Rope Climbing, Zip Lines, guided Canopy Tours as well as the Nations Premiere Via Ferrata. From this one, you can see Spruce Knob, the tallest point in West Virginia. The age limit is 13 years old. Destination West Virginia: Seneca Rocks | DC News Now Any limitations? Nelson Rocks says that climbers need to have "some physical ability.". The Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. Thats amazing! But also there are a couple escape routes if you get up there and decide its too much for you. For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves. Stu Hammett, the original owner purchased the property that NROCKS stands on today in 1997 with the intent of turning it into a Mecca for climbing enthusiasts. It felt reassuring to be firmly secured to the safety cable. 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. Complete because you will cross with via ferratas all the central territory of the Dolomites. . Our group started up the first rock wall, getting used to clipping in and out while using the ladder-like steel rungs to climb. 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). PDF I Came, I Climbed, DNR I Conquered WV - Wonderful WV Check out this 2.2-mile loop trail near Circleville, West Virginia. One of advantage of via ferrata compared to other forms of climbing is that you dont need to have a belayer. **To climb the Via Ferrata at NROCKS you must be at least 13 years old. 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. Introductory Guide to Via Ferrata: What to know before your first via You should wear close-toed shoes that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). 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. One of the friends has returned with his parents to climb Nelson Rocks again since the first climb. The route is considered challenging and takes, on average, just over 1.5 hours to complete, according to Alltrails.com, or between 3.5 and 5 hours, according to the Nelson Rocks website (they also call the difficulty of the route "moderate"). Unfortunately we cannot allow you to use your own helmet or harness. Nrocks Company Profile | Management and Employees List How much: This activity costs $125 per person during the high season, and $80 per person during the low season. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. The Via officially ended at the top of the hill. What if you could make your way up a mountainside, almost as easily as climbing a ladder? Read the full disclosure policy. 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. Getting There Nelson Rocks Preserve is located in Eastern WV, off of Rte. Then,Paris. 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. There is a very tiny sign marking the turn, but you'd never see it if you weren't looking for it. 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.. Hidden in the knobs of West Virginia, youll find some stunning fins that jut out of the ground. But Elliot set aside his fears and went up to the very top with the rest of the group. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Italian for 'by way of iron' or 'iron road' the Via Ferrata is a permanently installed system of steel rungs and cables. How long: Most groups take between 3.5 and 5 hours to complete the course (it took our group 4 hours). Access high places usually reserved for experienced technical rock climbers, providing exhilarating views and exposure. So instead. Although they can accomodate people walking in, Id recommend making a reservation to ensure that you can climb. The Nelson Rocks via ferrata provides your equipment, including the helmut, the harness, and the via ferrata set. The Downstream OVF Route. This via ferrata at Nelson Rocks in West Virginia was EPIC! 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. The Iron Path | Campus Recreation | Liberty University Please read our privacy policy. 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. (Source: From an article by Lauren McKay), (Editors Note: There may be more than two via ferratas in the U.S. Let our knowledgeable guides lead you on a climbing adventure through the alpine terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Guest lounge, hiking, climbing wall and more! Reservations are not required for the Via Ferrata, but they are encouraged or "highly recommended." NROCKS provides top quality equipment from CMI for all activities! Length 2.2 miElevation gain 1,062 ftRoute type Loop. My husband tucked it into his backpack, however taking it out was very difficult. Your email address will not be published. Going down is tougher, I learned, because instead of fighting against gravity, youre moving with it, while trying not to move too fast. The staff at NROCKS tries their very best to accommodate walk ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Yes. After the troopers crossed, it was our turn. Gnarliest thing I've done on the eastern half of the states. I aim to inspire people to find ways to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. Steel cables, metal rungs and a hanging bridge are combined to add safety and ease to your climbing here. Via Ferrata - Telluride Mountain Club Filed Under: Adventure Travel, North America, Travel, United States, via-ferrata. I have climbed the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata twice, the last time at age 80!
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