To subscribe, visit our website at www.wonderfulwv.com or call 800.225.5982. Learn more about me here. Our Via Ferrata tethers allow for at least one connection at all times. Oh yeah, I should tell you Im 77. 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. Both Jacob and I struggle with vertigo/a fear of heights and for us, being attached to the cable in the air is exhilarating. 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. Via Ferrata is a protected trail or climbing route used in the mountains to make passage easier and more secure. The bridge wasnt terrifying. Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata. Theres a hostel and brewery called Brewstelin Elkins with a homey atmosphere that is perfect for groups. Also, when headed uphill, the next rung is usually right in front of you; downhill, its below your feet, where its difficult to see. Tackle This Via Ferrata Bridge Suspended Between Nelson Rocks In West Check Out the Via Ferrata Feature on Destination Adventure! Okay, that looks like both crazy fun and just plain crazy. Yes. 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. The premiere Via Ferrata in North America. Could a chunky-yet-adventurous woman complete this course? We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata everyone will need their hands free to climb. Please do not wear sandals of any kind or crocs. Suddenly, I could see the other rock fin, the chasm in between, and of course, that swinging bridge. For the first stage of the climb, we went up and to the left, working our way to a notch in the first fin. Sign up here to get exclusive travel tips, deals, and other inspiring goodies delivered to your inbox. ), 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. At the end of the climb, the rocks narrow ledge was only a couple of feet wide. This makes it much easier to climb cliffs, and sort of creates a hybrid between hiking and rock climbing. Look no further; weve got lodging that fits your style and budget including cabins, guest rooms, tent sites and a guest house! (There were also safety waivers involved, though we filled those out before leaving home.). The climb was a huge confidence booster for my son as well. A typical via ferrata route is comprised of a series of steel cables, metal rungs, ladders, bridges, steps, and other fixtures. "Via Ferrata" is Italian for "Iron Road" and describes the time of climbing using metal rungs and cables affixed to the rock. Nelson Rocks Climbing Area - West Virginia Explorer So, you think youd have to be insane to be a rock climber, huh? Either way, youre going to need a place to rest your head at night after a day of adventure. But if you think you're ready and get up on the course and realize it's not for you, there are two escape routes built in one right near the beginning, and another before the suspension bridge. 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. Nelson Rocks Climbing Access: Access to the Nelson Rocks climbing area is private. The Iron Path | Campus Recreation | Liberty University Fantastic time on the Via Ferrata - Tripadvisor From that time I drove a few hundred miles out of my way to head towards a potential snowstorm. 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. Youll need to climb down a different set of ladders to get back to the bottom. Its a simple maneuver that was absolutely thrilling. NRocks Via Ferrata: Rock Climbing Adventure - TakeMyTrip.com Established in 2002. Leave your cell phone in the car theres no coverage here. Although Nelson Rocks is not the first via ferrata in the United States, it is certainly one of the most scenic ones. . You should expect the journey to take four hours or more. The area is operated under the name of NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, and was previously known as Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center ( NROC ). 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. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. The origins of Via Ferrata date back to the 19th century but associated more widely with World War I. Several times, I had to quickly clip to a rung and go hands-free, just to give myself a rest. In general, Id recommend bringing a backpack for your stuff, water, and snacks. State of West Virginia 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.