NRocks Outdoor Adventures: Via Ferrata

As part of our anniversary adventure getaway, we were looking for something we'd never done before. We considered some other adventures (white water rafting, hiking, etc) but when I found the NRocks Via Ferrata, we were intrigued.

NROCKS Outdoor Adventures is a privately-owned adventure destination that encompasses 145 mountainous acres, including the two Tuscarora Quartzite fins of Nelson Rocks. Located in the beautiful North Fork Valley of Pendleton County, West Virginia, NROCKS is home to a Via Ferrata, The North Fork Valley Canopy Tour, and incredible guided rock climbing trips.

$100 - $250

What Is a Via Ferrata?

A via ferrata (Italian for “iron path”) is a protected climbing route that lets you safely explore steep mountain terrain using a system of fixed cables, metal rungs, ladders, and bridges. With a helmet, harness, and a special lanyard that clips into the cable, you’re always secured—making it possible to climb cliffs and traverse narrow ledges without needing advanced rock climbing skills.

Think of it as a cross between hiking and climbing, with a serious adrenaline boost and some of the most incredible views you’ll ever see.

A Bit of Trepidation

The description and photos on the NRocks website gave me pause. Would we be able to do this? Would we bit fit enough? Strong enough? My wife and I are both in our late forties, are reasonably active and in fairly good shape (for the shape we're in) but when you see people perched on a vertical rock face, you wonder if you have it in you. The description made it seem approachable, so we went for it.

You can do it!

Upon arrival, we checked in at the main building, received our harnesses, met our guides and the others in the group that would be going with us and received some instruction on how to use the equipment (and stay alive). Remember, you should always have at least on of the cables hooked!

Once we were all good to go - after one last bathroom break (we were going to be out there a while, 4+ hours) - we made our way to the start of the Via Ferrata and began the climb.

Intimidating but do-able

The initial climb has you climbing up a short ladder (see image below) and then making your way up a rock face using the metal hooks as handholds and steps. It's a good introduction into what you'll be doing for the next four hours. I guess you would consider this the point of no return. (I don't recall if there was another exit point on the journey.)

Once you gain confidence, and elevation, you really start to appreciate the opportunity that you have before you. The terrain itself evokes different emotions depending on where you are in your journey. There are vertical climbs straight up rock formations that leave you with a sense of accomplishment, climbs that have you walking along narrow rock ledges that allow your adrenaline to rise and finally, crests that allow the beauty of West Virginia to unfold before you.

Whether it's the breathtaking views, crossing the absurd wooden suspension bridge or the accomplishment of making your way up and over a mountain there's no other way to describe this adventure as anything other than Epic!

The guides, while always present but never intrusive, allowed you to make your way safely along the route.

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I can't recommend NRocks Via Ferrata enough. For those in generally good shape with a thirst for a bit of adventure, it's a must do. Probably one of the best experiences we've had in West Virginia.

Not sure it's for you? To get a better feel for the experience, check out my YouTube playlist of 360º degree videos.

Note: Bring a GoPro (and an extra battery), attach it to your body and learn to use the voice commands. You'll want to capture this epic adventure!

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