Hike #21: Via Ferrata (Circleville, WV)
Hike #21 took me to Circleville, WV where an awesome adventure company called NROCKS went above and beyond (literally) to show me, along with several others, arguably the best view in the entire state of West Virginia by traversing and climbing along the Via Ferrata.
· Fast hike facts:
1. Circleville, WV
2. Via Ferrata
3. 38.701758718450705, -79.47227866428166
4. 3-5 Hours
My hiking partner Natalee and I booked our Via Ferrata climb for 11:00 AM with NROCKS, which was the perfect time to start climbing. When we arrived at NROCKS, we checked in and met with our guides to receive our helmets, harnesses, and introduce ourselves.
After the initial introductions, we hiked maybe half a mile to the first portion of the climb. Disclaimer: this activity is not technically rock climbing. It can get a little challenging at some points where you need to find your own hand/footholds, but for the most part we utilized metal handles that had been installed throughout. We also used a 2 carabiner system to ensure that we were securely attached to the metal cable system throughout the entire journey. Before we began climbing our guides thoroughly reviewed safety points and resting methods while on the rocks (which I had to utilize several times between my hands feeling a little slippery and just being tired at some points).
There were several really cool points along this climb. The earliest being the first traverse after the initial ascent. This was the point where I determined that I was dedicated to this climb and was not going back down until I finished it.
The second point of interest was a narrow window between two vertical rock formations, I believe to be aptly nicknamed “oh shit” by the guys and gals at NROCKS according to our guide Eric. After rounding a corner into this pass, all of a sudden you realize just how high up and exposed you are. The view from the pass absolutely took my breath away before making our way to my third and favorite point of interest.
The third point of interest and in my opinion, the most iconic part of Via Ferrata, is the wooden suspension bridge that connects you from one vertical rock formation to another. I took my time crossing this bridge because I had never done anything like it before.
The Fourth point of interest is the optional final ascent. We climbed maybe 40 vertical feet for the view of a lifetime. At the top of the rock formation, we had maybe 3-4 feet of rock width to traverse and take in our surroundings. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t experience some vertigo at this point, but it made the experience even more thrilling.
From the fourth point of interest we climbed back down the 40 or so feet and finished out the adventure by hiking to a pickup point where we were transported back to the NROCKS building.
I do want to mention the extreme heights that you’ll reach while climbing through Nelson rocks. NROCKS emphasizes on their website that if you are afraid of heights this may not be the adventure for you. But personally, as someone who sometimes struggles with a fear of heights, this was doable and acted as a mind-over-matter strength exercise.
I also want to emphasize that this may seem like a really scary experience, but getting to push your limits like this in an environment with experts is the kind of thing that stays with you for the rest of your life.
Overall NROCKS provided the ultimate experience. The views, the knowledge, the pushing your limits - they really delivered and I had the time of my life. Check out their website to see all of the adventure experiences they have to offer!
After our climb we stopped to eat at the Gateway Restaurant, a short 5 minute drive from NROCKS. The food was amazing and the dessert was even better. I am also a fiend for good pie so take that how you will.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to my friend Natalee for going on this adventure with me. We met while I was hiking in the New River Gorge and have kept in touch. She drove all the way from Cincinnati to camp and hike and climb with me and we had the best time ever. Thanks for being down for an adventure Natalee!
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