Nelson Rocks Preserve

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Contact NRP today
at 304-567-3169

Nelson Rocks Preserve is an outdoor recreation area located in the scenic North Fork Valley of Pendleton County, West Virginia. The Preserve is a privately owned and funded organization dedicated to the preservation of Nelson Rocks as a natural, scenic and recreational resource. Public access is currently offered for trail hiking and via ferrata climbing.

NELSON ROCKS VIA FERRATA - WEST VIRGINIA'S WILDEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!

We at NRP would like to thank everyone who helped make 2007 a great year for the Via Ferrata! With everyone's help in spreading the word, via ferrata visits increased by more than 25% over 2006, with more than 2,200 guests enjoying the climb. Our phones are getting busy already, so if you have a particular date (or dates!) in mind for a visit, please be sure to call and reserve well in advance.

SCHEDULING VIA FERRATA CLIMBS

Via ferrata climbing is by appointment only, dependent on weather AND staff availability. Climbing in winter conditions offers special challenges and rewards, and is most suitable for strong, well-equipped parties. If the itch to climb is driving you nuts, but the snowflakes are still flying outside your office window, the Via might be just what you need!

As of March 1, NRP's seasonal staff is mostly still scattered, involved in their winter employment or adventure travel around the world. Via groups can only be scheduled if climbing staff is available - no exceptions! Please call well ahead of your chosen date(s) to give us time to make staff arrangements. Also, please be aware that NRP reserves the right to postpone or cancel via groups, in our sole discretion, due to circumstances beyond our control, i.e., weather conditions ot staffing issues. Please call 304-567-3169 to inquire.

Click here for PRICES and POLICIES and VIA FERRATA FAQ.

FOR SALE:

WV MOUNTAIN PROPERTY
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

140.84 ACRES WITH IMPROVEMENTS, CIRCLEVILLE, PENDLETON COUNTY, WV. Unique Outdoor Adventure-Recreation Area Currently Operated as Nelson Rocks Preserve, Via Ferrata & Mountain Cabins.

Business Opportunities Including Outdoor Education, Adventure Tourism Business, Satellite Campus for School or College, Summer Camp, Corporate Retreat/Team Building etc. Development Potential w/Prime Building Sites

PRICE REDUCED 12/07

DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET (.pdf)

Contact Sellers at 304-567-3169

TRAIL HIKING AT NELSON ROCKS

Nelson Rocks Preserve is open daily throughout the year for hiking on our outstanding trail system. Day use passes are $5 per person, available on a self-service basis at the NRP entrance station. These passes are for the use of the NRP trail system only, subject to NRP rules and policies, and do not include rock climbing or use of any portion of the Via Ferrata (fixed cables, rungs, swinging bridge etc.)

NRP IN THE MEDIA

We have been extremely fortunate in the attention the Via and the Preserve have received in a variety of newspaper and magazine articles, including September '06 coverage in the both the Washington Post and New York Times. The Via was also featured this year on Charleston, WV television News and the Hallmark cable channel (link will be provided when available).

Here's another cool video shot by a client, on Yahoo Videos.

DOWNLOAD RELEASE FORMS

To save time upon arrival at the Preserve, users may download the current Registration Packet as a .pdf file (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). This contains the Registration and Release form, Disclaimer, Rules and Regulations and Via Ferrata FAQ. (These forms should also be used for any visitor under age 18 who will not be accompanied at the Preserve by a parent/guardian. The Release can be signed in advance by the authorized parent/guardian and brought to the Preserve with the minor.)

Remember, activities in the Preserve are always at the sole risk of the user. Any type of climbing is dangerous; it is incumbent on customers and guests that they be responsible for themselves, excercise sound judgment and follow all safety rules of the Preserve. Help in any kind of emergency may not be available quickly, or at all. NRP can accept no risk or liability in connection with activities in the Preserve.

Click here for html version of NRP's well-known Warning and Disclaimer

NRP ROCK CLIMBING CLOSURE - For up-to-date information concerning this important policy change, please visit our Rock Climbing Page, or give us a call.

DIRECTIONS TO NELSON ROCKS PRESERVE

From Washington, D.C./Baltimore/Northern Virginia travel time is around 4 hours. Locate Interstate 81 in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. From 1-81 there are two options:

(1) At the second exit south of the I-66/I-81 interchange near Strasburg, take Rt. 55 west into West Virginia. Proceed through the towns of Wardensville, Moorefield and Petersburg (staying always on Rt. 55 - watch for signs) to Seneca Rocks. At Seneca, bear left at the three-way stop on Rt.33. Proceed south about 12 miles, passing through the town of Riverton. Just before Judy Gap is the intersection with Route 28; take a right on 28 south. Drive just about 1/2 mile to Nelson Gap Road, a gravel road on the left. Turn left. The NRP entrance station is a short distance on the left. Time from I-81 about 2 hours.

Or (2) From I-81 at Harrisonburg, Virginia, take US Route 33 west into West Virginia, passing through Brandywine and Franklin, WV (follow signs to stay on 33). 14+/- miles past Franklin, still on 33, pass through Judy Gap and take a left (south) on Route 28 toward Circleville. Follow 28 south just about 1/2 mile to Nelson Gap Road, a gravel road on the left. Turn left. The NRP entrance station is a short distance on the left. Time from I-81 about 1 hour 15 mins.

From Charleston/ western WV/Ohio/Pittsburgh/western Maryland: Locate Interstate 79 in WV. At 79 in Weston, WV, take US Route 33 East, through Buckhannon to Elkins. At Elkins take the highway exit to stay on 33 east, follow signs through town and proceed east on Rts. 33/55 to Seneca Rocks. At Seneca, bear right at the three-way stop onto Routes 28/33 (toward Franklin). Proceed south about 12 miles, passing through the town of Riverton. Just before Judy Gap is the intersection with Route 28; take a right on 28 south. Drive just about 1/2 mile to Nelson Gap Road, a gravel road on the left. Turn left. The NRP entrance station is a short distance on the left. Time from Weston about 1.5 hours.

From Davis, WV and Canaan Valley resort area travel time is about 1 hr. Take WV Rt. 32 South to Harman, WV. Turn left onto Rts. 33/55 toward Seneca Rocks (12 mi.). At Seneca, bear right at the three-way stop onto Routes 28/33 (toward Franklin) and proceed as stated above.