A via ferrata (Italian for "iron way") is a type of mountain climbing route which has a safety system permanently installed, making the climb suitable for persons without prior training and using minimal equipment. The climber is attached at all times to a steel cable which runs along the entire route; no climbing rope is generally required. Steel rungs, ladders, bridges and similar installations are used. This helps to keep the physical difficulty of the climbing well within the ability of reasonably fit first-time climbers, while providing access to high, vertical faces and extreme mountain terrain which would otherwise be accessible only to experienced, roped climbing parties. Click here to view a Via Ferrata article in Wikipedia.

Via ferrata systems have been popular for decades in Europe, where over 300 routes are open to the public, but are relatively new to North America. Built in 2002, the Nelson Rocks Via Ferrata was only the second of its kind to be established in the United States. The route gains hundreds of vertical feet of elevation over half a mile of climbing, leading up to a thrilling, exposed summit with unforgettable views of the Allegheny mountains. Truly West Virginia's wildest outdoor adventure!

SCHEDULING - Due to increasing demand, the Via Ferrata is operated by appointment only. All appointments are subject to staff availability; please call 304-567-3169 to schedule.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

*All necessary climbing harnesses and via ferrata lanyards are provided by NRP. Helmets are available at no extra charge (highly recommended, and required for all climbers under 18 years of age). Climbers may use their own suitable gear, at their own risk. NRP may reject any personal gear deemed unsuitable by NRP staff, whose decisions are final. "Y"-lanyards designed specifically for via ferrata, with integral load limiting devices, must be used at all times on the via.

**Click here for additional information on Group Rates and Policies. Except as stated below, groups of ten or more via ferrata climbers, scheduled in advance, pay a flat group rate of $40 per climber, for all ages, all gear included. The rate for weekday groups who are accompanied by a paid guide is $35/climber. Private guiding may be arranged through NRP when you schedule your climb; guide fees are generally $100 for up to ten people (in addition to individual pass fees).

THE MINIMUM AGE FOR VIA FERRATA CLIMBERS IS 13 YEARS. NRP reserves the right, in its sole judgment, to determine the suitability of the via ferrata for each individual user.

Except as otherwise expressly approved by NRP, persons under 18 yrs. of age climbing the via ferrata must be accompanied and supervised by either (a) their parent or legal guardian, or (b) an adult qualified and registered with NRP as a group leader or private guide.

A via ferrata pass is for one continuous climb from bottom to top. Stopping on the via for meals or other purposes other than brief rest breaks is not permitted without staff approval.

Climbers who exit the via ferrata at either of the two escapes may not re-enter the via without staff permission. Climbers who are directed to exit the via at an escape due to weather conditions or other contingencies may re-enter the via when directed by staff, if time and circumstances permit; otherwise, a rain check may be requested at the entrance station. After a climber enters the via ferrata and begins climbing, no refunds are permitted.

Prices and policies are subject to change without notice.