Testimonials

“Our guide had the perfect demeanor for the group and made the visit very enjoyable.”

Customer from Bethesda, MD

“Amazing!! I'll be recommending it to all my friends.!”

Customer From Baltimore, MD

“Great experience! I recommend it to anyone, particularly those with a sense of adventure and eye for nature's beauty.”

Customer from Warrenton, VA

“REALLY enjoyed it. Great trip! Scarier than I thought it would be although I'm not afraid of heights.”

Customer from Kensington, MD

“For an inexperienced climber, the Via Ferrata was the perfect introduction to the passion of rock climbing. The staff members were pleasant and informative, the rustic cabins were excellent value, and the experience was deliciously unnerving! I plan to traverse the Iron Way again.”

Customer from Arlington, VA

“I really enjoyed the climb and would highly recommend it to friends (which I have already done) and would love to do it again. I thought the Via Ferrata team that assisted us in the morning was very welcoming and upbeat at 7:45am -- which was nice! I also thought the cabins at Nelson Rocks were far from rustic (a pleasant surprise) and I would stay again. Thanks for a great time and some fun memories. I hope to do it again soon.!”

Customer from Washington, DC

“[Our guide] was outstanding. I was VERY nervous going into this trip and he immediately made me feel very secure, knowing I was in the hands of a professional. The equipment, the prep at the station in advance and everything about the trip was incredibly well done. [Our guide] was all a guide should be - he gave us the support we needed, but didn't hover and make us feel like children. I would definitely come again! Thanks!”

Jennifer, Silver Spring, MD

“First climb - somewhat scary but awesome! I'll definitely be back. [Our guide] did an excellent job. He made the climb.”

Michelle, Cincinnati, OH

“Our guide did an excellent job of instructing us while on the course. He allowed us to move at our own pace and at times helped us along the route in troublesome areas. He was very friendly and helpful the entire afternoon. The Via was a terrific experience and I am quite surprised that it has not gained more popularity.”

Matt, Pittsburgh, PA

“This was my first visit and I have already recommended it to friends and I plan on returning some day as well. There is no climbing wall that compares to the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks. And for someone with no technical climbing background, this was a truly incredible experience and I will not be able to climb the Via just once!”

Chris M. (Bethesda, MD)

“[The guide] is awesome. [He was] very calming and very helpful to one in our group having trouble. I was actually pretty nervous myself because I've never had an affinity for rock climbing (honestly, I didn't know what I was getting into). However, I had a really good time. If you're not doing this already, this is the perfect stepping stone into rock climbing. Gets you comfortable with the surroundings and expectations without the danger. ”

Kevin, Washington, D.C.

“In regards to the experience, I will highly recommend this course to my sons boy scout troop, and to my many martial arts students- it will be hard to hold back details :>} the course was thrilling, challenging and inspiring. Oh, and did I mention that I have had a morbid fear of heights for most of my life? Seeking challenges at 53 years young gets better and better all of the time! Thanks again.! ”

Doug, McLean, VA

“We had an amazing trip. I still can't stop talking about it. One of the coolest things I have ever done. [Our guide] was a great guide. Very encouraging and supportive. Talked us all thru the difficult parts. So glad he was our tour guild. I truly believe this is West Virginia's best keep secret. There is a lot of great outdoor adventure here in West Virginia but this was by far the best and most exciting.”

Mary Beth, Charleston, WV

"The experience far exceeded my expectations. In addition to the challenge and beautiful scenery, we all found our guide to be perfect. I was beyond anxious prior to the day and during the beginning, but then went from terror to enjoyment. He was very knowledgeable but more importantly very calm and assuring.”

Dave, Charleston, WV

"It was a great weather day. The guides were very informative and helpful. They were tolerant of every ability/fitness level. They were just the right mix of interactive and laidback allowing our group to bond and share. We joked about cushions on the rocks at the end point and the removal of the biting flies, but no real suggestions! Wow! We also joked about a zip line back to the base! How awesome that you are planning one.!”

Janet, Winchester, WV

"The guide was friendly, helpful, and encouraging. He was also energetic and seemed well experienced. His positive attitude made the day. Let us take our time and was concerned with safety.”

Bill, Johnstown, OH

"Spectacular trip, with amazing views. Appropriate challenge level for all; no previous rock climbing experience necessary. Trip length just about right (~4 hours). Guides were extremely knowledgeable, personable, and helpful”

Wes, Strongsville, OH

"Your staff made our experience the best... they were very, very knowledgeable which made it a great experience. I will come back again because of them. My family enjoyed it.”

Dawn, Deltona, FL

"This was my first time rock climbing and it was amazing!!! The guides were always positive and the views were just spectacular!!! I can not wait until the fall to climb again to see the views with the leaves changing colors. What an awesome time.”

Steve, Frederick, MD

"Absolutely fabulous time! The guides were sooooo helpful. They were very informative and comfortable with what they were doing and it really made the climb enjoyable. We loved it!!! All the staff were friendly and helpful. great staff! Thanks for the experience.”

Kerri from Harrisburg, PA

"Don't change anything about the tour itself, especially the natural beauty of the area. What you offer is a very special and unique experience. Anything less or anything more would likely not be for the good.”

Smitty from Gahanna, Ohio

"Our group had an absolutely amazing weekend! We climbed Fri and stayed through to Sunday, and had such a great time! Everyone was super friendly and all 5 of us said we'd go back in a heart beat! – Faith from Baltimore Maryland· Loved the trip. The two guides were excellent. The best part of the trip was the interaction with both of them. A+++ Also liked your support crew very much.”

Bruce from Richmond, VA

"We had awesome experience, The guides were AWESOME in everyway; very knowledgeable, safety was a top priority, enthusiasm and encouragement was awesome, The guides love for the outdoors really shined through. I look forward to coming back again. The only thing I did not like was the cabins were not pet friendly, considering they are rustic cabins you would think pets would be allowed. I have stayed in fancy cabins where pets were allowed.”

Christie from Boone, NC

"I would come back in a second if there was a van to meet us at the Nelson Rocks cabins and bring us back to the start site. My legs were soooo tired after all that climbing that the downhill trek was probably the hardest part (on my knees) for the whole trip. I have to have a bit of time to recover from that little part of the hike”

Sarah from Bridgeport, WV

"I went with my three children aged 15, 18 and 20. Each of us found the experience to be outstanding. The guides were fabulous, the climb was great fun and exhilarating and, importantly, we felt safety was a priority. It was one of the best outdoor experiences I have had in the mid-Atlantic states and allows enjoyment of one of the most beautiful parts of West Virginia. A real special experience. I can't wait to return!”

Michael from Charlottesville, VA

"Great! Wasn’t sure what to expect, but the challenge was just right. Faced some fears and had a great time chatting with guide. ”

"A+. What an awesome experience! Professional guides. Safety and security with the sense that you’re free climbing! We’ll be back again!"

"Wow! This was without a doubt one of the best things I’ve ever done. The guides made me feel empowered and safe and they made it extra fun! Thank you! The route is so well done, I never felt unsafe. It is fantastic."

Jenny from Harrisonburg, VA

"One of the best spots in West Virginia. We will definitely be back with friends!"

"RAD!! I have a lot of technical climbing experience all over the country but have never seen anything quite like this. How cool! I can’t wait to come back and share with friends."

"Our guide was an extremely talented and motivational individual. He was honest, informative, and kind. My overall experience was absolutely incredible. I was frightened the entire time but extremely glad I came. "

"The experience of acceptance and respect was a valuable lesson for further life experiences! Thank you for your time and encouragement."

"Great-a challenging, yet rewarding experience; can’t wait to come back!"

"Definitely something never to forget. Scary at first, but in order to conquer your fears-you must throw yourself into them. Our guides were awesome & it was great to meet them! Thanks you so much for this wonderful experience! Be well!"

Meg

"It was awesome. Guides were great and gave plenty of geology background, which was great!"

Randall

"Awesome! Our guides made it great for every member of the team =)! The views were awesome."

"We had the best guides ever! They were so helpful with the climbing and not to mention a blast to have as guides!! I highly enjoyed this trip and would love to go on it again!"

Nicole, Colombus, OH

"I had a phenomenal time and have recommended this to many friends as well as joined your FB page. I think that it would be superbly awesome to end the trip with a zip line back to the meeting place rather than the somewhat anticlimactic walk downhill. Could hook right on to the harness and the ride would be this great hidden gem at the end of the journey---I can see paying a bit more if this were offered too ($10-15). It would definitely leave visitors with the 'wows'! ----OK just read question #12 and CAN NOT WAIT to come back!!! "

Rebecca, Annapolis, MD

"I was initially concerned, but the quides were very patient and helpful - result was a fantastic experience."

Don, from Wilmington, DE