Frequently Asked Questions

Climbers each receive safety briefing, introductory instruction, and equipment fitting on the ground before ascending the rock. Once on the rock, climbers must ensure their own safety by keeping their equipment properly connected to the fixed-anchor systems at all times. Our Via Ferrata tethers allow for at least one connection at all times. Climbers are connected to steel cables while using the steel rungs and/or rock face to traverse, ascend, or descend the route.

While reservations are not required for the Via Ferrata, they are highly recommended. The staff at NROCKS tries our very best to accommodate walk-ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Make a reservation today to guarantee your spot on one of our tours!

Yes. All participants on the Via Ferrata are required to be guided by an NROCKS approved guide.

Almost anyone! Via Ferrata climbers must be at least 13 years of age and must be in good physical condition with the ability to handle the physical challenges of climbing while maintaining tether connections, etc.

All Via Ferrata climbers will experience heights of approximately 200 feet! The most adventurous climbers can take the extra challenge of completing the Head Wall, an additional 100 feet of vertical climbing.

The average Via Ferrata trip ranges from 3.5 hours to 5 hours, depending on the size and speed of the group.

While our safety record speaks for itself, the Via Ferrata is only as safe as the climbers on the route. If climbers follow the instructions of the guides and are attentive to their own responsibilities within the group, most risks can be effectively managed. That said, the Via Ferrata takes place in a wilderness setting which means there are elements of safety that are out of our control: wild animals, sudden changes in weather, or other acts of nature. We utilize the best equipment in the industry, hire well-qualified guides who then receive high-level training, and we regularly review our procedures to ensure that we are providing the safest experience possible.

You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 10°F cooler in the mountains, and may be even cooler due to wind. You may wear shorts if conditions allow. You must wear close-toed shoes that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). Please do not wear sandals of any kind or crocs. Some people like to wear gloves when climbing (fingerless are preferred). For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves.

We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you on the Via Ferrata – everyone will need their hands free to climb. We recommend the following items:

You can bring a GoPro or camera and we can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it. Unfortunately we cannot allow you to use your own helmet or harness. We appreciate and understand the desire and preference of using your own gear if you have it, but in order to comply with our insurance policy and maintain our high safety standards, we require everyone who comes to experience the Via Ferrata at NROCKS to use the gear that is supplied by staff.

Yes. There are two escape points on the Via Ferrata, should you decide you don’t want to continue.

If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. If you are intensely scared of heights, this might not be the best activity for you.

Many experienced rock climbers enjoy climbing the Via Ferrata. It is a nice change of pace that gives climbers a chance to leave their rope and rack in the car and climb nonstop for a couple of hours without pausing to belay. It is also a great workout and a spectacular way for climbers to introduce non-climbing friends to the vertical world.

While reservations are not required for the Canopy Tour, they are highly recommended. The staff at NROCKS tries our very best to accommodate walk-ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Make a reservation today to guarantee your spot on one of our tours!

Because safety is the top priority for NROCKS, the tour employs a double cable construction and has been built to exceed the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Additionally, tours will be facilitated by two Canopy Tour Guides who have received training according to standards set forth by the ACCT and WV Department of Labor Zipline and Canopy Tour Responsibility Act. Our guides and are also First Aid and CPR certified, making this adventure one the entire family is sure to enjoy.

You should be in moderately good health, be able to walk ½ a mile, and be able to pull yourself along a zip line cable for approximately 10 feet.

Almost anyone! There is not age limit for the Canopy Tour, however please call our team if you have questions about particularly younger or older participants. Participants must weigh between 70-250 pounds.

If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. If you are intensely scared of heights, this might not be the best activity for you.

Yes indeed! While we will continue to zipline in the rain, we are very diligent in monitoring the weather in case a more serious weather system arrives including thunderstorms, high winds, etc. In the case that we experience this type of weather, we always attempt to give guests as early notice as possible so that they can make other plans.

You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 10°F cooler in the mountains so it is recommended that you bring layers (long sleeve tee-shirt, sweatshirt etc.) so you can layer and de-layer accordingly. Short shorts are not recommended due to the harnesses. Long hair will need to be tied back.

Sturdy, close-toed shoes such as lightweight hiking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are best. Please do not wear sandals of any kind, including Chacos, Teva, FiveFinger shoes or Crocs.

Top roping is a style of climbing where the climber is protected from falling by having a rope attached to their harness that is also connected to an anchor system above them and then belayed by someone standing on the ground. As the climber climbs, the person belaying minimizes the slack in the belay system so that a fall by a climber is very minimal. The climber usually climbs to their anchor system, and then gets lowered down to the ground. Top roping is one of the more popular styles in most gyms across the US. It is very beginner friendly, but is also enjoyed by climbers with years of experience.

Top Rope Climbing is for guests ages 6 and older. There is no weight restriction.

Our top rope instructors attempt to do two things: teach relevant rock climbing skills and maximize rock climbing time. If you’re more interested in learning, or more interested in maximizing trips up and down the rock face, just let your instructor know, and they will cater to your needs.

Each top rope session is a half day lasting 4 hours. Time will not be adjusted for late arrival and will conclude as scheduled.

While top rope climbing shares many dangers that are inherent in outdoor activities, when setup correctly the belay system used in top rope climbing minimizes the length of a fall. The belay system ensures that when a climber lets go of the rock face, they are suspended in the air until they can regain contact with the rock face or be lowered to the ground by their belayer. To minimize risk, all instructors at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures are trained with the highest regard to safety, and certified in CPR and First Aid. Our policies and procedures are regularly evaluated to ensure we are providing the safest experiences possible.

The top roping program at NROCKS is very unique because the climbing area is privately owned. At a publicly owned climbing area climbers have to worry about getting to the climbing area first so that no other group takes their spot. Also, climbers have to worry about another group disrupting their climbing. Not at NROCKS! At NROCKS we reserve a private climbing area for each group so that everyone will have space and privacy to climb. Another bonus when you climb at NROCKS is that you’ll never be far away from the climate controlled NROCKS Welcome Center which has a clean bathroom and snacks for purchase.

All top rope programs at NROCKS will have at least 1 instructor per 6 participants. In special circumstances we may even have more than 1 instructor per 6 participants.

No. All top roping is required to be supervised by an NROCKS approved instructor.

Since each climber requires an individual belayer while top roping, only a few people are climbing at any one time. The people who aren’t climbing should be assisting the belayer or helping the climber figure out their next step up the rock!

You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 10°F cooler in the mountains, and may be even cooler due to wind. You may wear shorts if conditions allow, however we recommend against short shorts due to the harnesses. Some people like to wear gloves when climbing (fingerless are preferred). For colder weather, we suggest a jacket, a hat to wear under your helmet, and full-fingered gloves.

You can bring a GoPro or camera and NROCKS can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it, but unfortunately we cannot allow you to use your own helmet or harness. We appreciate and understand the desire and preference of using your own gear if you have it, but in order to comply with our insurance policy and maintain our high safety standards, we require everyone who comes to experience any of the activities offered at NROCKS to use the gear that is supplied by staff.

We suggest that you bring a small daypack with you. We recommend these items:

While top rope climbing is very beginner friendly, many experienced climbers find it more enjoyable, as it is much simpler than traditional or sport climbing. It is also a great way to introduce non-experienced friends to the climbing world.

If you’re interested in sport or trad (traditional) climbing at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, please visit Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides or Seneca Rocks Climbing School.