Access. Nelson Rocks used to operate under the name Nelson Rocks Preserve, which was ran by the Hammett's until a few years ago, upon which time it was bought by Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg Virginia. Therefore, as of right now, until access issues are figured out, Nelson Rocks Outdoor center, is technically closed to unguided climbing, currently we are working out access issues for the area, and i will update them as i am informed.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
One of the best places in the Panhandle area for all around climbing, Nelson offers climbing in both Sport and Traditional styling, as well as a few boulders if you can get your eyes off the two fins that surround you as you walk the corridor trail. The rock is the same Tuscarora Quartzite as Seneca and Champe Rocks located to the north.
There are Several camping options available to Nelson, the first is the camping at the outdoor center, which costs a small fee of $5 site fee and $5 night fee per person, per night. There are also rustic cabins for rent for a $10 cabin fee, and $10 per person per night fee, though there is a minimum of $30. Also there's the option of the Campgrounds closer to Seneca, Seneca Shadows($12/night) and Princess Snowbird ($5/night)
-sidenote-i'll be adding routes as i do them, except for the obvious classics which i'll add, my main resource is Eric Horsts Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland Guidebook. I'll be adding personal comments and anything that has changed over time, i work on the Via Ferrata and climb there often.
Getting There
Easiest way for most is by Taking Rt. 33 like you would going to Seneca, then past Judy Gap, take a left onto Rt. 28, drive <1/2 mile and you'll see a Yellow house on the left, along with a sign for the Via Ferrata and the North Fork Canopy Tour. Turn left there onto Nelson Gap Road and follow that road about 150 yards to the Nelson Rock Outdoor Center Welcome center, it is currently under construction but should be completed soon.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Nelson Rocks:
Climb the first bolted line on 007 wall, 6 bolts up the wide chimney to the ledge with a tree with slings and quicklinks. Belay off the tree for the second pitch.Second Pitch is 6 bolts up a corner system, gear can supplement the bolts, climb to a 2 bolt anchor and do two rappels to the ground (2 rappels are required even with a 70 meter rope)...[more]Browse More Classics in WV
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