For a rugged West Virginia adventure, pair the vertical thrills of via ferrata at Nelson Rocks Preserve with the expansive wilds of the Dolly Sods Wilderness. These high-thrills destinations offer a perfect mix of guided adrenaline and high-elevation exploration.
This story is part of our May Adventure Getaways issue. Check back as we explore weekend escapes that promise heart-stopping thrills and jaw-dropping scenery.
Drive Time from Dulles: Approximately 3 hours
Kick off your adventure at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures in Circleville with a guided via ferrata climb, where steel rungs and safety cables create a mile-long fixed-anchor route. Over three and a half to five hours, you’ll ascend more than 1,000 vertical feet, cross a 200-foot suspension bridge 150 feet above the forest floor, and take in views that few ever experience.
No technical climbing skills are needed, but a moderate fitness level and comfort with heights are essential. Guides manage all the gear and safety systems, letting you focus on the climb.
For a different kind of thrill, the North Fork Valley Canopy Tour offers a fully guided tree-to-tree zipline adventure, featuring seven ziplines up to 680 feet long and three sky bridges with breathtaking valley views. The tour finishes with a 40-foot rappel to the forest floor. It’s a fun, achievable rush for both first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike.
Just a short drive north, Dolly Sods Wilderness offers a contrast with expansive, sub-alpine hiking and backpacking opportunities. At nearly 4,000 feet, trails weave through wind-sculpted spruce, open meadows, and rocky overlooks. Iconic viewpoints like Bear Rocks and Lion’s Head offer sweeping vistas across the layered ridges of the Allegheny Mountains. Seasonal highlights include vibrantly colored wildflowers like fireweed and tiger lilies, as well as midsummer huckleberries.
Where to Eat and Stay
Start with Ish Kitchen in Davis, where a globally inspired “-ish” menu changes seasonally. Think Jewish-ish, Middle Eastern-ish, or Spanish-ish small plates, all made with bold, house-crafted ingredients. Favorites include whipped feta with hot honey and the Ish Burger. For a casual bite, Big Belly Deli serves as the town’s go-to “fuel station” for hikers and skiers. It’s a classic, no-frills mountain deli with a quirky, local vibe.
In Upper Tract, Swilled Dog delivers a modern-rustic distillery and cidery experience, with a spacious tasting room, outdoor seating, and fire pits. Live music on select weekends makes it a fun post-hike stop for local ciders and craft spirits. A small in-house food menu is limited to light bites like charcuterie, pepperoni rolls, and soft pretzels.
The hip Billy Motel in Davis channels retro-modern charm across 10 stylish rooms with French press coffee. In Petersburg, the historic Hermitage Inn offers a boutique mountain-chic experience with guest rooms, historical suites, and extended stay studios, plus elevated pub fare and local craft drinks at its timber-framed Taphouse.
When you want to stay close to the adventure, NROCKS Outdoor Adventures offers packages that combine a guided canopy tour, a via ferrata climb, and onsite lodging in motel-style guest rooms.
Travel Tips
Dress in layers with moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring water and sunscreen for via ferrata or zipline adventures. At Dolly Sods, stay on marked trails and monitor conditions closely. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations
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This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
