Via Ferrata Climb - Circleville, WV

This was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had in my entire life. In West Virginia lies one of seven Via Ferrata in the US. Most are overseas due to our issue with liability here in the US. Yesterday, we scaled the side of two sheer pieces of rock with a suspension bridge connecting them. The whole course is 3.5 miles long with 1,085 feet elevation gain/loss. There is 280 feet of vertical exposure with a 200 feet long, 150 feet high suspension bridge. I highly recommend it to everyone. Not too far from PA!

Group Shot before we began - Guides were Zach (front), Jim (right) and Shannon (2nd to right)

The 1st ascent

View down at the group from above



Don't slip!

Going up again


No ledge underneath around this bend



Side scaling

Suspension bridge from below

Just came up that

Suspension Bridge

Here goes nothing!


Don't look down!

On the bridge

View from the bridge

More ups


Me overlooking the rocks

What we just climbed up to get there.

Headwall - Optional part to go up to the very top of one of the spears

Me climbing up - of course!

Suspension bridge from up top


View from the top - well worth the climb

Me with a view of the nearby farm

Me on top




Down the headwall - the only ladder descent of the trip

Jim Flynn, our guide (aka Bear Grylls) headed down

Adding a little adventure into our climb

View from Summit Hike after our climb

Our Lifelines!