Nelson Rocks

Nelson Rocks is a prominent sandstone formation in West Virginia’s North Fork Valley, where two parallel fins of Tuscarora sandstone rise above Nelson Gap between North Fork Valley and Germany Valley. Part of a rugged landscape of narrow ridges near Seneca, Champe, and Judy Rocks, it became notable both for its dramatic scenery and its climbing history. In 1943 and 1944, soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division trained there in assault climbing before deployment to Italy. Since 1998, public access and recreation have expanded through climbing routes, a via ferrata, a suspended footbridge, zip-lines, hiking, and lodging, making it both a geological landmark and managed adventure destination.

West Virginia · United States