Seneca has long been my happy place – one of my favorite weekend getaways for traditional rock climbing. With winter temps still chasing us into March, I knew that it wasn’t quite the time yet to be on the sharp end of a rope 20 feet up from my last gear placement. I considered other options.

Enter: Via Ferrata.

You may have heard about the famous Via Ferratas in the alps. The Italian term translates to iron path, and does not refer to any technical rock climbing. Instead, adventurous participants use two leashes attached to their harness to make their way up steel cables, rungs, and perhaps even ladders.

In West Virginia, the Via Ferrata even features a bridge with good-sized gaps in between the wooden slats. I like to think of the Via Ferrata as a cross between hiking and rock climbing, with significant consequences should one not be anchored in.

Back in the day, the WV Via Ferrata was open to any brave individual wishing to go through the course, but now NRocks guiding company took over to upkeep the fixtures and ensure each traveler’s safety.

As I left Northern Virginia early Saturday morning, I noted the increasing wind speed as I headed west over the mountains. At times, my CRV shuddered and rocked when gusts moved in in swirls. I was slightly concerned that the Via Ferrata would be a windy hellscape during which I’d have to cling to the rock to avoid being blown away. I was relieved when I arrived at the based of the rock with my guide and felt the slight shelter offered by the cliffs towering above.

And then we began.

Because I regularly climb, I immediately enjoyed the relaxed nature of the steel rungs that I ascended, taking my time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings: gobs of rock fins, a blue sky, and a sun peaking out. As I got higher up, the exposure increased. As someone who has no fear of heights (as long as I’m safely connected), I appreciated the consistent adrenaline rush, pushing the limits with how I moved by body along the cliffs.

My favorite part was a simple traverse, after which I was immediately over 400 feet of air. Delightful.

Halfway through we reached my second favorite part – the bridge. I had done some high swinging bridges before, but none that required safety equipment. I walked out, took a bounce, and then sat down with my legs dangling over the gorge. Exhilarating.

Near the end, there was a technical section that was optional due to increased difficulty. It was slightly overhung and required considerably more athleticism than the previous portions. Of course I opted in, and step-by-step made my way up and over. The view from the top was incredible, so I took another moment to appreciate the surrounding beauty.

As the Via Ferrata portion ceased, regular hiking ensued. The summit was a pretty overlook, a great place to take off the harness, and a key location for simple reflection.

The walk down was significantly easier than I anticipated. We eventually hit a road, and then someone from NRocks picked me up in a Go-kart. I found out that the company offers full moon Via Ferrata tours for those who have previously done the course, my ears perking up at the option of doing a nighttime expedition starting at 8 pm.

After a much-needed shower, I headed over to the only real food establishment in the area currently open, Yokum’s. I replenished calories with a WV hamburger* (sans bun, #glutenfree), sweet potato fries, and a view of the Seneca Rocks that I know and love. This trip may have been from a different perspective, but it still stands as one of my happiest of places.

*This burger is a spin on the WV hotdog, which has onion, chili, and coleslaw as toppers