Rock Climbing in New River Gorge

Things to know

• Covid measures in New River Gorge

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in New River Gorge please refer to the West Virginia Tourism Office website or the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A half or full day of rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  • All technical climbing gear

  What’s not included:

  • Transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Food and snacks
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  New River Gorge has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • Helmet
  • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
  • Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
  • Ropes
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  • Water bottle
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• What does a typical day look like?

  Your climbing itinerary will be fully customized to match your skill level and objectives. You and your guide will discuss route selection, skills development, and whatever else you’d like to focus on. From there, your guide will plan the perfect day tailored just for you.

  Depending on your objectives, full days may start earlier and end later, but in general, your day will look like this:

  • 8:30 am: Meet your guide at the guide’s recommended location [add exact meetup location if it exists]
  • 9:00 am: Gear up and carpool to the crag
  • 9:30 am: Start climbing your objective for the day
  • 12:30 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch (bring snacks and plenty of water)
  • 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Build upon techniques developed in the morning session and explore additional terrain as time allows
  • 4:30 pm: Back to the cars for debriefing and high fives
• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • Normally, group sizes are between 1–4 people with one guide, with the option of up to 6 people per guide depending on the chosen itinerary. 
  • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. 
  • Group size for courses is 1-2 people with one guide.
  • The cost per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows for all courses.
  • Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to New River Gorge National Park, most people fly to Columbus, OH, or Charlotte, NC, both under 4 hours away. From there, you can take a shuttle or rent a car.

  You will typically meet your guide at the New River Gorge climbing area’s parking lots. The exact climbing spot will be discussed after the booking as guides make that decision after considering the skill level of the group and factors such as crag traffic and weather.

• Cancellation policy

  Day Trips Cancellations
  Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.