Rock Climbing in North Carolina ‌

Things to know

• Covid measures in North Carolina

  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 traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in North Carolina, please refer to the Official Website of the State of North Carolina and  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  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
    • Technical rock climbing equipment

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation 
    • Accommodations
    • Meals 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?

  North Carolina 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!

  For intermediate to advanced climbers, North Carolina has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer. The multi-pitch climbing adventure requires you to have experience and be comfortable with top rope climbing 5.7 or harder climbs.

• 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
    • Ropes
    • Rock shoes
    • 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
    • Water bottle (2-3 L)
    • Lunch and food you can eat on-the-go
    • Hiking shoes
    • Rain jacket
    • 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.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for the Full-Day of Privately Guided Climbing and the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure is usually between 1–12 people.
    • The group size for the Half-Day of Privately Guided Climbing is usually between 1-2 people.
    • The max. guest-to-guide ratio for the multi-pitch adventure is 2:1.
    • Costs per person decrease as the group grows for all the adventures, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.

  Climbing days in North Carolina 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.
    • In order to participate in the multi-pitch climbing adventures, you have to be 15 or older.
    • Minors as young as 5 are permitted to participate in the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure and the Privately Guided adventures, 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.

• Cancellation policy

  Full payment is required at the time of booking your adventure with NC Outdoor Adventures. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • Cancellations must be made 14 days prior to any trip.
    • No refunds are available within 14 days of any scheduled trip.
    • Groups under 6 guests can cancel 14 days prior to the trip for a refund.
    • Groups over 6 must cancel 30 days in advance.
    • Weather-related cancellations will have an opportunity to re-book for any NC Outdoor Adventures offered trip up to one year from the original trip date. (Your guide will determine if inclement weather necessitates cancellation and email you 24-48 hours before the trip).
    • You may reschedule any trip, up to 5 days before the trip, through your guiding service’s office, by phone, or email, for no additional fee.
    • If you were booked on a canceled trip you are able to re-book ONCE within the same year on ANY trip your guiding service offers
    • If you do not feel you would be able to reschedule in the event of a cancellation, your guiding service suggests you get trip insurance as they DO NOT offer refunds.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to North Carolina, most people fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport about 1.5 to 2.5 hours away from various meeting points in North Carolina. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus and taxi to get to various climbing locations.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, you will meet your guides at the Table Rock Parking Area for the Intro to Rock Climbing adventure, NC Outdoor Adventures Outpost (1173 Whitson Branch Road Bakersville NC 28705) for the Multi-Pitch Climbing adventure, and Rocky Face Mountain Recreation Area/Table Rock Parking Area for the Privately Guided Climbing adventure. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.