Basic Rock Climbing North Carolina
North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest has a multitude of amazing rock climbing areas and draws climbers from every level to its rock faces year round! On this introductory course, we’ll spend time at areas ideal for beginner climbers; Looking Glass and Cedar Rock, both located less than 15 minutes from our base camp. Over two full days, we will focus on the essential skills required to get out on the rock and climb! Topics covered include climbing movement and bouldering skills, knots and rope work, belaying and rappelling and communication in climbing. Climbing equipment, showing you what you need (and what you don't need) as well as looking at storage and proper use. Creating anchors using Natural components (trees, boulders) and bolt anchors for top rope climbing set ups, reading climbing topos and deciphering climbing grades. Leave no Trace wilderness skills, climbing history and ethics, debunking common myths in climbing and climbing equipment, and of course the most important—lots of rock climbing! All meals, camping accommodation and required technical equipment are provided. The course will be run by professional instructors that are certified by The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and that have many years experience in teaching Rock Climbing 101 and many other technical skills courses.
Basic Rock Climbing North Carolina Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. Arrive at our meeting place in Pisgah Forest, NC (on the outskirts of Brevard, NC) no later than 8:00 p.m. this evening in order to settle in, meet your guides, get to know your fellow climbers and catch the trip itinerary review. Dinner tonight is on your own, so eat before you arrive (town is just a 5 minute drive away). Rest well tonight before our climbing adventure at Looking Glass Rock!
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Day 2
We start our day with breakfast in camp and prepare lunches to bring with us to the rock. A short hike takes us to Looking Glass Rock where we will begin learning the basics of climbing site awareness, equipment use and terminology. We then start looking at beginner to advanced climbing movement and technique. We’ll have lunch at the climbing site and then continue working on climbing techniques and skills into the afternoon. We’ll pack up and hike out in time to be back at camp for dinner. All meals included.
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Day 3
After breakfast and packing our lunches we will head to Looking Glass Rock or another amazing climbing area such as Cedar Rock, depending on the group’s skills and interests. We’ll cover some review in the morning before delving into new skills. We’ll have lunch again at the climbing site and then continue climbing into the afternoon. We plan to end by about 4:00pm. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and trail conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction; transportation from the meeting point to the climbing area and back; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; tent accommodations; group climbing equipment (see gear list for details).
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required, insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Note: alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the campsite per USFS regulations.
If you require a transfer from Asheville airport, one can be arranged for you by REI Adventures. Complete the “Urgent Form” you received with this packet and return it to REI Adventures with the correct flight information and we will contact you with the details of the transfer arrangements. REI will not assess an additional fee for this service.
This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to climb for 4-6 hours per day and will have to hike a short distance from the parking area to where the climbs are located each day. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Temperatures can range from 50 – 80° F during the day to 40 – 60° F at night. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Basic Rock Climbing North Carolina
Having the proper gear is vital to your comfort and overall enjoyment of the seminar. Attached is a gear list that has been specifically designed for this trip. We often get asked if all items appearing on this list are really required. Our guides assert that climbers must arrive prepared as indicated. If you do not already own all of the necessary gear and are not certain if you will participate in climbing trips on a regular basis, please consider renting.
Weather
Temperatures can range from 50 – 80° F during the day to 40 – 60° F at night. Trip members should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations below.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Climbing rope(s)
- Climbing Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Locking carabineer & belay device
- Climbing shoes
- Chalk bag & chalk
- Any other required technical rock climbing gear
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Sleeping pad/mat
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries/bulb
- Daypack, 2000 - 3000 cu. in., to be used during climb
- Approach shoes – sneakers or hikers
- Rain gear (Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants)
- Midweight wool or fleece jacket/sweater
- Midweight, thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool (no cotton)
- Lightweight pants-loose and comfortable
- Synthetic T-shirts
- Synthetic long-sleeve shirt
- Synthetic, quick-drying hiking shorts—loose and comfortable
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and use when not climbing
- Sun hat
- Bandana for sun protection
- Energy snacks and powdered drinks
- Eating utensils: 1 large bowl, insulated mug or cup, spoon
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration pack
- Sun block and lip balm w/high SPF
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Towel
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Personal first-aid kit
- Camera with spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- If you want, feel free to bring your own harness, helmet, climbing shoes, chalk bag and chalk (please do not bring ropes or hardware)