Half-Day Beginner Guided Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Duration: 3.5 hours
Features
Description
Half-Day Guided Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Curious about climbing but not quite ready to tackle the towering cliffs of the New River Gorge? This half-day guided climbing and rappelling trip is the perfect intro for first-timers, families with younger adventurers, or anyone looking to get a feel for the sport in a relaxed, supportive environment.
You’ll spend your session at ACE’s private resort climbing area—featuring the same solid Nuttall Sandstone as the world-famous crags in the gorge, but in a more accessible, beginner-friendly setting. With an easy 5-minute hike to the crag, you’ll skip the slog and jump straight into the fun.
Try your hand at scaling beginner routes designed to build confidence and technique with expert instruction from your guide every step of the way. Then, take on a 50–70 foot rappel where you’ll control your descent with the security of a backup safety line and encouragement from your guide below.
- Perfect for younger kids or those new to rock climbing.
- Great for beginners or indoor climbers.
- Enjoy ACE’s Private Resort climbing areas.
- Rappel (descend a rope under your own control) 2 different lines several times.
- Experience 2-4 hours of climbing on various climbing routes.
- Try your hand at rock climbing in a private atmosphere with our trained and experienced guides.
Whether you're learning the ropes or just looking for a half-day of adventure, this trip is a great way to experience the vertical side of West Virginia in a comfortable and scenic setting.
Duration
3.5 hours
Season: Spring, Summer, & Fall
Location
Ace Adventure Resort 602 E Main St, Oak Hill, WV.
This is the address of the Marathon Gas Station directly across from Minden Road. GPS is often inaccurate when using ACE Adventure Resort as a destination. See detailed directions from Marathon Gas Station below.
You will need to arrive for check-in one hour before your departure time listed on your confirmation.
Ages & Requirements
Minimum Age: 8 years old
What's Included
- Harnesses, helmets and all needed safety equipment.
- Friendly and professional climbing guides.
- Shuttle from the Adventure Operations building to the trips climbing and rappelling location.
Not Included
- Guide gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Travel to/from Oak Hill, WV
What To Bring / Wear
- Closed-toe shoes are required.
- Longer shorts or pants to be comfortable with a harness around your waist and thighs.
- Layers are always good and help you adjust to changing weather conditions in comfort.
- Hair should be pulled back
- Water bottle & snack.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Personal prescription medication if needed.
- A small camera you can clip to your harness (Trust us, the views are great!)
- Raingear, just in case.
Beginner Rock Climbing & Rappelling - New River Gorge
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Ace Adventure Resort
FAQs
Do I need previous experience?
Not at all! This trip is designed specifically for beginners and first-timers. No experience is necessary—just bring your sense of adventure! This is a great trip for families with kids who are ready to try something new in a safe and supportive setting.
Do you have restroom facilities?
ACE has eight shower or restroom facilities. We have over 70 showers on the property.
Do you have a store?
ACE’s Outfitters Store is located next to the Big Top shelter where you will be doing your trip check-in. They have anything you need or may have forgotten for your outdoor adventure. Camping supplies, t-shirts, sandals, drinks, sunscreen and sunglasses are just a few of the handy items you will find there. Ice and firewood are also available for purchase at our Welcome Center. Hours vary depending on the season.
What if the weather is bad?
All activities go regardless of weather unless we deem the conditions to be unsafe. A full raincheck for the activity will be made if we decide to cancel the trip. We rarely cancel trips. More often we move to another river or river section depending on water levels.
How do I get to the meeting location?
Please remember that ACE is located in a remote region of West Virginia. That’s great news for most of our guests who are looking to get away from the busy day to day routine… but often the remote location can be challenging for cell phone and GPS signals. We encourage you to save directions on our phone, or print them out, prior to beginning your travel to ACE Adventure Resort.
For guests using GPS please use the following address: 602 E Main St, Oak Hill, WV. This is the address of the Marathon Gas Station directly across from Minden Road. GPS is often inaccurate when using ACE Adventure Resort as a destination.
From the Marathon Gas Station… • Turn onto Minden Rd. across from Marathon Gas Station • Follow the ACE sign – You are only 2.9 miles away from the ACE Adventure Resort. • At approximately 1.3 miles, veer left onto McKinney Rd. • At 2.1 miles, turn right to stay on Minden Rd. (follow ACE sign – do not go straight onto Rocklick Rd.) • At 2.9 miles turn left at the ACE Adventure Center entrance and stop by the Welcome Center to check-in. • Drive carefully down these steep mountain roads and slowly pass other cars on unpaved shoulders. • Also, please drive slowly and watch for children and pets as you pass through the tiny town of Minden, an old mining community with houses located very close to the road.
How high is the rappel?
You’ll rappel down a cliff between 50 and 70 feet tall. You’ll control your descent with the reassurance of a guide-managed backup line to keep you safe.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous! Our guides are trained to support you every step of the way and help you feel safe and confident. You’re in control of your experience at all times.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made more than 30 days before the date of your trip will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
Cancellations made by noon on the day prior to your arrival will receive a rain-check good for one year from the trip date minus the non-refundable deposit.
No-shows on the day of the activity and cancellations made after noon on the day prior to your arrival will not be considered for a rain-check or refund.
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