FAQs:
What should I expect when I come for my tour?
Guests should arrive 20 minutes before the tour. After verifying we have signed waivers for each participant, guests receive a safety briefing, instruction, and equipment fitting (as needed) at our office before heading to the activity area with their guide. Restrooms and refillable water are available at the office when you check-in.
Are reservations required?
The staff will try their very best to accommodate walk-ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Reservations are highly recommended and most tours are available to book online up to 24 hours before tour time. Please call if a tour you want does not appear to be available, we may still be able to fit you in!
Do I need a guide?
Yes. All participants are required to be guided by an approved High Rock guide. This is for your safety, insurance coverage, and the protection of our beautiful cliffs and wooded areas.
Who can do it, do I need experience?
Almost anyone! Participants must be at least 6 years of age, in reasonably good health and physically able to walk up (and down) steep inclines and hills. No experience is needed! Guides will move at a comfortable pace and pause to let guests catch their breath while ascending to the activity area. All instruction/equipment is provided.
Weight limit for climbing is 250 lbs. & rappels is 275lbs. Pregnant women will not be allowed to climb, rappel, or do our Rock Challenge but may participate in a guided nature hike if allowed by their physician. *High Rock Adventures reserves the right to exclude anyone from participation for medical, safety or other reasons.
How high are the cliffs?
Rappelling and climbing cliffs vary in height from 35ft to almost 100ft.
How long does it take?
Most tours are 2.5 to 3 hours except the “201” and combo tours which average 4-6 hours.
How safe are climbing and rappelling?
High Rock is committed to your safety. Each participant wears an inspected harness and helmet and is tied in to a safety line during an activity or when on top of cliffs waiting to rappel. Guides confirm guests are wearing appropriate footwear (closed toed) and do not have clothing or hair that can get entangled in a device. We will review safety procedures before and during activities.
What is an Ecotour?
Our Ecotours are a guided nature/adventure program combining education, interaction, and entertainment while protecting the surrounding environment and ecosystem. High Rock Adventures practices “Leave no Trace” principles and makes every attempt to protect the rocks, flora and fauna of the property. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle and please only take photos and memories away from High Rock.
How should I dress?
You should dress for movement and according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 5-15°F cooler in the woods and around our awesome rocks. You may wear shorts if conditions allow but we recommend long pants to avoid possible scrapes, especially for Climbing Tours and the High Rock Challenge Tour. You should wear close-toed shoes with good tread, that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). Please do not wear sandals or any kind of Crocs, or shoes with no tread. Some people like to wear gloves when climbing or rappelling (fingerless are preferred). For chilly weather, be sure to dress in layers, bring a hat to wear under your helmet and gloves that can be removed as needed.
What should I bring?
We suggest that you or someone in your group brings a small daypack with the following items:
- Water (at least a quart per person) – we recommend a reusable water bottle and allow customers to refill at High Rock. If you forget yours, we offer a cool stainless steel High Rock bottle for purchase at our office.
- Insect repellent (needed infrequently, mostly after wet periods)
- Personal medications (if they will be needed on the trip)
- Camera/GoPro
- Extra clothing (light rain jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeve t-shirt, etc.).
- A snack will be provided at the end of the trip but feel free to bring your own if the tour extends over a dining hour or you are rock climbing or doing the High Rock Challenge as both are quite physical.
Do you have a policy on firearms?
- No Firearms are allowed on this property.
Can I use my own gear?
You can bring a GoPro or camera and we can provide a helmet with a GoPro mount on it. We appreciate and understand the desire and preference of using your own gear if you have it, but in order to comply with our insurance policy, we require participants to use our harnesses, ropes, gear and anchors. If approved by our guide, you may be allowed to wear your own helmet and climbing shoes for climbing tours. You will wear your own closed-toed shoes for all other tours.
Can I return to the office after the tour has started?
We would prefer you stay with the group even if you are no longer participating in the tour. If needed, we will assign a guide to accompany you back to the office but this might delay the tour for other guests. We always suggest bathroom needs be taken care of before the tour in our lovely office facilities.
I’m scared of heights, should I attempt climbing or rappelling?
If you have a general, healthy fear of heights you should be okay. We begin tours at lower cliff heights so you feel confident with your equipment and procedures before moving on to taller areas.
Should I tip my guide?
Although not required, tips are greatly appreciated! If your guide is as awesome as we expect, we suggest 10% to 15% of the tour cost.