Frequently Asked Questions

For a breakdown of pricing information click "Packages and Rates" in the column to the left hand side of this page. 

In general the rates per person are reduced as your group size increases, and we also offer price breaks for non-profit groups.

All of our trips run by reservation only.  In general we climb most every day of the summer, most weekends spring and fall, and occasionally on a warm winter day.  We typically run beginning paddling trips or courses at least once per month when the water is warm enough for a participant to tip a boat in without becoming hypothermic:)...and kayak trips at least once a week throughout the summer.  Backpacking trips and clinics, mountain bike rides, and other outings and courses are run less frequently.  Groups, that are visiting the area for multiple days often choose to include these as part of an itinerary that often also includes climbing and rappelling, and/or paddling.

Water and snacks!  One liter of water per person should be considered a minimum.  Two liters is better if you're out for a full-day, especially in the summer.  A daypack with some gorp or granola bars will help you keep your energy up.  Depending on the time of year and the forecast it is also a great place to throw in your raingear, a dry t-shirt, or a fleece jacket.

In general your clothing should allow freedom of movement without being baggy or bulky.  Shorts can be fine, as long as you won’t be too upset when you get a scrape or scratch.  Shoes are the most important consideration.  We have a limited selection of sizes of climbing shoes that you are welcome to try out.  Most beginners find climbing shoes uncomfortable.  Climbing shoes lace up, (or slip on,) tightly, they have sticky rubber soles which are thin enough to allow for placements on small holds, and give the climber the ability to feel with his or her feet.  Climbing shoes are great, but don’t run out and buy a pair unless you’re sure this is something you know you will want to continue.  Just go with something that has a minimum of bulk, especially to the sole.  Leave the heavy lugged soles at home, or wear them for the hike up to the climb, then pull your sneakers out of your daypack for climbing.  Light hikers and most sneakers are fine.  Wrestling shoes or others with good support, but little bulk are fine for beginners.  To advance your skills you'll need to learn to work those feet, and that's when the shoes will be a necessity.

The majority of our rock climbing adventures take place in the Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area of Hocking State Forest, adjacent to the beautiful trails and cliffs of Hocking Hills State Park, and Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve!  Give us enough advance notice and we’ll plan a climbing trip for you anywhere in the region.  How does a New River Gorge trip sound?  Depending on the area as much as 30 days may be needed to secure the appropriate permissions. 

For our Hocking State Forest trips we often meet at the Climbing and Rappelling Area.

Where is the Hocking State Forest Climbing And Rappelling Area?

The climbing and rappelling area is about 15 minutes west of Logan, Ohio.  Travel west on 664 from US 33 in Logan to Big Pine Road, (approximately 5 minutes drive.)  Turn right on Big Pine and continue for several minutes drive past a riding stable on your left to a gravel parking lot on your right.  If you come to Conkle’s Hollow and SR 374 you missed it by a mile.

How many people are in a “group”? 

From two to ten people may comprise a group, which is climbing together at one location.  That’s not to say that we can’t accommodate other “groups,” but we will ask you to divide your group in to smaller sub-groups to aid in group dynamics and impact on the climbing site.  4-6 is a great group size.  For payment purposes you will be charged according to the number of people in YOUR group: the friends family etc., that you register with.

If you have a group of four or more your group will not be combined with another.  Your guide or guides will be dedicated to your private group.  For smaller groups you may climb with others unless you specify that you want, and pay for, private guiding. Individuals wishing to register without paying for private guiding or instruction may do so if another small group is climbing on the requested date.  Outdoor sports are more fun and safer with a partner however, so bring one or more friends along!

Private guiding/instruction means that you have exclusive use of your climbing guide and instructor for the allotted time and he or she will be dedicated to your goals and interests.  This is a great option for those who want to build skills, such as making the transition from the gym to real rock.  Minimum cost for private guiding/instruction is $300 per day for an individual, (8 hours.)

Logan, which has traditionally served as the "gateway" to the Hocking Hills due to its proximity and location on US 33 is the nearest town with a Wal-Mart.  Grandma Faye’s is a camp-store/convenience mart located close to Old Man’s Cave. 

You can find essentials and lodging in Logan.  There are also many other lodging options, including the State Park Lodge, cabins and campgrounds, as well as numerous private hot-tub cabins and campgrounds.