About Us

Our History

In 2001, Mark and Kathy Meyer opened up the country’s first Via Ferrata, Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure, providing the public with a thrilling, yet easily accessible way to experience high adventure on our sandstone cliff lines. Their daughter Nicole became the company's first rock climbing instructor in 2004 and she has been guiding clients and the business ever since, her leadership and passion opening doors in climbing and instruction. Keeping it in the family, Nicole purchased the company in November of 2017, renaming it Southeast Mountain Guides while maintaining the Via Ferrata and guided activities as the key services offered.

None of this growth would be possible without you, so truly, thank you for your continued support and dedication.

VF History

The origins of Via Ferrata can be traced back to the Alps. For centuries, simple, protected paths through mountainous terrain connected alpine villages to their pastures. In WWI, Via Ferrati were built to help troops move through the mountain ranges of the Dolomites. Some of those wartime routes were restored with modern Via Ferrata hardware, iron rungs and steel cable, and are now used for recreation.

Our Via Ferrata became the first commercially operated course in the United States on September 1, 2001, and has been enjoyed by folks from all over the world since then!