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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you take WALK-INS?

    RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OF OUR ACTIVITIES


    We do not staff for walk-ins. That said, if we can take a walk-in, we certainly will but this solely depends on our instructor and equipment availability. Understand that your resrevation affects our availability and our crew member's schedule. Reservations allow us to plan accordingly and best serve all of our clients and crew.


  • How do I make a reservation?

    Make a reservation here on our website!


    If you would like more help or if you have any special request, concern, or you are not seeing the availability that you desire, simply give us a call and our reservation specialists (who are often our instructors as well) would be more than happy to help you!


  • How far in ADVANCE should I MAKE A RESERVATION?

    As soon as you have a date in mind, make a reservation! There are no cancellation or rescheduling fees and you don’t have to pay anything in advance. At a minimum, our guideline would be reserve 2 weeks in advance, however if we can take last minute reservations, we will! Note that most of our online booking closes at 4 pm the day before. If you want availability for the DAY OF, you must call. We take reservations up to 1 year in ahead of time. Some weekends fill up 2-3 months in advance.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Nope! We simply need your contact info to make a reservation. You will pay in full during the check-in process before your trip on your reservation date.


    For locations outsite of the Red River Gorge, Ky payment may be taken in full 2 days prior to the reserved date.

  • What if I make a reservation and then have to CHANGE THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS?

    No worries at all! Simply contact us (phone, email, or text) as soon as you know of ANY CHANGES to your plans. We only charge you for those that are actually participating, not how many you had reserved. It's simple, if you participate, you pay 🙂

  • What should I do if RAIN is in the forecast?

    We are open, RAIN or shine! Weather is unpredictable, but generally speaking, the actual weather is not as bad as predicted and clients typically have a great time even if the weather is not ideal. 

    • If you are reserved for a guided climbing trip, often you can still climb on dry (or dryish) rock because the Red River Gorge has expansive natural rock roofs that protect the climbs below from getting wet.
    • If you are reserved for a Via Ferrata day, the rock and rebar are still climbable even when wet. We do not see any increase in clients needing aid when it is raining. Generally Via Ferrata clients make three comments during rainy days 1) What a cool experience, especially to see the waterfalls flowing. I am glad I came. 2) It was great having the place to ourselves since everyone else canceled. 3). The muddy trails were the worst part.

    With all that said, you need to understand that we do not climb or rappel during thunderstorms. Once again, weather is unpredictable, but generally speaking, Red River Gorge thunderstorms pass through in 30-45 minutes. It is at the instructor’s discretion as to when activities will resume but this will not be before 30 minutes from the last incident of lightning or thunder.

  • What if I have to CANCEL my reservation?

    We do not charge for your canceled activity, nor do we have any cancellation fees. We are reasonable people, serving reasonable people. We understand that plans change, so if you have ANY changes to your plans, just let us know ASAP! Changes to your plans do affect our crew and other client reservations. Keep in mind that we are open, RAIN or SHINE!


    If you cancel, you will not be guaranteed any prior pricing, discounts, or special rates.


    If Southeast Mountain Guides needs to cancel your reservation, we reserve the right to decide if a refund or prorated amount is issued to you. We will not be responsible for any other incurred losses, such as other cancellation fees from travel plans, etc. You will receive an email notification of your cancellation. Thanks!


  • WHEN and WHERE do I CHECK-IN?

    Check-in is 10 minutes prior to your reserved time.

    For all Red River Gorge, KY trips you will meet at our office:


    Southeast Mountain Guides

    1617 KY-11 Campton, KY 41301


    If you are reserved for an activity located outside of the Red River Gorge, check your reservation email for the specifics of your meeting location. 

  • What if I am RUNNING LATE for my reservation or what if I have a LAST MINUTE CHANGE?

    Have a change? No worries! We are reasonable people, serving reasonable people. 


    We do not have any cancellation fees, etc. It's simple: if you participate, you pay. Keep in mind that any change in your plans (even if by 1 person or 10 minutes) affects our instructors and other clients. Therefore, if you have ANY changes, no matter how insignificant, we ask that you let us know as soon as you can. 

  • Should I provide GRATUITY to my instructor?

    Our crew seeks to serve you to the best of our abilities, therefore we are continually honing our craft with on and off the job training and learning. There is no obligation with tipping your instructors, but if you would like to do so, you can during the check-in process or at the end of your trip. Management recommends 20%. On behalf of all of us from the Southeast Team, we thank you for choosing us and allowing us to serve you with what we are truly passionate about. Thank you!


  • What do I NEED TO BRING?

    You bring the stoke, and we will provide the rest! Except tennis shoes or hiking boots, you will need to bring those! All necessary climbing/rappelling equipment is provided. We do not provide food/snacks/drinks, but there are snacks and drinks to purchase on-site. 


    You MUST bring closed toe/closed heel shoes and clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the weather. Most folks additionally bring a small day pack with personal items, food, snacks and water.


  • Can I USE MY OWN CLIMBING GEAR?

    You can! Our instructor will need to inspect equipment before use. But typically, as long as it is approved climbing or rappelling equipment and all soft goods are 7 years of age or less, you can use them. With that said, we do provide all necessary climbing or rappelling equipment, so if you do not have anything or if you don’t want to bring your own, that is fine by us!


    If you are on a guided climbing trip, we do encourage you to bring what you have. We are happy to teach you on gear that you already own. 

  • What are your AGE RESTRICTIONS?

    Via Ferrata:

    • ALL VIA FERRATA PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 10 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. 
    • Ages 10-14 MUST have an adult (18+) climbing with them at all times. 
    • Adults can accompany up to 5 youths at a time. 
    • See our other activities for those under 10 years of age!

    Guided Climbing:

    • There is NO AGE RESTRICTION for our guided trips, however, we recommend ages 6 or older!
    • Participants 9 and under get a $20 youth discount.
    • Participants 14 and under need to have an adult (18+) present at all times during the trip. 
    • If the adult is not participating, then the adult will not have to pay, however they will need to aid the instructor throughout the day, resulting in needing to wear/use protective climbing or rappelling equipment. 
  • What FORMS OF PAYMENT do you take?

    We take credit/debit card payments from Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. We also take other forms such as Apple Pay and Google pay. CASH is also great!


    We do NOT take check payments. 

  • What are your WEIGHT AND HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS?

    We do not have a height or weight restriction. However, participants must have a properly fitted harness and helmet. Our harnesses fit a 24 inch waist up to a 54 inch waist.

  • I have a MEDICAL CONCERN. What should I do?

    Please inform us of any medical conditions or concerns that will affect the trip. Bring any personal items and medications that you need. Our instructors have basic medical training such as Wilderness First Aid, CPR or Wilderness First Responder. 


    Our activities are NOT recommended for anyone that has a serious health or medical concern.

    Our activities are also not recommended during any term of pregnancy. 

  • I have a DOG. Can I BRING MY PET?

    We highly encourage you to leave your pet at home. However, if you are going to bring a dog with you, here’s what you need to know:


    Dogs at our facility must be leashed - at all times - and with their owner - at all times.


    Muir Valley is a pet-free facility. On occasion, we take guided trips to Muir Valley. If you are on a guided trip with us, make sure you inform us in advance so your instructor can plan accordingly.

  • What if I have someone in my party who wants to WATCH BUT NOT PARTICIPATE?

    Spectators are more than welcome at our facility and on most of our trips!


    Via Ferrata Specifics: There are observation decks and picnic tables on our property. Sightseers are welcome anytime during normal business hours. If you wish to walk up to the cliffline where the climbers start or end their climb a helmet must be worn and a waiver signed.


    Guided Trip Specifics: In most circumstances, spectators in your party are also welcome to go wherever the instructor and participants go. Simply keep in mind the following:

    • You will be required to wear a helmet at all times.
    • You will need to sign a waiver.
    • If you are present to learn but not participate, you will be treated like a normal client and pay in full as a participant.
  • I am afraid of heights, what if I try it and back out? Do you offer REFUNDS?

    We do have partial refunds for our Via Ferrata activity! If you decide not to participate after completing the practice wall, then your charge will be modified to $25 (plus taxes/fees) and you will be refunded the difference. 

  • Where else do you offer trips?

    In addition to activities offered in our home base of the Red River Gorge, we offer guided climbing trips at:

    • The Breaks Interstate Park, KY/VA
    • Jackson Falls, IL
    • Obed, TN
    • Sunset Park, TN
    • Ijams, TN
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