You've Booked the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata — Here's How You Should Prepare

You’ve booked the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata. Nice work! You’re in for one of the most unique adventures in the region. Now comes the part everyone wants to know: how do you actually prepare for the day of?

We get a lot of the same questions from first-timers before their trip, so we pulled together the answers in one place. Here’s everything you need to know to show up ready.

What to Wear/Complete Ahead of Time

• Closed-toe shoes are required. Tennis shoes or hiking boots work great. Climbing shoes are not recommended as you’ll be stepping on metal rungs, not rock, and you’ll want a shoe with real cushion and support.
  
  
• Gloves are recommended. Close-fitting, full-fingered gloves are best for grip and dexterity while clipping in and out along the course. Fingerless gloves work too, if you’d rather keep some feel in your fingertips.
  
  
• Hats are not allowed on the course. Plan to leave them behind or in the car.
  
  
• Sunglasses are optional. It’s fine to climb with them, but many climbers find it easiest to leave them in the car so they don't accidentally fall off the course while climbing.

• Online Waivers. Don’t forget to complete your online waiver ahead of time. You can find the link in your booking confirmation email. Reminder that if you are filling out waivers for youth under 18 we need a parent to complete a separate one for each child.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

• Backpack: Yes, if you want to, but keep it small. There are exit points throughout the course, so if a bigger pack ends up being more than you want to manage, you can always bail out at the nearest exit.
  
  
• Water: Bring it. A small backpack works, or you can clip a water bottle directly to your harness.
  
  
• Phone: Yes, feel free to bring it along for photos, but at your own risk. It is best to have it in a secure lanyard or have pockets that zip. 
  
  
• Lunch: You’re welcome to pack one to eat when you are taking a break. The course is self-paced, so it’s easy to take a break, eat, and pick up right where you left off.
  
  
• Chalk: Not necessary. You’re climbing on fixed rungs and cable, not friction holds, so chalk isn’t needed.
  
  
• Sunscreen and bug spray: We recommend both, but we don’t provide them, so bring your own.

Getting There and Getting Set Up

• Arrive 10 minutes early. This gives us time to get you checked in and ready before your scheduled start.
  
  
• Orientation: Every trip starts with a 45-minute hands-on orientation before you head to the course.
  
  
• Supervision: The course is self-guided and self-paced, but it’s continuously supervised by our staff, so help is always nearby if you need it.
  
  
• Your car: Parking is close by, and it’s safe to leave your belongings inside your vehicle.
  
  
• Lockers: We don’t have lockers on site, so plan to leave valuables you don’t want to carry in your car.

The Course Itself

• Sections: Six total sections across four levels of difficulty.
  
  
• Height: The course ranges from about 30 feet up to its highest point at 120 feet.
  
  
• Harness sizing: Our harnesses fit waist sizes up to 54 inches.
  
  
• Weight and height: There are no weight or height restrictions, and we do not weigh participants.

• Age: Participants must be 10 years of age to participate in our Via Ferrata course. If you are between the ages of 10-14 you must climb with an adult, however one adult can take up to 5 youth with them. Check out our Guided Trips for youth under 10 years of age!
  
  
  

How Long Should You Plan For?

Most groups spend 4 to 6 hours at the course start to finish, once you factor in orientation, climbing time, and breaks. Since the course is self-paced with six exit points along the way, you have a lot of control over how long your day runs and how far you push yourself.

Weather Considerations or Changes to Your Plans

We operate rain or shine! Weather in the Red is always changing and can often be difficult to predict. We do often get afternoon thunderstorms in the summer; however the good news is that they are usually out of here within 30 minutes or so. For the Via Ferrata, you can climb even when it is raining so don’t let that scare you off! If there are thunderstorms we will have all climbers come down until 30 minutes from the last thunder clap. 

If you decide you need to reschedule or cancel your reservation, just let us know! We understand that plans change and we do not charge any cancellation fees or change you for the canceled activity. We just ask that you let us know as soon as possible as those changes do affect our crew and other clients.

Gratuity

Our guides put a lot of care into creating a great experience for every guest and are continually honing their craft. Tipping your guide is completely optional, but always appreciated. If you feel your guide provided a great experience, you can add a tip during check-in or at the end of your trip. Management recommends 20%.

Thank you for choosing Southeast Mountain Guides and allowing us to share what we love with you!

Not Climbing? We’ve Got You Covered

If someone in your group isn’t climbing, they don’t have to just sit in the parking lot. We have observation decks at the base where non-climbers can hang out and watch the action. We also sell snacks and drinks for observers, so they’re comfortable while they wait.

See You on the Cliff

With the right shoes, a small pack, and a little prep, you’re all set for an unforgettable day on the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata. If you have any other questions before your visit, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to help you feel ready before you even arrive.