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

• 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.

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.
  
  
  

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.

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.