ABOUT THE COURSES
What is a Treetop Obstacle Adventure Course?
Who has to complete your waiver?
What methods of payment do you accept?
How much time does it take the average adult to complete the adult course?
What happens before I start on the course?
How are the FIVE courses ranked in terms of elevation and difficulty?
OTHER QUESTIONS
Are there refunds if a group member doesn’t want to proceed on to the rope obstacle course?
What happens if it is raining or we get bad weather?
What is your cancellation policy?
What if my group is a late arrival or doesn't show up?
What happens if it is raining or we get bad weather?
Can I come to watch my family/friends go on the course and not participate?
ABOUT THE COURSES
What is a Treetop Obstacle Adventure Course?
A Treetop Obstacle Adventure Course like Carolina Treetop Challenge is a self-guided military style challenge obstacle course created in a forest setting, using the natural environment to build a set of skill challenges above the ground, catering to varying skill levels. Carolina Treetop Challenge is located near the western edge of the Uwharrie National Forest, near Morrow Mountain State Park. Our address is 114 Rock Creek Park Drive, Albemarle, NC 28001. Our course is suspended between trees with participants remaining securely clipped into a red safety cable throughout their journey. Obstacles include Tarzan swings, suspended bridges, cargo net climbs, log ladders and swinging posts, and many more unusual obstacles.
Can I make a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended as the park will sell out during season and especially on weekends. Treetop obstacle courses have become more popular in the past few years. We advise you to call in advance and have a selection of dates and times ready so we can accommodate your group.
Who has to complete your waiver?
Everyone that wants to experience Carolina Treetop Challenge's fun-filled courses must complete a waiver. Please note that anyone under the age of 18 must have their waiver forms completed and signed by their parent or legal guardian.
Click to download waiver
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash (USD exact amount), Prefer Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
How many courses are there?
At Carolina Treetop Challenge there are FIVE adult courses for those who meet the height/age requirements (Green, Blue, Silver, Red and Black) and ONE children’s course (Yellow).
How much time does it take the average adult to complete the adult course?
Although you can end your thrilling adventure at the end of any one of the courses, it will take you approximately 2.5 hours or more to complete the adult course (including the brief training session). Once you have started the course you can take your time to finish it. You may not descend from the course and restart it however.
What happens before I start on the course?
Once your waiver form is complete and you have paid for course access, you will attend a 30-minute group training session. At this adventure course session, our trained guides will fit you into your harness. The guide will also show you how to attach yourself to safety and transition lines and how to properly use the equipment to attach to and detach yourself from a zip line. Only after your guide decides that you can safely use your equipment, you will be able to proceed onto the first of the five courses.
How are the FIVE courses ranked in terms of elevation and difficulty?
Carolina Treetop Challenge uses a color-coded system indicating the skill level required and the challenge according to elevation and difficulty. The variety of elements offer family fun for everyone:
Yellow = Minimum Elevation/Minimum Skill suitable for youth ages 6 to 9 that meet reach requirements. This is a great adventure course for kids. An adult must supervise their child from the ground while the child is up on the course.
Green = Minimum Elevation/Minimum Skill – reach of 5’11" required/ages 10 and up.
Blue = Medium Elevation/Medium Skill
Silver = Advanced Elevation/Medium Skill
Red = Advanced Elevation/Advanced Skill
Black = Advanced Elevation/Advanced Skill - reach of 5’11" required/ages 12 and up.
Can I skip a course or come down from a course and return?
All courses must be completed in order and you may not skip a course. If you require a rescue guide to help you leave a course you may not return, your climbing is complete for the day.
How safe is the course?
Any outdoor adventure sport, zip line activity, climbing, aerial trek or other high adventure couse like ours does have the risk of participants becoming injured, like those inherent in any sport. However, we take pride in our training and equipment. While the risks cannot be eliminated without erasing the value of the course activity, Carolina Treetop Challenge takes a number of steps to minimize risk. We use industry-specific equipment, tested for this application. We train each group of participants and monitor their compliance with instructions and their proper use of the equipment prior to release onto the course. And we conduct regular reviews of the course and equipment integrity, have ongoing staff review, and examine our policies and procedures to make sure we use best practices for all involved.
While we work hard to keep all participants safe, it is very important that all guests follow written and verbal commands, concentrate as they progress through the obstacle course, and do not attempt to bypass any safety measures that we have in place, including the proper use of all climbing gear. Tree to tree obstacle courses require some concentration. We employ the Clik-It belay system which does not allow a guest to unclip one side without locking the other side. It is a precaution inherent in the system so guests do not forget to stay clipped and locked by at least one grip at all times.
When should we plan to arrive?
Your ticket or booking time is your ARRIVAL TIME. If you bought 8am tickets you must arrive at 8am. As with any family activity, give yourself extra travel time to arrive, find parking, unload and visit the welcome center. Remember, we have a continuous flow of groups arriving so please avoid last minute or late arrivals. We cannot hold your training and course time if your group is late. If you are traveling some distance add appropriate time for pit stops and refueling.
REQUIREMENTS
How many adults are required?
All children aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult while climbing at Carolina Treetop Challenge. Because we use the Clik-It system which locks climbers onto the safety line, you are not required to have at an adult participating with your child on the 4-course or 5-course ticket. At least one parent/guardian is required to walk the paths and monitor their children's progress and behavior on the Yellow Kid's course. We have guides in place to consult with climbers on the course. All climbers must adhere to the safety guidelines and must follow verbal commands given by the guides. Horseplay is not allowed and could result in removal from the course without a refund. We all want to have a safe and memorable journey.
Is there a minimum age/height for accessing the kid’s Yellow course?
Carolina Treetop Challenge has a kid's rope course designed especially for our younger guests. Children must be a minimum of 6 years old. There is a reach requirement for our children’s course of 4’7". Please measure for REACH before purchase. Reach requirements are measured feet flat/arms raised from the ground to tips of fingers. Adults are not allowed on the Kid's course and children must be supervised at all times. See the graphic below.
Is there a reach restriction for the FOUR and FIVE Course adventures (Green, Blue, Silver, Red and Black)?
So guests can reach the safety lines and self-manage the course the Green, Blue, Silver, Red and Black course are open to those with a reach of 5’11". These first FOUR courses are open to ages 10 and up that meet this requirement. For guests aged 12 and over who can reach to 5’11" all FIVE courses are open, including Black.
The Yellow course is a genuine kid activity and ONLY open to participants ages 6 to 9 who have a reach of at least 4’7". At least one parent/guardian is required to walk the paths and monitor their children's progress and behavior. In order for children to get the most out of their experience, we strongly recommend that parents refrain from directing their children through the course from below.
Please measure for REACH before purchase. Reach requirements are measured feet flat/arms raised from the ground to tips of fingers.
I’m pregnant. Can I participate on any of the courses?
No. We do not recommend that pregnant women participate on any of Carolina Treetop Challenge's courses or elements.
What are the clothing and shoe requirements?
All participants are required to have appropriate footwear and clothing for your adventure day for safety reasons.
We do NOT allow open-toed shoes nor slip-on shoes. Flip flops, water shoes, sandals, slip-ons, Tom’s shoes, Sperry’s, Loafers, Crocs, Tevas, Clogs, Toe-shoes, and Five-Finger shoes are not permitted.Shoes must be sturdy and able to be laced, buckled or securely fastened on the feet at all times. Light hiking shoes are best.
You may not wear loose baggy clothing, or shirts wrapped around the waist. You waist must be kept clear of items which could tangle with the equipment. T-shirts are recommended to be tucked in. Loose blouses are not recommended. Shorts should come down as far as your knees to prevent the harness from rubbing against your legs.
All long hair must be tied back.
Secure your sunglasses and leave personal items such as phones, earbuds, and unnecessary items in the car or with a friend on the ground. Any item dropped from the course may not be retrievable so please plan accordingly. Treat the course as you would an athletic event.
We strongly recommend you do not wear jewelry – especially necklaces or loose bracelets which could get caught in the equipment.
Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or sap upon since you will be climbing in trees that emit sap.
Rain ponchos are NOT permitted.
You are welcome to bring a change of clothes, but participants can be refused access to the course if their clothing is inappropriate for our safety standards.
Do you have a weight limit to participate?
The important measurement is not weight but waist size. Your waist must be 44 inches or smaller to participate, and you must weigh less than 275 pounds. The harness leg loops can accommodate up to 28" diameter of your upper thigh. For example, a 6'5" 250 lb person may not have a large waist and may fit in a harness, but someone 5'4" and 250 lbs probably will not fit. You may be asked to discretely weigh-in in a private room before participating. While it is fun to engage in tree climbing, it is best to make sure everyone is safe and able to use the equipment properly.
Can I bring food and drink onto the course?
Due to safety concerns we do not allow food on the course. This ensures family fun for all. Carolina Treetop Challenge recommends eating prior to, or after course completion. Water may be brought in small plastic water bottle that is able to be securely clipped to your harness if it does not interfere with the equipment. Water bottles are NOT allowed to be worn around the neck or torso. No glass bottles are allowed.
OTHER QUESTIONS
Are there refunds if a group member doesn’t want to proceed on to the rope obstacle course?
Immediately after the end of your training session, if you decide against completing the course you may receive a partial refund. Once you have completed the training session and you start on any portion of the course, you will forfeit any refund.
What happens if it is raining or we get bad weather?
Carolina Treetop Challenge is open rain or shine. We will rarely close the course due to poor weather. If there are electrical storms, heavy icing, high winds, or extreme cold, we may first delay your group. Cancellations are a final option.
If we must cancel your group, we will provide you the option of a full refund or we can reschedule your group. If you completed part of the course and it must be close due to inclement weather we will issue partial refund or prorate them based on progress. We may also work with you to reschedule your visit.
We will only call you if we know the tour you are scheduled on will definitely need to be canceled or rescheduled.
Do you offer group rates?
During the week and certain weekends. we do have packages we offer for various groups. Please call our offices to arrange for large groups. Check under the GROUPS tab for your type of group – scouts, schools, sports teams, collegiate, or corporate groups.
What is your cancellation policy?
Individuals and groups of less than 10:
Cancellation requests made more than 72 hours before the scheduled departure will result in rescheduling of booking, a gift certificate, or refund less a 20% booking fee. Our climbing obstacle course operates on a strict time reservation system so we are likely not able to fill the vacant time slot.
Groups of 10 or more:
Cancellation requests made more than seven (7) days before the scheduled departure will result in rescheduling of booking (within a 365 day year), a group credit, or a refund less 20% booking fee. No refunds or date changes are available if you cancel with less than seven (7) days notice. Your group should submit final counts no later than seven (7) days in advance of your participation date. Groups will be charged for the greater of the confirmed reservation count OR the actual number of participants who use the course on the day of your adventure.
What if my group is a late arrival or doesn't show up?
Carolina Treetop Challenge makes every effort to accommodate late arrivals for your family adventure. We recommend calling if you have car trouble or other issues arise. Your booking time is your arrival time, please allow extra time for parking. There is no guarantee of moving you to a later time. No refunds will be issued for late arrivals. If you fail to meet your appointment, we still incur all the same expenses, and may have turned others away.
Guests who fail to show up will not be offered a refund and will be charged the full package price.
When you make a reservation, our staff is always under the impression that you’ve read the Cancellation Policy BEFORE making your reservation. To avoid any disappointment, please make sure you understand our cancellation policies.
Can I come to watch my family/friends go on the course and not participate?
Of course. Where permitted,Carolina Treetop Challenge welcomes you to observe the course from a safe distance so you do not disturb climbers. Access to observation areas may require guests to climb hills, traverse uneven terrain, and avoid obstacles such as tree stumps, roots, etc. No guests are allowed to walk underneath course elements. Because the kid's area is so low to the ground we don't want anyone walking under the kids zipline, for example. Only employees are allowed access to many areas. Take pictures and video from the safety of the ground, but try not to distract the climber, especially when they are making transitions between elements of the course.
Can physically disabled persons participate?
Some physically disabled people may be able to master some aspects of some of the course. We require advance notice and will conduct a brief interview to determine if, with our help, they would be able to participate. Call our office. Since we may have to devote a guide to their needs, there may be additional costs.
Do you have a restaurant or food onsite?
No. Not at this time. If you plan on eating in the parking lot or picnic areas onsite you must bring all your own food, drink and utensils, from a restaurant in Albemarle, etc. We do not have any serving facilities.
The welcome center does have a variety of power bars and some water and sodas.