New River Gorge Adult Expedition

NRG EXPEDITION FAQ

• What Covid-19 Precautions Will Be In Place?

  As per state guidelines, PRG does not require anyone to wear a mask outside. However, please follow the guidelines set forth by any businesses you may patronize while in WV.

  Please visit our Covid-19 Information Center for more info.

• What’s The Skinny On Camping?

  Guides will be camping at a location near Fayetteville, WV. Your guides will provide more information as needed.

  Chestnut Creek Campground
  $10/night per person
  Campsite sizes vary

  The ​American Alpine Club Campground
  $10/night for communal camping spaces
  $20/night for private camping spaces

  Ray’s Campground
  $10/night per person for tent camping
  Cabins and electric sites available.

  Looking for something a little more comfortable? Check out these Cabins and Vacation Rentals in the area. You should stay in the towns of Hico, Lansing, Fayetteville, Victor, or Anstead as they are pretty close to where you will be climbing.

• What Skills Will I Learn?

  This expedition is not just a great opportunity for guided climbing at one of the country’s prime climbing destinations–it’s also an educational experience. Participants get the opportunity to learn how to climb and belay for sport lead climbing outdoors from knowledgeable and experienced guides. They will also learn how to build simple sport anchors and clean and lower from routes. With careful oversight from guides, participants will hone their skills over three days of hands-on experience.

• What Should I Bring?

  Many climbers opt for a minimalist lifestyle, which is reflected in their packing lists. Thankfully, the New River Gorge is a fairly temperate climate, which means you can save your winter gear for Denali. Even so, bring a warm layer or two just in case; it can be cold when it rains.

  For a list of recommended gear for camping, check out ​this camping guide from REI.

  For a list of recommended personal gear, ​check out our list here.

  Any climbing gear you don’t have will be provided by the guide.

• Where Do I Eat?

  If you’re looking to eat out, there’s a number of climber favorites in the area. ​Cathedral Cafe ​provides a good place to get some work done with hearty breakfasts, endless coffee refills, and free wifi. ​Secret Sandwich Society​ is a go-to for lunch or dinner, and features good sandwiches (naturally), burgers, beer, and live music upstairs. For dinner, ​Pies and Pints ​provides the staples of a climber diet, with gourmet pizzas and a fantastic beer selection.

  For in-campground dining, there are a number of grocery stores nearby for stocking up on supplies. Be sure to pick up your favorite non-perishables and plenty of water for fuel and hydration at the climbing sites.

• How Do I Get There?

  Leaving from Philadelphia, there are two main routes to get to the New River Gorge:

  1. Take I-76W to US 220S to I-68W to I-79S to US-19S
  2. Take I-95 S to I-495 W to I-66W to I-81S to I-64W to US-60W to US-19S

  US-19 S links the two main towns of Fayetteville and Summersville and provides access to most of the New River Gorge Climbing areas. For a link to these directions, ​click here​.

• What Is A Typical Day On A PRG Expedition Like?

  Here is a sample day schedule for your perusal:

  (Remember: This is just an example what a day on a guided trip can look like and may not reflect your actual schedule. A gajillion factors can alter this schedule, including weather, crowds, and your personal preferences and goals.)

  • Breakfast
  • Meet up at 9am to begin day and drive to climbing area
  • Class Schedule:
    • Lead Climbing and Belaying
    • Cleaning anchors and Rappelling
    • Drills and Practice
  • Lunch
  • Climbing Schedule
    • Split into groups by ability/comfort level/climbing interests
    • Climb until 4pm
  • Return to campground for dinner and campfire goodness

• What Happens If It Rains?

  Rain is a (unfortunate) part of outdoor climbing! If it rains, your guides will choose an area that’s ‘rain-friendly’ and focus on the instructional aspect of the expedition. When the weather clears, you’ll get back to climbing. Make sure you bring good boots and a rain jacket as the hike in can still be very wet.

  Based on weather forecasts prior to the trip, the trip may be cancelled and/or rescheduled for another regional location in the event that guides determine a total wash at NRG. Clients can choose to go to the alternate location or have their payment refunded.

  Once on location, if bad weather affects more than 1 day of the trip, the following terms apply:

  2 Day rain out: $100.00 refund
  3 Day rain out: $200.00 refund

  Guides will not operate on rain out days, however, we will offer suggestions for alternative activities. While guides are not required to accompany clients on wash days, they may choose to do so if they wish (and if you wish), so long as climbing is not a part of the activities.