Canyoneering North Carolina
Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering trips are a combination of waterfall rappelling, hiking, swimming holes, and rock climbing.
We are North Carolina’s only American Canyoneering Association (ACA) accredited institution! In addition our head guide is certified with the ACA at the Class A/B/C level
Canyoneering North Carolina, a true multi sport adventure!
Canyoneering North Carolina Explore!
Cove Creek Canyon Waterfall Rappel
Cove Creek Canyon is a beginner canyoneering and waterfall rappelling experience. Participants should be in moderate to good physical shape and be comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace and hiking up hills at a leisurely pace. Participants of this program need no prior climbing or rappelling experience. This program includes a 75 ft waterfall rappel and a 30 foot rappel. Some of the travel takes place in the waterways negotiating boulders, while other parts of it take place on trails that parallel the waterway. This trip also includes travel through water that is knee deep.
$125 per person. Want to hike in with group but don’t want to rappel $45 a person
Add Long Wall climbing and rappelling experience for an additional $75
Suggested Program for Youth and Families Ages 12 and up, Children age 8-11 are invited to participate in this trip, but may need to be taken down the rappel by a guide.
The Hub Bike Shop 11 Mama’s place Pisgah Forest (Brevard) back gravel parking lot
Long Wall 120 ft. Climb/Rappel Adventure
A half day adventure or an add on to our Cove Creek Canyon Trip the Long Wall includes a 120 ft rock climb of beginner difficulty which provides great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After taking in the view and potentially a photo at the end of the climb, the adventure continues with a 120 ft dry Rappel back down the rock to the ground.
½ day trip length 3-4 hrs.
Full day trip length 5-6 hrs
1/2 day $100 per person
Cove Creek Canyon plus Long Wall full day $200 per person
Age 12 and up, beginner level experience, but a moderate level of fitness is required.
The Hub Bike Shop 11 Mama’s place Pisgah Forest (Brevard) back gravel parking lot
Cove Creek and Long Wall Combo Full Day Canyon Experience
About Cove Creek Canyon
Includes a 75 ft waterfall rappel and a 15 foot rappel. Some of the travel takes place in the waterways negotiating boulders, while other parts of it take place on trails that parallel the waterway. This trip also includes travel through water that is knee deep.
About Long Wall
A half day adventure or an add on to our Cove Creek Canyon Trip the Long Wall includes a 120 ft rock climb of beginner difficulty which provides great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. After taking in the view and potentially a photo at the end of the climb, the adventure continues with a 120 ft dry Rappel back down the rock to the ground.
5-6 Hours
Ages 12 and up
$200 a person
The Hub Bike Shop 11 Mama’s place Pisgah Forest (Brevard) back gravel parking lot
Canyoneering North Carolina Adventure!
Cedar Rock Descent
Although not a canyon Cedar Rock provides an incredible canyon experience, especially popular in the cooler months of the fall, winter, and spring. Experience dry canyoneering during the cooler months. The hike is steep and you will use trees and ropes to assist you as you climb up over 750 feet of elevation to reach the summit of Cedar Rock. Once you reach the summit take some time to take in the stunning views before starting your descent down which will include 2 rappels of 140 feet a piece. Both rappels provide stunning views and the first rappel nearly provides a free hanging experience.
5-6 hours
Intermediate to Difficult
Harmony Corner Gas Station Brevard, NC
Big Bradley Canyon Waterfall Rappel
Please note Big Bradley is always a call to book status because we need to discuss your fitness and experience level before we can book you for this trip. This is our extreme North Carolina canyoneering and waterfall rappelling experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness ie comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace, hiking up hills with rooty trails at a leisurely pace, capable of easily climbing leaning adjustable ladders and long stairs (5 flights) is a good indicator you are capable of doing this trip. Participants of this program should have prior rappelling and/or climbing experience. This trip is 4-6 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, and “full on adventure.” This program includes the waterfall rappels pictured in National Geographic Adventure Magazine.
Canyoneering occurs in remote areas and climbing on small wet boulders is part of the experience.
Meets in Saluda, North Carolina (Marathon Gas Station, 1484 Ozone Dr, Saluda, NC 28773)
Gauntlet Canyon
Gauntlet Canyon is a dry canyon experience which includes hiking on technical trails, a 100 foot rappel, and rock scrambling with rope assistance. This adventure provides jaw dropping views and is great for beginners who are in good shape. This program is not recommended for people who do not exercise regularly.
We will get participants geared up and provide instruction in rappelling. After listening to the rappel clinic participants will then practice rappelling before continuing up the trails steeper more technical portion. The trail climbs steeply requiring participants to be hands free as they pull on trees and rocks to make their way up to the rock scramble. The rock scramble is an easy 35 ft. rock face that participants will need to climb up using a rope as a hand line for assistance. Once participants reach the top of the rock, they will be exposed to stunning views before making there way to the 100 ft. rappel. After the rappel is completed participants will have the opportunity to complete the rock scramble and rappel a second time before starting the deep decent back down the trail. The question you need to ask yourself is “Am I ready to complete The Gauntlet?”
Add Cove Creek Canyon or rock climbing for $75 a person
Brevard, NC; Harmony Corner Gas Sattion
Be sure to check out some of our youth adventures such as Canyoneering the Games, recommended for children 12 and under.
See our Hunger Games Tours for more details.
Explore and Adventure Canyoneering North Carolina Trips can be scheduled with a minimum of 2 people in your group (Trips available 7 days a week). If you are an individual you will need to be added to an already existing trip. Individuals contact us for current preexisting trip dates.
Canyoneering North Carolina Trips
run rain or shine!
In case of severe weather where the guide sees a safety risk for participants the trip may be cancelled or shortened and the appropriate refund will be provided. Rain gear is provided if rain is present or expected.
You will need to bring water and maybe a light snack/ lunch, unless you want us to provide lunch for an additional $15 per person. You will want to wear comfortable clothes that you typically wear to hike in and shoes to hike in that protect your feet and drain easily when wet. Basic running or nongortex hiking shoes are fine. We do not recommend any kind of boot. A shoe such as Keen sandals, five finger shoes, or water type running shoes work best. We will supply you with all the climbing gear you need. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Canyoneering North Carolina programs run from late March until early Nov. Wetsuits are provided during cooler weather months.
Explore
These trips are geared towards beginners or those with limited experience. Participants should be in moderate to good physical shape and be comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace. These trips are great for families.
Adventure
These programs are for those wanting to take the next step and add a bit more adventure into their trip. Participants should be in good physical shape and not be afraid of heights. Prior experience is recommended, but not require if you meet all other criteria.
Certification
These courses are for those wanting to explore canyoneering and waterfall rappelling on their own. These courses our focused on providing the competency and skills needed to become a competent canyoneer . Courses include rope and rescue techniques, knots, anchor building, rigging, and more.
ACA Instructional Courses
2 Day Intro Canyoneering and Waterfall Rappelling Class
No prior knowledge is necessary for this course. This course is for beginners interested in learning more about canyoneering and the basic techniques involved.
You will want to wear comfortable clothes that you typically wear to hike in and shoes to hike in that protect your feet and drain easily when wet. Basic running or nongortex hiking shoes are fine. We do not recommend any kind of boot. A shoe such as Keen sandals or water type running shoes work best. We will supply you with all the canyoneering gear you need.
PVA is accredited through the American Canyoneering Academy.
$350 a person , course dates are June 24th and 25th 2023 or anytime you have 2 or more people, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.
To find out more about this course or to book a spot email us at contact@pvadventures.com or call 772-579-0005.
3 day Technical Canyoneering and Waterfall Rappelling Class
Particpants should bring carabiners, harness, and helmets, as well as other basic rope gear. This equipment can be provided if you do not have it.
$450 a person, course dates are June 23rd- June 25th 2023 or anytime you have 2 or more people, Pura Vida Adventures
Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.
2 Day Advanced Canyon and Rope Rescue Course
Participants should bring carabiners, harness, and helmets, as well as other basic rope gear. This equipment can be provided if you do not have it.
$350 a person, 8/19/23 – 8/20/2023 or anytime you have 2 or more people, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.
To find out more about this course or to book a spot contact us or call 772-579-0005.
Previous Programs Canyoneering North Carolina
Cougar Canyon Waterfall rappel *
This is our full day beginner canyoneering experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and be comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace, hiking up hills with rooty trails at a leisurely pace, capable of easily climbing leaning adjustable ladders and long stairs (5 flights) is a good indicator you are capable of doing this trip. Participants of this program need no prior climbing or rappelling experience. This program includes a 75 ft waterfall rappel as well as swimming and rock scrambling. Some of the travel takes place in the waterways negotiating boulders, while other parts of it take place on trails that parrallel the waterway. This trip also includes travel through water that is waist deep.
Paradise Canyon Waterfall Rappel*
This is a full canyoneering experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness ie comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace, hiking up hills with rooty trails at a leisurely pace, capable of easily climbing leaning adjustable ladders and long stairs (5 flights) is a good indicator you are capable of doing this trip. This trip is 5-7 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, swimming and “full on adventure.” Paradise Canyon is given its namesake for a reason. The trip begins with a steep descent along a trail into the canyon which is littered with beautiful pot holes. After receiving rappelling instruction and a technical review the fun really begins. Participants will rappel 125 feet next to an incredible waterfall after completing the rappel the fun continues with a technical descent of the area we call “the throat”. After getting through the throat participants have an eight foot jump into a pool of water followed by a 50 meter swim to Paradise beach. At paradise beach participants will have lunch and have opportunities to swim and take photos before beginning the long steep trail climb out of the canyon and back to the vehicle.
Tombstone Blues Canyon Waterfall Rappel*
This is a full canyoneering experience. Prior experience required. Participants should be in good physical shape and consistently maintain a high level of fitness ie comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace, hiking up hills with rooty trails at a leisurely pace, capable of easily climbing leaning adjustable ladders and long stairs (5 flights) is a good indicator you are capable of doing this trip. This trip is 5-7 hours of climbing, rappeling, bouldering, and “full on adventure.” A video of this adventure can be seen below.
The Labyrinth Canyon and Waterfall Rappel
The Labyrinth Canyon and waterfall rappelling trip starts with a 2-mile hike where you will snake through a maze of rhododendron thickets making your way down the mountain to the creek. We then navigate up a steep hill and a narrow trail that will lead us to the top of the falls. After gearing up and going through a rappel clinic the adventure really gets going and the level of challenge drastically increases. First we make our way down a steep trail to two assisted belayed downclimbs of about 5 feet a piece. The first waterfall rappel is a steep vertical rappel of about 65 feet that goes directly in the waterfall. Once it ends you will have a second low angle rappel of about 45 feet in length. After this we will navigate by foot a short distance downstream walking over boulders and down a small waterfall before beginning our hike back out.
Those doing the full day will head back up and experience the high adventure rappelling route a second time before heading back out to the trail head.
½ day trip length 3-4 hrs.
Full day trip length 5-6 hrs
1/2 day $150 per person
full day $200 per person
Ages 15 and up
Difficulty: Although no prior rappelling experience is required this trip is considered intermediate to advance because of the physical challenge. If you are not physically active or have a fear of heights you may prefer one of our beginner canyon trips (Cove Creek or Gauntlet Canyon).
*These trips are no longer available due to the identification of a federally endangered plant in the location. Please check out Explore Cove Creek, Big Bradley or Gauntlet Canyon above for similar Canyoneering adventures.