Canyoneering  North Carolina

Pura Vida Adventures Canyoneering trips are a combination of hiking, waterfall rappeling, swimming holes, and rock climbing.

If you want a true multi sport adventure a North Carolina Canyoneering trip is right for you!

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.
Read more at http://experiencethegoodlife.blogspot.com/

Explore

These trips are geared towards beginners to those with limited experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and be comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace.

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 consistently maintain a high level of fitness.

Certification

No experience necessary. These courses are for those wanting to experience more. In these courses you will learn basic techniques, climbing knots and more.

Canyoneering North Carolina Explore!

Cove Creek Canyon Waterfall Rappel

The Experience

Cove Creek Canyon is a beginner canyoneering experience. Participants should be in good physical shape and be comfortable hiking on rocks at a leisurely pace and hiking up hills at a leisurely pace.  A good indicator of if you are capable of doing this trip is if you can easily climb a ladder and long stairs (5 flights). Participants of this program need no prior climbing or rappelling experience. This program 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.

3-5 hours (half day program) trip length varies based on number of participants

$125 per person.
Want to hike in with your 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

Long Wall, 140 foot Climbing and Rappelling Experience

The Experience

The Experience: An approximate 3 hr half day adventure or an add on to our Cove Creek Canyon Trip the Long Wall includes a 140 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 140 ft dry Rappel back down the rock to the ground.

Length: A half day adventure (approximately 3hrs) or an add on to our Cove Creek Canyon Trip (Full Day Cove Creek) approximately 5 ½hrs

Suggested Group: Age 12 and up, beginner level experience, but a moderate level of fitness is required.

Moderate

3 hr trip length about 5 to 51/2 hrs if you also do Cove Creek, length varies based on number of participants

$125 per person

Add Cove Creek Canyon  for $75 a person

Ages 14 and up

Gauntlet Canyon

The Experience

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?”

Moderate

Full day program (5 – 7 hours) trip length varies based on number of participants

$150 per person minimum of 2ppl

Add Cove Creek Canyon or rock climbing for $75 a person

Ages 10 and up

Canyoneering North Carolina Adventure!

Cedar Rock Descent

The Experience

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

$200 a person

Age 16 and over
Intermediate to Difficult

Big Bradley Canyon Waterfall Rappel

The Experience

This is our full day North Carolina 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. Participants of this program should have prior rappelling and/or climbing experience. This trip is 6-9 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.

Moderate to difficult

Full day program (5 – 7 hours) trip length varies based on number of participants

$225 per person (includes rappel clinic) minimum of 2 people

Participation age is 18 and up.

Canyoneering Extreme: An intermediate Waterfall Rappelling experience

The Experience

Rappel a 75 ft. waterfall and 45 foot waterfall 2 times, then Complete a 120 foot rappel also includes scrambling, boulder hopping, and swimming. All equipment provided.*

3.5– 5 hours varies based on number of participants

$200 per person

Suggested Program for Youth  Ages 15 and up and adults

Canyoneering North Carolina

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.

ACA Instructional Courses

2 Day
Intro to Canyoneering

No prior knowledge is necessary for this course. This course is for beginners interested in learning more about canyoneering and the basic techniques involved.

What To Bring

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.

This program includes proper rappelling technique, basic knots and their application for canyoneering, ascending techniques, basic haul systems, canyoneering movement and an adventure canyoneering trip. . Includes both Cove Creek and another canyoneering trip.

Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast, certified American Cayoneering Guide Association.
PVA is accredited through the American Canyoneering Academy.

$350 a person , course dates are Sept 23rdst and 24nd; Oct 12th and 13th  2024  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

No experience necessary, but it is beneficial to have experience and knowledge with rappelling, as well as knowledge of some basic climbing knots.

What To Bring

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.

This program includes proper rappelling technique, basic knots and their application for canyoneering, ascending techniques, basic haul systems, canyoneering movement and an adventure canyoneering trip. . Includes both Big Bradley and  other canyoneering Trips. In addition it includes an additional day of practicing canyoneering skills along cliffsides at a dry site.

Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast, certified American Canyon Guide Association.

$450 a person, course dates are Sept. 23rd-25th; Oct. 12th, 13th, and 14th 2024 or anytime you have 2 or more people, Pura Vida Adventures
Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.

Combine Advanced 2 day course with 3 day technical canyoneering course to create 5 day Class

Advanced Canyon Rescue Course

This course is for participants with some level of canyoneering knowledge. Participants should be competent in canyon anchor building, canyon rigging, and self rescue skills on vertical rope.

What To Bring

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.

This program includes  haul systems, conversion of static block system to releasable system and haul systems, vertical rescue techniques, knot passing on lowers and hauls, advanced anchor building, and other advanced anchor building skills. Includes both Big Bradley and  another canyoneering Trips. In addition it includes an additional day of practicing canyoneering skills along cliff sides at a dry site.

Joe Moerschbaecher owner PVA first commercial company to offer canyoneering in the southeast, certified American Canyon Guide Association.

$450 a person,  9/26- 9/27;  10/15-10/16 2024or anytime you have 2 or more people, Pura Vida Adventures Brevard, NC- airport transportation from Asheville Airport available for a small additional fee.

Combine Advanced 2 day course with 3 day technical canyoneering course to create 5 day Class

To find out more about this course or to book a spot contact us or call 772-579-0005.

Canyoneering course
Rappellig Waterfalls

Previous Programs Canyoneering North Carolina

Cougar Canyon Waterfall rappel *

The Experience

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*

The Experience

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*

The Experience

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.

*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.