Rock climbing instruction & guiding
in the Southern Appalachians and Nationwide.
Climb Outside this Spring!
The Appalachian Climbing School invites you to come experience the power of transformative spaces and feel the difference for yourself.
introductory climbing courses
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Intro to Outdoor climbing
Learn to climb outside! We’ll cover all the basic skills and techniques needed to climb outdoors. Topics such as risk management, Leave No Trace, climbing movement, equipment, knots, and belaying will be covered. New appreciations for our partners and the outdoors will be explored while we practice climbing on real rock.
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trad climbing basics
Get started with traditional lead climbing by learning the basics such as: racking, creating gear placements, sling craft, anchor building, leading pitches, and rappelling. Gain confidence through focused practice and coaching. Learn from experienced instructors who have the skills to help you have a breakthrough. This course is a full weekend as we work towards teaching you how to lead and retain what you learn.
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Single Pitch Partner Rescue
What would you do if your partner's hand got stuck in a crack? Clothing jammed in your belay device? What if your kid is afraid to be lowered after a climb? This clinic will explore possible solutions to common scenarios and snafus. The material covered will be focused on single pitch terrain.
AMGA INstructor programs
Single Pitch Instructor Course
The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Course teaches climbing instructors to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting.
Single pitch instructor exam
The assessment is for those who have already taken their SPI Course and are ready to take the assessment. AMGA SPI Exams are based primarily in North Carolina but are also administered around the Southern Appalachians.
About us & Who we are
Appalachian Climbing School was founded by Wesley Calkins. It was founded by a simple premise: the environment, the culture, and the diversity of climbing in and around the Appalachian Mountains are and should always be a treasure for the whole world.
Contact Us.
Questions about our courses? Reach out to us by submitting a form, or email wes@appalachianclimbing.com