Rock climbing instruction & guiding
Climb with the Best in Western North Carolina
Professional rock climbing instructional courses, private guided trips, canyoneering courses, and American Mountain Guide Association certification programs.
From first outdoor climbs to advanced multi-pitch objectives and instructor development, Appalachian Climbing School provides structured pathways for every climber — built on experience, safety, and proven progression.
Instructional Courses — Beginner, Trad & Canyoneering
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Beginner 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 semester
Get started with traditional lead climbing by learning skills 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 semester as we work towards teaching you how to lead climb and retain what you learn.
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Canyoneering Classes and Adventures
Our Canyoneering Courses are taught using modern techniques and principles for descending slots found in the eastern United States but also transfer to larger objectives found elsewhere. These courses are taught by Ryan Mallon who is very experienced with discovering and developing some of the most difficult canyons in this region.
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 Wes 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 info@appalachianclimbing.com