Rock climbing instruction & guiding
From first outdoor climbs to AMGA instructor certification.
Climb with Confidence in Western North Carolina
Professional rock climbing instruction, private guiding, and AMGA certification programs across the Southeast.
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.
Experience Matters on Real Rock
At Appalachian Climbing School, experience is not a marketing phrase — it’s the foundation of every program we run.
Owner and Head Guide Wes Calkins has been guiding in Western North Carolina since 2011, working with thousands of climbers across Linville Gorge, Pisgah, Rumbling Bald, and throughout the Southeast. That depth of local knowledge translates directly into better terrain selection, better pacing, and better outcomes for our clients.
Our team is built around instructors who are not only competent climbers, but experienced educators. We understand how people learn. We know how to manage risk on complex terrain. And we know how to create structured progression — whether you’re stepping onto real rock for the first time or preparing for professional certification.
There is a difference between climbing experience and guiding experience.
We bring both.
Rock 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 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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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 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