Junior Park
Five low-to-the-ground trails designed specifically for younger climbers. Junior Park requires a 1:1 adult-to-child ratio, with the adult guiding from the ground.
Explore Junior Park
Age & Climbing Requirements • Raleigh, NC
Know what your climber can do before you arrive.
TreeRunner Raleigh has experiences for kids as young as 4, while the main Aerial Forest begins at age 7. Age, reach, weight and adult participation can all affect how a guest climbs.
Age Requirements
Ages 4–7
Ages 7+
Start with the climber's age.
TreeRunner Raleigh has two separate climbing experiences. Junior Park is designed for ages 4–7. The main Aerial Forest begins at age 7 and uses age, reach and participation requirements to determine how a climber can use the course.
Main Aerial Forest
Eight elevated trails across five difficulty levels. Ages 7–9 climb with a participating adult. Ages 10+ may climb independently when they also meet the reach and other participation requirements.
Explore the Aerial Forest
Adult Participation & Reach
Ages 7–9
Vertical Reach
Under 60 lbs
Some climbers need an adult alongside them.
Age is the first check, but it is not the only one. Reach and weight can also determine whether an accompanying adult needs to climb.
Adult climbs too.
Climbers ages 7–9 participate in the main Aerial Forest with an adult climbing alongside them.
6 ft for independent transfers.
A climber who cannot reach 6 feet vertically may still participate, but a parent or accompanying adult must assist with transfers.
Adult participation required.
Guests under 60 lbs must climb with an adult age 18+ in the main Aerial Forest.
Additional Raleigh limits
Maximum climber height is 6'4". Maximum climbing weight is 265 lbs. Trail eligibility can also vary by age and difficulty level.
How the Aerial Forest Works
Introductory
Progressing
Advanced
Eight trails. Five difficulty levels. You don't start at the hardest one.
Raleigh's Aerial Forest progresses from Yellow through Double Black. Climbers start on appropriate easier terrain, get comfortable with the climbing system and work toward harder eligible trails.
Yellow
Beginner-friendly terrain for learning the system and getting comfortable in the trees.
Green & Blue
Increasingly physical trails with more balance, movement, height and challenge.
Black & Double Black
Raleigh's most demanding trails. Eligibility requirements still apply even when a climber feels ready for the challenge.
Reach, Height & Weight
Independent Transfers
Climber Height
Climber Weight
Age isn't the only thing to check.
6 ft vertical reach
Climbers who cannot reach 6 feet vertically may still participate, but a parent or accompanying adult must assist with transfers.
Maximum 6'4"
The current maximum climber height for Raleigh's Aerial Forest is 6 feet, 4 inches.
Up to 265 lbs
The maximum climbing weight is 265 lbs. Guests under 60 lbs must climb with an adult age 18+ in the Aerial Forest.
What About the Bypass Quiz?
Some returning or Classic climbers may have another option.
TreeRunner's Bypass Quiz is a separate program for eligible climbers who have demonstrated familiarity with the climbing system. It does not remove TreeRunner's age, reach, weight or participation requirements.
The current program is tied to Classic eligibility or returning visits within the same calendar year and requires a perfect score on the 10-question quiz. Because Bypass eligibility is separate from the basic age guide, review the current program details before planning around it.
Review the Bypass Quiz
Planning the Visit
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Know the requirements. Then choose the climb.
Check the climber
Start with age, reach and weight so you know whether an adult should plan to climb too.
Review RequirementsSee the trails
Explore Raleigh's eight Aerial Forest trails and five levels of difficulty before deciding how much climbing time you want.
Explore the Aerial ForestPrepare for the visit
Check waiver information, what to wear, gloves, weather guidance and arrival details before heading to the park.
Prepare for Your Visit
Age Requirement FAQs
The questions parents ask most.
What is the youngest age that can climb at TreeRunner Raleigh?
Junior Park is designed for ages 4–7. The main elevated Aerial Forest begins at age 7.
Can a 7-year-old climb the main Aerial Forest?
Yes. Aerial Forest participation begins at age 7 with an adult climbing alongside them. Other participation and trail-access requirements still apply.
How old does a child need to be to climb independently?
The minimum age for independent Aerial Forest climbing is 10, provided the climber also meets the applicable reach and participation requirements.
What if my child is tall or very experienced for their age?
Height, confidence or prior experience does not automatically override TreeRunner's age requirements. Eligible climbers can review the separate Bypass Quiz program.
Does an adult need to climb in Junior Park?
No. Junior Park is parent-guided from the ground. A 1:1 adult-to-child ratio is required, but the guiding adult does not need Junior Park admission.
Where should I look for everything else I need before arriving?
Use our Prepare for Your Visit page for waiver information, clothing, gloves, weather guidance, reservations and arrival details.
Find the right Raleigh climb for your group.
Once you know who can climb and whether an adult needs to participate, compare the trails and choose the TreeRunner experience that fits your visit.