Yellow
Beginner-friendly trails built to help climbers learn the system.
Zipline & Ropes Course • Raleigh, NC
Ropes Course & Aerial Trails at TreeRunner Raleigh
TreeRunner Raleigh has eight main Aerial Forest trails across five difficulty levels. Start with an approachable challenge, get comfortable with the climbing system, then work your way toward tougher obstacles, advanced trails and bigger finishes.
8 Aerial Trails
5 Difficulty Levels
90+ Obstacles
24 Ziplines
Ages 7+
How the Aerial Forest Works
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Start where you're comfortable. Then work your way up.
The color of each Raleigh trail identifies its general difficulty. As you progress, the experience becomes more physically demanding.
Green
An intermediate step once you've started building confidence.
Blue
More advanced routes with greater physical demand.
Black
Expert-level challenges for climbers ready for a substantial step up.
Double Black
Raleigh's highest difficulty level.
Raleigh uses course progression.
Check Age Requirements
Climbers demonstrate their ability on easier courses before progressing into more difficult levels.
Climbing During Peak Summer
The course is in the trees for a reason.
Raleigh's hottest summer days can be intense. The Aerial Forest is built through an established wooded canopy, which means much of the climbing experience happens beneath natural shade instead of in full, open sun.
That doesn't mean every day is cooler under the trees. It's specifically during peak summer heat that the difference becomes most noticeable.
Meet the Trails
Eight trails. Five very different levels of challenge.
Yellow • Beginner
Start Here
Yellowstone
Yellowstone introduces climbers to memorable elements including Whale Watch, Swinging Platforms and a long zipline.
Bumblebee
Bumblebee is a lower Yellow trail with bridges and ziplines that gives new climbers a place to get comfortable.
First in Flight
First in Flight includes the Barrels and Suspension Bridge before finishing with two different ziplines.
Green • Intermediate
Step It Up
The Greenway
The Greenway introduces another level of challenge with the Tight-Rope Walk, X-Bridge and a zipline finish.
Blue • Advanced
Bigger Physical Challenge
Sidewinder
Sidewinder brings together the Tight Rope Bridge, Junkyard and Butterfly Walls.
Skyline
Skyline features longer challenges including the Hallway, Flea Jump and Swinging Staircase before a 40-foot auto-rappel finish.
Black • Expert
Serious Challenge
Black Widow
Black Widow includes the Air Board, Rope Buckets and Warped Taco Net before rewarding the work with Raleigh's longest zipline.
Double Black • Highest Difficulty
The Biggest Test
Doom and Gloom
Doom and Gloom is Raleigh's most difficult course, with challenges including Swinging Discs and Bosun Chairs before a 40-foot auto-rappel finish.
What Changes as You Level Up?
Obstacles
Movement
Stamina
Time
Finish
Harder doesn't just mean a different color sign.
More Demanding
Harder trails require more balance, coordination and strength.
Less Stable
Expect more swinging and physically challenging elements.
More Physical
Advanced trails require patience and more sustained effort.
Longer to Navigate
Difficult trails often take longer to work through.
Bigger Moments
Advanced courses include auto-rappels and Raleigh's longest zipline.
Advanced Trail Finishes
Skyline • Blue
Black Widow • Black
Doom and Gloom • Double Black
The last challenge isn't always another bridge.
Auto-Rappel Finish
40 ft.Finish Skyline with a 40-foot auto-rappel descent.
Raleigh's Longest Zipline
85 ft.Black Widow rewards climbers with Raleigh's longest listed zipline.
Auto-Rappel Finish
40 ft.Raleigh's hardest trail ends with a 40-foot auto-rappel descent.
Choose Your Climb
Starter
Classic
How much time do you want in the forest?
A shorter Aerial Forest visit.
2 Hours
$38–45
A good fit for first-time climbers or guests fitting TreeRunner into a fuller day.
More time to work your way up.
3 Hours
$45–52
More time to progress through the forest and explore harder eligible trails.
Ready to reserve?
Select weekday or weekend booking below. Current availability and exact pricing appear during checkout.
Where Should I Start?
Don't jump straight to the hardest trail.
Start with an appropriate beginner course, learn how the obstacles feel and progress from there.
First Time at TreeRunner?
You don't need ropes-course experience before you arrive.
Get Oriented
Climbers begin on the ground and learn how the equipment and course system work.
Start Appropriately
Begin with a course that fits your eligibility and experience.
Work Your Way Up
Complete the required progression and decide how far you want to take the challenge.
Aerial Trail FAQs
Before you head into the trees.
How many main aerial trails are at TreeRunner Raleigh?
TreeRunner Raleigh's main Aerial Forest
has eight trails across Yellow, Green,
Blue, Black and Double Black difficulty levels.
What are the Raleigh trails called?
Yellowstone, Bumblebee, First in Flight,
The Greenway, Sidewinder, Skyline,
Black Widow and Doom and Gloom.
Is the Aerial Forest shaded?
The courses are built throughout Raleigh's
wooded canopy, so much of the climbing
experience takes place beneath tree cover.
This is especially helpful during peak
summer heat.
Is the park always 8–10 degrees cooler?
No. We only use that comparison for the
hottest summer conditions, when our team
often notices the shaded forest feels
substantially cooler than more exposed areas.
It is not a year-round temperature rule.
Which trail is the hardest?
Doom and Gloom is Raleigh's Double Black
course and highest difficulty level.
Which trail has the longest zipline?
Black Widow includes Raleigh's longest
listed zipline at 85 feet.
Start on Yellow. See how far you can take it.
Eight aerial trails and five difficulty levels give you plenty of room to build confidence and find your challenge.