Book ahead or walk in.
Reservations are recommended if you want to lock in a specific start time, but walk-in climbers are welcome. During busier periods, walk-ins may simply have a short wait for the next available start time.
Prepare for Your Visit • Raleigh, NC
Know what to expect before you arrive.
A few minutes of planning can make check-in much easier. Complete your waiver, review age requirements, wear the right shoes and arrive early enough to get settled before your TreeRunner Raleigh reservation.
Before You Arrive
Reservations
Waiver
Arrival
Make check-in easy.
Complete it before you get here.
Every climber needs the appropriate waiver. Minors need a parent or legal guardian to complete the waiver on their behalf.
Sign WaiverPlan to arrive 15 minutes early.
Give yourself time to park, use the restroom and check in before the required orientation begins.
What to Wear
Shoes
Clothing
Hair & Accessories
Gloves
Dress for an active outdoor experience.
Closed toe + closed heel.
Athletic-style footwear that stays securely on your feet is required for climbing.
Comfortable and weather-appropriate.
Choose clothing that works for movement and fits comfortably with a climbing harness.
Secure loose items.
Long hair should be tied back, and dangling jewelry or loose accessories should be avoided.
Required for the Aerial Forest.
Bring your own suitable gloves or purchase a pair at the park. Group and birthday packages may include gloves.
Weather
TreeRunner is outdoors. Dress for the forecast.
Raleigh can operate in many weather conditions, including light rain. High winds, thunder, lightning or heavy downpours may cause climbing to pause while conditions are monitored.
Visiting during peak summer heat?
Much of TreeRunner Raleigh sits beneath an established forest canopy. During the hottest summer conditions, our team often notices the shaded park feels about 8–10° cooler than open, exposed areas. Still hydrate, dress for the forecast and take breaks when needed.
When You Arrive
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From the parking lot to the trees.
Check In
Head to registration and confirm your reservation.
Get Equipped
Climbers are fitted with the required equipment before orientation.
Complete Orientation
Learn how the climbing system works before entering the aerial trails.
Start Climbing
Begin on an appropriate eligible trail and progress from there.
Course Closing
Harder trails may close before the park does.
Advanced trails can begin closing up to about one hour before park closing so climbers have enough time to finish before the end of the operating day.
Plan Your Visit
A few more things worth checking before you come.
Head straight to the information that matters for your visit, whether you're choosing a ticket, bringing a younger climber, checking the forecast or finding the park.
Hours & Pricing
Compare Starter and Classic climbs and check current park hours.
View Hours & Pricing →Aerial Forest
Explore Raleigh's eight main aerial trails, difficulty levels and obstacles.
Explore the Aerial Forest →Junior Park
Bringing a child ages 4–7? See how Raleigh's lower-to-the-ground Junior Park works.
Explore Junior Park →Age Requirements
Check age, reach, height and weight requirements before choosing your climb.
Check Requirements →Weather & Rain
See what happens when rain, wind, thunder or other weather affects your visit.
Read the Weather Policy →Location & Map
Find TreeRunner Raleigh at 12804 Norwood Rd and plan your drive to the park.
Get Directions →
Prepare for Your Visit FAQs
Quick answers before you arrive.
A few common questions that are easier to answer in one place.
Do I need a reservation, and how far in advance should I book?
Reservations are not required. Walk-in climbers are welcome and we'll do our best to get you started as soon as possible. During busier periods, walk-ins may have a short wait for the next available start time. Booking ahead is simply the best way to lock in the time you want, especially on weekends, holidays and special-event dates. Orientation sessions run throughout the day.
What happens when I arrive?
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early so you have time to park, use the restrooms and get organized before check-in and orientation.
Do climbers, walkers or spectators need a waiver?
Climbers need a completed waiver. Anyone under 18 must have the waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian, while adults 18+ complete their own. Walkers, spectators, other non-climbers and mini golfers do not need a climbing waiver or climbing admission simply to accompany a group.
What are the age, height and weight requirements?
Junior Park is designed for ages 4–7, while the main Aerial Forest begins at age 7. Participation and trail access can also depend on age, reach, height and weight. Review our Age Requirements for the current guidelines before booking.
How long does the climbing experience last?
The Starter Climb provides up to 2 hours of climbing, while the Classic Climb provides up to 3 hours. Individual trails commonly take about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and the trail. Compare current options on our Hours & Pricing page.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed-toe, closed-heel athletic-style footwear is required. Wear comfortable clothing that works with a climbing harness and dress for the weather. Tie back long hair and remove dangling jewelry, scarves and loose accessories. Gloves are required for Aerial Forest climbing; bring your own suitable pair or purchase them at the park. Bring as little else as practical.
What happens if there is bad weather?
TreeRunner Raleigh operates in many weather conditions, including light rain. High winds, thunder, lightning or heavy downpours may cause climbing to pause while conditions are monitored. Review our Weather & Rain Policy if the forecast is uncertain.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Changes must be made at least one hour before your scheduled start time. Reservation payments are not returned as monetary refunds; when the applicable requirements are met, use the rescheduling or park-credit options provided with your reservation.
What happens if I am late?
Contact the Raleigh team as soon as you know you are running late. When availability allows, the team may be able to move your start time, but arriving late can reduce your climbing time if equipment is already reserved for later guests.
How difficult are the trails, and when do they close?
Raleigh's main Aerial Forest includes eight trails across five difficulty levels, from introductory Yellow through Double Black. Harder trails can begin closing as much as one hour before the park closes, so plan to reach advanced trails earlier in your visit.
Can I walk along the trails to watch my group?
Yes. Non-climbers can follow many portions of the course from the ground without purchasing a climbing ticket or completing a climbing waiver. Access varies with the wooded terrain and course layout.
Are there restrooms, food and free parking?
Yes. Restrooms and free parking are available at TreeRunner Raleigh, and the park offers a selection of snacks and beverages for purchase. Glass, alcohol and open flame are not permitted.
Is the park accessible for guests using wheelchairs?
The wooded terrain can make some areas difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. Guests are still welcome to watch and spend time with their group. Contact the Raleigh team before your visit to discuss a specific accessibility need.
Can I climb if I am pregnant?
Guests who are pregnant should not participate in the climbing courses and are welcome to accompany their group from the ground.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not permitted on TreeRunner Raleigh park property.
Come ready. Spend more time in the trees.
Complete the waiver, check the forecast and know the requirements before you head to TreeRunner Raleigh.