Frequently Asked Questions About Rappelling

What time does the program begin and how long will be rappel for?

WATERFALL RAPPELLING
You will meet your guides at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering in Bartlett, NH at your designated time. We will take 45 minutes to outfit you with any rental gear, watch an introduction video and learn to rappel at The Bunkhouse.

Friday-Sunday: Waterfall Adventures meet at 9am and return around 2pm.

CLIFF RAPPELLING
You will meet your guides at The Bunkhouse at Northeast Mountaineering in Bartlett, NH at 10am. We will take 30 minutes to outfit you with any rental gear and learn to rappel at The Bunkhouse before heading over to the local cliff. We typically wrap up around 2PM.

Do we have to hike to the waterfall or cliff?

WATERFALL RAPPELLING

The Hike to Ripley Falls is 0.5 miles and usually take approximately 20-30 minutes. The trail is classified as Easy/Moderate by White Mountain standards. These standards may differ from the ratings you are used to. It is uphill the entire way and there are many roots, rocks, mud, and loose footing. The last 0.1 mile of the trail to the top of the waterfall is particularly steep and requires care. This adventure also requires an easy river crossing. Participants need to be able to walk on rough, rugged trails, have a solid sense of balance, and be in reasonable physical shape.

CLIFF RAPPELLING

The Hike to Square Ledge is 0.5 miles and usually take approximately 20-30 minutes. The trail is classified as Easy/Moderate by White Mountain standards. These standards may differ from the ratings you are used to. It is uphill the entire way and there are many roots, rocks, mud, and loose footing. The last 0.1 mile of the trail to the top of the waterfall is particularly steep and requires care. Participants need to be able to walk on rough, rugged trails, have a solid sense of balance, and be in reasonable physical shape.

Is there a weight limit?

For insurance and safety reasons, our weight limit for the rappelling adventures is 250lbs. The maximum waist size is 45 inches. For our younger adventurists, we have kids harnesses that will fit ages 10 and up.

What kind of footwear should I wear?

For Waterfall Rappelling, please wear strap on sandals, sneakers, water-shoes or hiking boots.

For Cliff Rappelling, please wear sneakers or hiking boots.

What should I wear?

Please wear synthetic materials that will dry out quicker than cotton such as wool, polyester, or techwick.

For Waterfall Rappelling, please bring sneakers, water shoes, strap-on sandals or hiking boots that can get soaked as you will be standing in water at times. You will appreciate having a towel and a dry shirt for after the fun has ended. A small backpack to carry these items plus some food and water is recommended.

For Cliff Rappelling, please wear comfortable active-wear appropriate for the weather. A small backpack to carry these items plus some food and water is recommended.

Is it safe?

The risk while rappelling is quite low when conducted properly, especially when assisted by a guide. Our guides are trained to mitigate the dangers and other inherent hazards.

How many people are in a group?

We offer a maximum ratio of 3 clients per guide for rappelling courses – typically 6 participants with 2 guides.

Are there age restrictions?

We welcome anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Over 85lbs and under 250lbs

• Age 10 and over

• Are physically capable of hiking 1 mile on rough, rugged terrain and are approved for vigorous activity.

Can I bring my dog/pet?

Although we love dogs, we cannot allow them to join us on any of our adventures. There are some dog-sitting resources in the area.

Can I be dropped off and picked up?

The end-time of this adventure varies quite a bit. All participants will need to have their own transportation. Drop-offs can not be accommodated.