TimberTrek FAQ

Thanks for your interest in TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park! You’ve got questions; otherwise you wouldn’t be on this page. We’ve got answers! If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.

Feel free to read through it all, or jump to the specific question to which you need an answer.

1. What’s an Adventure Park?
2. How does the trip work?

 3. How long does the trip take?
4. What are the restrictions on TimberTrek participation?
5. What are the Park Rules?
6. What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?
7. What should I wear?
8. Are spectators welcome?
9. When does TimberTrek operate?
10. Does the park operate in bad weather?
11. Are reservations necessary?
12. How large of a group can TimberTrek accommodate?
13. What is your cancellation policy?
14. Do I need to sign a waiver?
15. How safe is TimberTrek?
16. What training does the staff go through?
17. How is TimberTrek different from TreeTops and Gravity?


1.    What’s an Adventure Park?

Covering 4 wooded acres at Adventures On the Gorge, TimberTrek is an aerial forest ropes course consisting of more than 60 platforms installed in the trees and connected by various configurations of cable, wood, rope to form bridges, swings and zip lines. Groups of bridges link together to form separate courses. Although each course has at least one zip line on it, you’ll need to climb to get to them—there’s much more fun than just zip lining to be had! There are 5 courses in total for ages 7—adult.

TimberTrek is all about active participation—there are no motorized rides in the park. The courses are designed for everyone to enjoy, and assigned the difficulty rating of Yellow, Green, Blue and Black similar to ski trails. As one progresses through the difficulty levels, the bridges become less stable under your feet, requiring more balance, agility, focus and arm strength. Each course is self-guided, allowing you to move at your own pace.

As the courses become more difficult, they also get higher off the ground. The highest platform is 50 above the forest floor.

We have staff positioned throughout the course to answer questions and provide assistance.

2.    How does the trip work?


Trips are available by reservation or walk-up. You’ll get rigged up and will receive a safety briefing to learn how to use your equipment.  Then it’s off to the trees.  During your time, you can do as many courses, as many times as you like. You are able to take breaks in between, but if your time expires you will not be able to start another course.
 
3.    How long does the trip take?

Most trips are 3-3.5 hours long, however, shorter trips may be available.

4.    What are the restrictions on TimberTrek participation?

  • You must be at least 7 years old with sound body and mind capable of performing specific safety tasks independently.
  • There are supervision restrictions on all courses for participants under 14 years old. (See chart below.)
  • The maximum weight allowed on TimberTrek is 265lbs/person.
  • You must be able to fit in our harnesses.
  • If you are pregnant or have certain disabilities that hinder you from being able to traverse the course, you will not be permitted to participate. 
  • You must be able to read and understand all instructions in English.

Age Yellow Green Blue Black
7-9 Supervised With Adult   N/A N/A
10-11 Supervised Supervised With Adult N/A
12-13 Supervised Supervised Supervised With Adult
14+ Solo Solo Solo Solo

  • “Supervised:” an adult (18+) guiding children (1–10 children) from the park ground.
  • “With Adult:” an adult (18+) must accompany children on courses—max. 2 children per adult.
  • “Solo:” without adult supervision.
5.    What are the Park Rules?

TimberTrek rules must be followed at all times to insure your safety. You will get specific training in using all safety equipment and permanently installed components of the park. Management reserves the right to ask anyone in breach of these rules to leave the Adventure Park.

  • You must wear a ticket at all times while on the course.
  • No sandals or flip-flops. Wear closed toed shoes, such as sneakers.
  • Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Use all equipment safely and as directed.
  • Wear a properly adjusted harness at all times while on the course.
  • Always have at least one carabiner attached to a marked attachment point.
  • Start with a yellow or green course before attempting blue. You must also attempt a blue course before trying black.
  • Never use an element when another person is on it—one person at a time.
  • Never have more than 3 people on a platform.
  • Never switch from your current course to another.
  • Do not carry phones or any other objects that could fall or distract you or others.
  • Do not use any ropes course with loose hair, clothing, or objects that can get caught in ropes or zip lines.
  • Do not smoke in the park or while wearing a harness.
  • If you remove your harness, a staff member must check it before returning to the course.
  • Carry out all objects that you bring into the park, including trash.
  • When in doubt, ask the staff for assistance.
  • Obey all instructions given by the staff.

6.    What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?

The better shape you are in, the more courses you will be able to complete. The elements on our courses require some lower body strength and an increasing amount of upper body strength as you progress to the more difficult courses. There are elements with moving footholds, swings, ladders and crawling sections. Certain physical limitations such as the inability to reach overhead or to duck under cables will make the courses unrunnable.

7.    What should I wear?

TimberTrek provides each participant with a harness, helmet and gloves. All participants must wear closed-toed shoes. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and is appropriate for the day’s weather. Either shorts or pants are required (no skirts or dresses). You may bring your own gloves but they must have leather palms.

8.    Are spectators welcome?

Tickets are only required for guests who are climbing. TimberTrek is located within view of Buffler’s BBQ Grill, Rendezvous Lodge and the general Mill Creek campus. A trail system extends underneath the course. We do ask everyone to stay on the designated trails but there are plenty of photo opportunities from below.

9.    When does TimberTrek operate?

TimberTrek will be open April 1st through Thanksgiving weekend. Reservations are highly recommended and minimum group sizes may apply. Our hours of operation vary by season but generally begin at 8am.

10.    Does the park operate in bad weather?

TimberTrek will operate rain or shine unless there is lightning, high winds or ice. In the event of a storm the park will close temporarily and reopen once the weather allows. Time spent on the ground due to inclement weather will not count against your purchase.

11.    Are reservations necessary?

We require reservations in April, May, October and November and recommend them throughout our peak season. We can only accommodate a certain number of guests each day during the season.

12.    How large of a group can TimberTrek accommodate?

TimberTrek can accommodate groups up to 40, but if your group is larger special arrangements can be made.

13.    What is your cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be received in writing via USPS mail, email (info@ adventuresonthegorge.com, subject: “cancellation request”) or fax (304- 574-4906). All cancellations must be made outside of 30 days prior to the trip start date to be considered for reimbursement less a processing fee. No-shows on the day of a trip or cancellations within 24 hours of the start date will not be considered for any reimbursement.

14.    Do I need to sign a waiver?

Each individual is required to sign a waiver of liability before participating in any of our adventures, including TimberTrek. Minors will need to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver for them. Download the TimberTrek Waiver.

15.    How safe is TimberTrek?

TimberTrek was designed and built according to the Association for Challenge Course Technologies standards by Outdoor Venture Group, LLC. All components of the course are designed for loads greater than what they will be subjected to on our course. We use a double clip Bornack lanyard system on each participant to ensure that you are always clipped into a belay line when you are on the course. This system allows you to be clipped in to a line at all times in case of a slip or fall. Our trained staff will check each participant’s equipment and provide an orientation briefing before he or she can start on any of the courses. We cannot eliminate every risk, however, which is why it’s important to follow our rules and guidelines at all times.

16.    What training does the staff go through?

Outdoor Venture Group, LLC has trained our staff in all aspects of operating the TimberTrek. The course staff is knowledgeable of the obstacles, equipment, inspection and emergency procedures. They have also been trained in a variety of rescue procedures, should the need arise.

17.    How is TimberTrek different from TreeTops and Gravity?

Both TreeTops and Gravity are guided tours with zip lines, bridges and hikes. On both of these tours, participants are always with at least 2 guides—one leading and one following. The guides handle all clipping-in of guests. Gravity Zipline and TreeTops Canopy Tour cover more distance than TimberTrek. TimberTrek is self guided, which means you do your own clipping, move at your own pace and try as many courses as you want as many times as you want while your ticket is valid. TimberTrek’s components are more varied on each course than Gravity or TreeTops. TimberTrek is also more physically demanding than TreeTops or Gravity because of the various obstacles throughout the courses.