Frequently Asked Questions

Course Description

The Adventure WV Zipline Canopy Tour comprises 4 zip-lines, 7 tree-based platforms, an aerial bridge, an aerial ladder, and a rappel station to exit the course. Each zip or leg of the course ranges in length from the 201’ starting zip to the 980’ zip at the conclusion of the course. The highest point on tour is approximately 60 feet, with maximum speeds reaching 30 mph. Participants will rappel 45’ from the final platform to the ground. After exiting the course, participants will hike along a nature trail from the base of the final tree back to the equipment shed (approximately 10 mins, moderate difficulty).

Who Can Participate?

Canopy Tour & Aerial Trekking activities at WVU are open to everyone! These activities are always educationally focused and often incorporate environmental education curriculum. There are a few guidelines you should be aware of if you plan to participate, so be sure to review them before scheduling (see the next section).

Directions and Program Area Information

• Physical Address: 1397 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bruce Mills, WV 26525
• Parking: Parking is available in the paved lot just outside the Outdoor Education Center main office location
• Phone Number: 304-293-0156
• Email:  AdventureOEC@mail.wvu.edu

What would keep me from participating?

In addition to  Adventure WV’s standard Essential Eligibility Criteria, participants seeking to participate in either the WVU Zip-Line Canopy Tour or Aerial Trekking activities must:

• Be comfortable with participating in activities at heights from 10’ to 60’.
• Be in moderate to good health; active participation is required.
• Be able to understand and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Wear closed-toe shoes while participating in the program.
• Must meet the following weight requirements— minimum weight: 70lbs; maximum weight: 250lbs.

Participation is not advised and may be denied if any of the following are applicable to the participant:

• Pregnancy
• Recent, reoccurring or existing injuries and serious musculoskeletal disorders
• Medical conditions that could require immediate medical attention, such as a seizure disorder.
• Under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or legal drugs that impair the participant in any way

Adventure West Virginia staff members reserve the right to deny participation to any participant if his or her physical or mental condition could endanger themselves or others.

How Much Does It Cost?

Zipline Canopy Tour is $60.00 per person / Aerial Trekking is $35.00 per person

*Discounts are applicable for current WVU students, faculty, and staff

How long does it take?

The length of our programs are approximately 2.5-3 hours. This includes everything from a brief introduction and gearing up with a harness/helmet, the actual experience, return hike, and shedding of equipment.

Should I arrive early? Where should I go?

The WVU Outdoor Education Center is in the University Research Forest (off the Coopers Rock Exit on Interstate 68). It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the canopy tour from downtown Morgantown. Participants may need to allow extra travel time due to heavier traffic. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. The physical address of our WVU Outdoor Education Center is: 1397 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525

Park near the gravel trail to the right of the Natural Resource Center Conference Building. Look for our activity signs upon arrival. No parking pass or validation is needed.

What should I wear?

Participants should wear comfortable, athletic clothing while participating in the challenge course (no dresses or skirts). It is important to dress for the weather as the tour will operate rain or shine! This may include rain jackets, warm layers, and warm footwear. Please note that due to the elevation and exposure, temperatures tend to be 5º to 10º cooler than in low-lying areas such as Morgantown. Securely fashioned, closed-toed footwear is required for participation in the course.

What if I don’t like heights or am not an adventure sports kind of person?

While participants should be willing to experience heights, it is important to note that this activity isn’t designed only for the elite adrenaline junkie. The design of our courses allows participants to ease into the experience while building their confidence and skills. Because of this, many participants who are typically afraid of heights enjoy our courses.

What if I decide that I don’t want to continue?

There are options to exit our courses early if needed. Our guides will present these options to all participants and will facilitate the entire process. Guests will then be guided back to our original starting point.

Can I watch my group participate from the ground?

Absolutely! Individuals can observe participants as they zip or traverse our elements. Seating is also provided throughout most of our facility.

What is your weather policy?

The WVU Outdoor Education Center is an outdoor facility that operates in a wide variety of safe weather conditions. Dangerous weather during the scheduled program allows for rescheduling or cancellation without accruing a fee. Dangerous weather includes thunderstorms, extreme temperatures, and high winds. This will be determined by the facilitator. For the most up-to-date and accurate weather, follow the Coopers Rock Weather Station on Weather Underground.

What is your cancellation policy?

• If you need to make changes to your reservation, please contact the WVU OEC office as soon as possible at 304-293-0156.
• Cancellations made less than 5 business days prior to the program date are subject to a cancellation fee. This fee will reflect up to 25% of the program registration fee.
• Cancellations made by the Organization and/or the Program Contact within 48 hours of the established program date are subject to payment of the full program registration fee.
• Cancellations due to weather or other extenuating circumstances (as determined by the Program Manager) may be rescheduled or receive a full refund.