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Climbing and rappelling are permitted at the park in two locations. The areas of Devil's Standtable cliff and Shelter #1 bluff at the Makanda entrance are accessible to climbers, and ropes are permitted on these cliffs. Climbers should bring their own equipment and go directly to the bluff. No permanent anchors allowed. No check-in is necessary. All climbing activities at the park are conducted at your own risk. Cliffs are steep, sandstone can be slippery when wet, and protected venomous copperhead snakes are found on sunny ledges, please use caution. Southern Illinois sandstone bluff plant communties are fragile, so tread lightly in these areas. Always carry out what you carry in! Harness the power of rock climbing and rappelling in the famous New River Gorge, featuring 1,100 different climbs across 20 miles of accessible cliffline. The Adventures Unlimited school offers unmatched instruction for guests of all abilities. For the beginner, our “experiential” format gets you on the rocks in no time flat. Sheer exhilaration is the only way to describe standing atop the rim of the New River Gorge looking 1,300 feet down at the river below! We also offer advanced custom instruction if you’re looking to learn some new skills. Instructors incorporate rock climbing, rappelling, moving over stone as well as safe and proper use of equipment. Of all the crags in and around the Red River Gorge, none are easy to get to and as varied in difficulty. Torrent Falls has become a climbing destination in itself. If you choose to lodge at one of our cabins or rooms, there is a 10% discount for guided climbing rappelling. The climbing is just a few short yards from our lodging. Sorry, but we do not offer camping. The cliff line at Torrent Falls is roughly horseshoe shaped and guarantees that you climb in sun or shade depending on the weather. The pocketed sandstone is perfect for bouldering, sport, and traditional climbing. Since there is access to the top of the cliffs, top roping is also available There is truly something for everyone. Torrent Falls maintains over 50 different routes, ranging from 5.2 - 5.13.Our Staff is fully capable of working with beginning climbers to experienced climbers. We preset ropes so that the climbing routes are reserved and you can get on the rock as soon as possible.We can also facilitate classes in rappelling. We start the beginners out on a 32 ft. rappel, then move up to a 90 ft. rappel, and finish with a 165 ft. all air rappel.We offer full day and half-day classes in both climbing and rappelling. We can also accommodate you and/or your group to experience half-day climbing and then half-day rappelling. All gear is provided along with lunch from Mark's Mountain BBQ (for full day only). Torrent Falls has a long and colorful history. Originally, the rockhouse was home to the Adena indians. Around the year 3000 BC, the Adenas lived, farmed, and hunted on the grounds of the Torrent Falls Resort. In more recent history, the L. Park Hotel once stood at what is now the entrance to the resort. The L. Park Hotel was built in 1890. It was a major east coast tourist destination until it burned to the ground in 1927. At it's peak, the L. Park boasted a suspended stage, a boardwalk/dance floor, and an orchestra. According to the historical book Natural Bridge in the Kentucky Mountains (published around 1900) the author discusses Torrent Falls - "The hotel is environed by high cliffs and offers a charming retreat for health and pleasure. The visitor may go for miles over mountain bridle paths on horseback, or take short trips on foot to shady glens, which afford a succession of constantly changing mountain views." Currently it is operating as a Bed and Breakfast with several Log Cabins for guests. Adjacent to Torrent Falls Bed and Breakfast, is Marks Mountain BBQ, along with the Via Ferrata For details information: Rock Climbing/Rappelling
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