New River Mountain Guides
About Us
Since 1994 we've been mentoring climbers to help them expand their knowledge and become self-sufficient climbers at the New River Gorge and beyond. We offer private guiding and customized instruction for beginner to advanced climbers, who want to expand their knowledge, learn new skills, and gain experience to help reach their climbing goals.
All of our guides and instructors are not only climbers to their core, they are fun to climb with, and are skilled teachers who can help you meet your climbing goals. They're all trained and certified by the American Mountain Guide Association as Single Pitch Instructors (at minimum) and are dedicated professionals who take their job seriously.
We're headquartered in Water Stone Outdoors, your one-stop climbing shop at the New. The shop is open year-round, and the guide service operates seasonally from March to November (or whenever winter sets in). Have a trip booked? Meet your guide on the outdoor patio located at the rear of the store off the back parking lot.
Permits & Insurance
NPS Commercial Use Authorization #CLIMB-NERI/GARI-5300-17-081Teach and guide rock climbing, rappelling, and vertical rope rescue in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area
Dept of Army Commercial Business License #DACW69-3-24-1018Completely land based, guided rock climbing around Summersville Lake
The Guides
Reviews
Trip: Custom Trip
Guide: Craig R., Tim L., Jennifer F.
By Dennis G. on April 05, 2024
Trip: Full Day Climb
Guide: Jennifer F.
Jenn was able to quickly assess my skills/ability and put me on some climbs I felt were perfect for my level while still being a bit of a challenge! I felt safe the whole time and learned so much!
By Nick G. on April 01, 2024
Trip: Half Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig was great! Catered to a variety of skill levels & everyone had a great day out.
By Liz R. on March 30, 2024
Trip: Half Day Climb
Guide: Jennifer F.
Jen was so awesome, we are getting a date to book w her as guide again!
By Anthony B. on March 30, 2024
Trip: Full Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Our family had a great time on this full day climb! Craig was incredibly knowledgeable, made us feel safe, and made sure we had the right level climbs. He also was very encouraging and great with our 10yo who was a bit timid at first. If you’re trying to decide whether to do a half-day or a full-day climb — which we were — do a full day! A half-day would’ve flown by! Can’t wait to come back and do this again!
By Olga N. on March 19, 2024
Trip: Full Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig was excellent. He taught at my pace and focused the day on helping me be a better climber.
By Stephen O. on March 07, 2024
Trip: Full Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig exceeded our expectations on all fronts. He is an awesome person to spend the day with! So fun! He met us at our level, taught us so much and kept us safe while also helping us push towards our goals.
By Amy P. on November 11, 2023
Trip: Half Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig was awesome! Relaxed and very informative. We had a wonderful time.
By Ashley W. on October 26, 2023
Trip: Half Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig was awesome! He took me and my wife out and did some climbing, taught us how to set up a top belay, and how to clean an anchor. Great teacher with great jokes. We will be back with the whole family another time.
By David W. on October 24, 2023
Trip: Half Day Climb
Guide: Craig R.
Craig was great, extremely articulate in the sport and explained things very well. Instilled confidence and had great energy. Thank You!
By Steve R. on October 19, 2023