If you or someone you know wants to experience climbing trees safely, we're here to make that happen! There are several options, depending on your level of experience and what type of instruction you are seeking. Whatever you choose, we're committed to making it a safe, unforgettable time!
Our public tree climbing experiences are perfect for new or returning climbers from 6 to 106 years old. All the gear is provided - just bring a camera and a friend. Our experienced facilitators will fit you with a helmet and harness, provide a brief but thorough orientation, and then allow you to give climbing a try at your own pace. You may climb 30 or 40 feet high before you know it!
Special attractions your group can enjoy during and after climbing include a 240-foot zipline, 4 giant tree swings, a 20' x 40' event tent with picnic tables, tetherball, nature trails crisscrossing 8 acres of hardwood forest, a seesaw built to hold 4 adults, horseshoe toss, yard games, a large lawn area, two trampolines, a nature playscape, and friendly chickens to feed.
Now booking for 2026! We host tree climbs from March through November at our farm in Efland, NC, generally on Saturday and Sunday of the second and fourth weekends of the month (see schedule and sign up below). We can accommodate up to 6 climbers per hour. Public climbs are $25 per climber for a 1-hour experience.
Keeping it cool in the summer! Due to safety concerns related to the typically high temperatures in July and August, we only offer tree climbing during those months in combination with water activities. Click here for information on booking a climb with water fun, or a climb-swim combo on July 11, 12, 25, 26 or August 8, 9, 22, or 23.
Save the date! We anticipate hosting Climbs for a Cause on September 26 and 27, 2026. More information is coming on how you can climb a tree AND benefit the Appropriate Sanitation Institute.
We also offer Private Tree Climbs for birthday parties, friend groups, scout troops, workplace teambuilding - anyone who wants to climb!
Scroll past the booking scheduler for more information and to get acquainted with our beloved climbing tree.
Book a Public Tree Climbing Slot Below
(Hint: you can see more times by
extending the date range in the
upper left of the booking widget 👇)
Meet our climbing tree! Alba, a majestic white oak believed to have sprouted around the time of the Great Depression, is one of the heritage trees at Schönwald.
Alba's Stats:
Genus and Species: Quercus alba
Height: 78 feet tall
Average Crown Spread: 107 feet
Trunk Circumference: 11 feet, 8 inches
Address: 4642 Rocky Branch Lane, Mebane, NC 27302
Cancellation and rain policy:
We will generally still climb in a light rain if it is not also too cold, but climbs will be cancelled for heavy rain or if thunder is heard.
If we cancel your climb due to inclement weather or another reason, we will do everything we can to reschedule so that you don't miss out on a great opportunity. If we're unable to reschedule, we will give you a full refund.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your climb, you can do so up to a week before the climb at no cost. If you need to reschedule or cancel 1-6 days before the climb, half of the cost of the climb will be refunded. Sorry, we can't provide a refund for no-shows or day-of cancellations.
Click here to read a copy of the waiver that each climber or their parent/guardian must sign in order to climb.
