FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is an Ecotour?
Our Ecotours are guided nature/adventure programs combining education, interaction, and entertainment while protecting the surrounding environment and ecosystem. High Rock Adventures and Cool Rock Valley practice “Leave no Trace” principles and make every attempt to protect the rocks, flora, and fauna of the property. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle and please only take photos and memories away.
What should I expect when I come for my tour?
Guests should arrive 20 minutes before the tour at High Rock Adventures. After verifying we have signed waivers for each participant, guests receive a safety briefing, equipment fitting (as needed), and overview of the tour at our High Rock Adventures office before following their guide either to the activity area at High Rock, or carpooling to Cool Rock Valley for Nature Therapy. Restrooms and refillable water are available at the High Rock Aventures office when you check-in.
Are reservations required?
The staff will try their very best to accommodate walk-ins, but are sometimes unable to do so. Reservations are highly recommended and most tours are available to book online up to 24 hours before tour time. Please call if a tour you want does not appear to be available, we may still be able to fit you in!
Do I need a guide?
Yes. All participants are required to be guided by an approved High Rock Adventures-Hocking Hills Ecotours guide. This is for your safety, insurance coverage, and the protection of our beautiful cliffs and wooded areas.
Who can do it, do I need experience?
Almost anyone! No experience is needed. Guides will move at a comfortable pace and pause to let guests catch their breath as needed. All instruction/equipment is provided. Participants must be at least 6 years of age for the Natural High Tour, in reasonably good health, and physically able to walk up (and down) steep inclines for tours at High Rock Adventures. We do not recommend children take part in the Edible & Medicinal Plant tour or the Nature Therapy Tour. These are both quiet, slower-moving, in-depth tours.
If you have a child that is very interested in learning about flora and fauna, we recommend the Natural High Tour or the Rock Challenge Tour at High Rock Adventures. Please call us for more information.
*High Rock Adventures reserves the right to exclude anyone from participation for medical, safety or other reasons.
How long does it take?
Most tours are 2.5 to 3 hours.
How should I dress?
You should dress for movement and layer according to the weather. The temperature tends to be about 5-15°F cooler in the woods and around our awesome rocks. You may wear shorts if conditions allow but we recommend long pants to avoid possible scrapes. You should wear close-toed shoes with good tread, that you can move easily in (hiking boots, running shoes, etc.). Please do not wear sandals or any kind of Crocs, or shoes with no tread.
What should I bring?
We suggest that you or someone in your group brings a small daypack with the following items:
- Water (at least a quart per person) – we recommend a reusable water bottle and allow customers to refill at High Rock. If you forget yours, we offer a cool stainless steel High Rock bottle for purchase at our office.
- Insect repellent (needed infrequently, mostly after wet periods)
- Personal medications (if they will be needed on the trip)
- A small notebook or journal
- Extra clothing (light rain jacket, sweatshirt, long sleeve t-shirt, etc.).
- A snack and tea will be provided at the end of the experience but feel free to bring your own if the tour extends over a dining hour.
Do you have a policy on firearms?
- No Firearms are allowed on either High Rock Adventures or Cool Rock Valley property.
Can I return to the office after the tour has started?
We would prefer you stay with the group even if you are no longer participating in the tour. If needed, we will assign a guide to accompany you back to the office but this might delay the tour for other guests. We always suggest bathroom needs be taken care of before the tour in our lovely office facilities.
Should I tip my guide?
Although not required, tips are greatly appreciated! If your guide is as awesome as we expect, we suggest 10% to 15% of the tour cost.
