Next time you’re driving down the road, if you happen to notice a bunch of adults hanging out in trees, don’t be alarmed — it’s just the newest trend in adventure sports. Yep, you heard right. It appears that a growing number of people are harking back to the days of their childhood by gleefully climbing high into the treetops. Though no official statistics are available, Tree Climbers International has experienced a major surge in demand for recreational tree-climbing excursions since tours were first offered in 1983, and the number of operators has grown, too, with tree-climbing tours now being offered around the world.
Accessible to beginners and experienced climbers alike, tree-climbing tours into the sky-high canopies are about much more than racing to the highest limb. For adrenaline junkies, the most alluring part of the challenge lies in getting to the top (in
Oregon, the Pacific Tree Climbing Institute leads climbs in the Willamette National Forest, an old-growth forest where Douglas firs soar more than 250 feet); on the green side, environmentalists embrace the concept as a chance to commune with Mother Nature. Our favorite part? On overnight expeditions, climbers sleep in hammocks called treeboats that swing from the tallest limbs. Paint yourself blue and you could
almost pretend you were an avatar. Minus the tail, of course.
EXPEDITIONS TREE CLIMBERS INTERNATIONALFrom $20Offers three-hour climbs for beginners in Blackburn Park in Atlanta
(404) 377-3150www.treeclimbing.com
PACIFIC TREE CLIMBING INSTITUTE$200 to $600Coordinates morning and overnight climbs in Willamette National Forest outside of
Eugene, Ore. Prices include organic meals and snacks.
(866) 653-8733
www.pacifictreeclimbing.com
BLUE RIDGE TREE CLIMBING$75 to $95Learn the basics of tree climbing during a half-day excursion near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.
(276) 398-2639www.blueridgetreeclimbing.com
WHAT YOU’LL NEEDOutfitters provide the most important gear — ropes, harnesses and helmets — but these extras can help make the climb more comfortable.
CamelBak Alpine Explorer$100, (800) 767-8725, www.camelbak.com
Five Ten Camp Four Hiking Shoes$115, (909) 798-4222, www.fiveten.com
Prana Sabin Racer Top$46, (800) 426-4840, www.rei.com