Climbing at the New River Gorge | Your Basecamp at The Arete

Why the New River Gorge

The New River Gorge is one of the premier sport climbing and boulder destinations in the eastern United States, with thousands of routes on beautiful sandstone cliffs, a long season, and a relaxed, friendly climbing culture. From steep endurance lines to technical faces and everything in between, the Gorge offers something for every level — and the kind of environment where it’s easy to spend not just a weekend, but weeks or months at a time.

A Climber’s Basecamp

The Arete was created to be more than just a place to sleep. It’s a basecamp for climbers — a place to rest, work, connect, and return to day after day.

Here you’ll find:

A community of visiting climbers from around the world
Easy access to crags throughout the New River Gorge
Space to sort gear, plan days, and share beta
A relaxed, low-ego atmosphere
Comfortable places to cook, eat, and unwind together

It’s the kind of place where partners are easy to find and friendships form naturally.

Seasons & Conditions

One of the great strengths of the New River Gorge is its long climbing season.

Spring (March–May): Cool temps, friction, and lush scenery
Summer (June–August): Early mornings, shaded walls, deep water soloing, and long evenings
Fall (September–November): Prime conditions, crisp air, and peak season energy
Winter (December–February): Cold but climbable days, quiet crags, and beautiful solitude

With good weather spread across much of the year, it’s easy to plan extended stays around conditions.

Getting to the Crags

From The Arete, many of the Gorge’s best areas are within easy driving distance, making day trips simple and flexible. You’re close to:

Summersville Lake (11 minutes | 7.2 miles)
Whippoorwill (14 minutes | 8.4 miles)
Meadow River (19 minutes | 15.4 miles)
Endless Wall (30 minutes | 26.8 miles)
And many other classic sectors

Whether you’re chasing shade, sun, short approaches, or long pitches, you’ll have options in every direction.

Life Between Climbing Days

Climbing isn’t just about the routes — it’s about the rhythm of life around them. At The Arete, that rhythm often looks like:

Morning coffee and checking conditions
A few hours of work or training
An afternoon at the crag
Cooking dinner together
Sharing beta, stories, and plans for tomorrow

With fast Wi-Fi, comfortable common spaces, and a welcoming community, it’s easy to balance climbing, work, and rest in a sustainable way.

Who This Basecamp Is For

The Arete is a great fit if you’re:

Visiting the New River Gorge to climb
Looking for partners and community
Staying for more than just a night or two
Balancing climbing with remote work or study
Interested in a calm, friendly, low-ego environment

Whether you’re here for your first trip to the Gorge or returning for another season, you’ll find a place to belong.