We've built this section to help quickly answer some common queries. If you have any additional questions or cannot find the answers to your questions please email us. 

1. What is Go Ape?

   It's not in the dictionary, but if it was, Go Ape would be described as a ‘tree top adventure'.

   That means we build giant obstacle courses up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the world's best zip lines.

   We then equip people with harnesses, pulleys and carabiners, give them a 30 minute safety briefing and training and let them loose into the forest canopy, free to swing through the trees.  Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forests (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)

2. Where are you located?

   Our first USA course is located in the Lake Needwood area of Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville, Maryland.  Please note that the park is located in Rockville, MD and is not to be confused with Rock Creek Park in Washington DC or other areas of the Rock Creek Park system.  For driving directions to our Rock Creek Regional Park course, click here.  If you are traveling overseas, we also have 27 courses in the United Kingdom.

3. Which course is the best?

   Currently, we only have one course in the states.  However, we are busy preparing to bring more courses across the country.  You will be excited to know, each course provides a unique experience depending on the park it's located in, topography and the surroundings.  Have a look at the course videos on the website to get a feel of what you can expect from each future Aping adventure in the USA.

4. How much does it cost?

   For approximately 2-3 hours of tree top adventure, including a 30 minute training session and equipment rental, our prices are:

   Gorillas (18 years old and up) and Baboons (10-17 years old): $55

    

5. Do I need to book in advance?

   We recommend that you book in advance as our courses tend to fill up especially during weekends and Holidays.  You can book online or by phone at 1-888-520-7322.

   Our booking line is open seven days a week 6:00AM to 4:00PM Monday to Friday; 6:00AM to 2:00PM Weekends/Holidays.

   You will need to pay the full amount at the time of booking.

    

6. What should I wear?

   Go Ape is an outdoor activity so come in clothes you don't mind getting covered in wood chips, dirt or even slightly damaged.  And dress for the weather, even if that means sticking a finger in the air and expecting the worst.  An absolute no-no is open-toed or slip-on footwear.  We recommend ankle-supporting boots, but sneakers are fine too.  Some people like to wear gloves, especially if it's cold.  Long hair has to be tied back, waists covered and body piercings and jewelry removed or taped over.  You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.

7. What time do I need to arrive?

   We don't like to clock-watch at Go Ape, but it's vital you get here on time for the start of your session (we recommend you arrive with plenty of time to spare prior to your session).  If you arrive late and miss your session, or cancel on the day, we'll still charge you full price. Arriving on time means no one gets stressed out or disappointed.  Factor in extra time for driving through the park, parking, getting to the cabin and filling out forms, especially on busy days when you're more likely to get stuck in traffic.

8. Are there any restrictions?

   Yes, to ensure people's safety on the course we have the following restrictions:

   The minimum age is 10 years old

   The minimum height is 4 feet 7 inches

   The maximum weight is 285 pounds

   At Go Ape we operate with Petzl pandion harnesses as we believe they best suit our needs and safety requirements.  The size of this harness dictates the size of customer that we can safely allow to participate on a Go Ape course.  The maximum waist measurement of the harness is 43 inches and the leg loops (which go around the top of your thighs) measure 28 inches.  If your statistics are close to or exceed these figures there is a possibility you may not fit in a harness and therefore will not be able to participate on the Go Ape course (waist measurements should be taken above the belly button; males weighing over 250 pounds and females size 18+ are likely to be in this category).  If you have any concerns, we advise that you visit the site at a time prior to your booking and speak to a member of the Go Ape staff.

9. Can I bring my camera/camcorder?

   Yes you can!  Getting a camera into the trees is straightforward.  Talk to the guys in the Go Ape cabin before you start and they'll provide you with a lanyard so you and your camera are always attached - safer for everyone.  From there you can film whatever you like for as long as you like!  You could even enter it into our Golden Gorilla Awards!

10. Are there storage or changing facilities?

    We don't provide anywhere to store your belongings.  There are restrooms on site where you can change before and/or after your Go Ape adventure.

11. How high is the course?

    Our highest platform on the Rock Creek Creek Regional Park course is 40 feet or 4 stories above the ground.

12. Is there an instructor with you on the course?

    You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from a qualified instructor before you start the course.  After that you're on your own, free to swing through the trees.  Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forest (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)

13. How long does the course take?

    Go Ape courses take approximately 2-3 hours to complete and that includes your safety briefing.

14. Is there a time limit to complete the course?

    Nope, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘pass' if you're taking a little more time with an obstacle or section.  If you want to reduce the chance of being held up by people in front of you, we recommend that you book an early morning slot, as there will be fewer people ahead of you.

15. What are the opening times?

    Our Grand Gorilla Opening of Go Ape Rock Creek Regional Park will take place on May 8th.  Be sure to follow our progress by signing up for Gorilla Beat or on Facebook and Twitter.

    After the grand opening, operating times vary depending on daylight hours - the course can open as early as 8AM in the summer for those really keen Baboons!  Please check availability on our website for opening times.

16. I'm afraid of heights!

    If you're worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling - never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people to conquer their fear of heights.  Why not give it a try - you might surprise yourself!

17. What if I can't finish the whole course?

    The course is split into sections.  At the end of each section you can take a breather or walk back to the start if you decide to call it a day.

18. Is it safe?

    This is the serious bit!  Go Ape courses are substantial and physically testing aerial assault courses.  There is inevitably a risk of injury when undertaking such activities.  Participants will be responsible for attaching themselves to the safety system.  If you do not attach yourself to the safety system you risk falling, which could result in a serious or fatal injury.  However, the course has been built to and operates under ERCA standards (European Ropes Course Association), APAVE (specialist engineering inspectors) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).  Additionally, the course build is inspected by one of the world's leading engineering companies.  All participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start and have to wear a safety harness at all times.  Read all the safety info here.

    That's it - lesson over.

19. Do I need to be fit or strong?

    Doing Go Ape does require a degree of physical fitness, but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine.  You can always catch your breath between obstacles.

20. Can we watch our friends and family Go Ape from the forest ground?

    Yes, spectators are more than welcome to watch friends and family trek, swing, crawl and zip from tree to tree from the trails below.  There is no charge for this.

21. What happens if I get stuck?

    Instructors will come to your rescue!  They have special equipment to get you to the nearest platform or safely off of the course.

22. What if I fall?

    Your safety harness will catch you.  Then you can regain your footing and continue the aping fun!

23. What else is there to do nearby?

    Activities at Rock Creek Regional Park include bicycle paths, walks, trails, picnic areas, fishing, archery and the boat rentals.  Please refer to the course's local area information for more details as well.

24. What happens in bad weather?

    Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity but is even better when dry! The course remains open in all weather conditions, except when it is icy, stormy or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual - which all adds to the fun for many people! However, since you are beneath the forest canopy, it is a lot drier than standing out in an open field. Whatever the case, dress for the weather. You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.

    Don't be scared of going ape when it's hot out.  The course is shaded by the forest canopy and is several degrees than you'd expect.  Plus, there are water stations throughout the course to keep you hydrated!

25. What is your cancellation policy?

    You can cancel your booking up to 72 hours before your booked start time by calling the booking line at 1-888-520-7322.  You will be fully refunded.

    Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we'll refund you in full.

    Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control.  If you have already started the course you will not be entitled to any refund (in part or in whole).  We will do our best to offer alternative dates or times at reduced rates.

26. Can my under 18 yr old son/daughter go through the course alone?

    No, an adult (over 18 years old) must accompany them and accept responsibility for ensuring that any minors in his or her care complete the course in accordance with the specific safety rules and advice given by Go Ape instructors.  Adults will need to sign a disclaimer accepting personal responsibility for supervising their own safety and the safety of any under 18 year olds in their care.  One participating adult can supervise EITHER two under 18 year olds (where one or both children are 10-15 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.

27. What are the restrictions for supervising children?

    Under 18's must be supervised by a participating adult (no supervision from the ground is permitted).  An adult can supervise EITHER two children (where one or both of them us under 16 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.  Supervising adults must sign a disclaimer acknowledging responsibility for the safety supervision of their group. 

    Children cannot go tandem with their parents.

28. Can I do the course if I'm pregnant?

    The Go Ape policy is that we recommend that pregnant women do not take part on the course (as it is a robust aerial assault course and there are therefore associated risks).  However, we do not want to be discriminatory and ultimately the choice is yours.  We are not medical experts and therefore suggest that you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.

    We do not operate with full body harnesses, but have a sit harnesses (petzl pandion) with a separate chest harness (petzl voltige) for those who require it.  Unfortunately, we cannot allow customers to wear their own harness due to our own insurance position.

    If you decide to proceed, you will need to declare that you are pregnant and then sign a disclaimer stating that: "I have made Go Ape! aware that I am pregnant and as a result Go Ape! has recommended that I do not take part on the course.  However I have decided to take part on the course in the full knowledge that this may incur risks to my unborn child."

    We are sorry if this is disappointing, but hope you understand our position.  We would be very happy for you to follow your group on foot from the trails below.

29. Are there any special offers?

    We will be running several offers and promotions throughout the year at our Rock Creek Regional Park course.

    Be a fan of Go Ape USA on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to find out about free ticket and merchandise giveaways. You can also sign up to our email newsletter - Gorilla Beat - to receive exclusive news and offers.

    You can also check out local and national press as we run offers in papers from time to time.

    We also run a number of discounts for students, military personnel, youth groups and schools.  You can find out more on our website.

30. Can I wear a costume?

    Yes we love people wearing costumes.  There are a few rules though.  Nothing should be dangling from the costume that might get caught on parts of the course.  You need to make sure that your outfit does not obstruct your sight and that your midriff is covered so that the harness does not chafe on your skin.  Please wear sensible shoes such as sneakers or walking boots.  If our course instructors feel that you are wearing something which could be dangerous or cause an accident to you or others they will ask you to change before starting the course.

31. What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

    The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a course.  It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course.  We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment.  You may also wish to contact your doctor for further advice.

32. Can I bring my dog?

    Dogs are very welcome but must be supervised and remain on a leash at all times.  Unfortunately, dogs cannot be supervised by course participants.