Explore the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course in North Park
Unleash your inner Tarzan in Pittsburgh’s North Park at the seven-acre Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course. Thirty-seven obstacles situated in the treetops of North Park include five zip lines and two Tarzan swings, plus ropes, bridges, ladders, swings, and trapezes. Obstacles unique to Go Ape’s North Park course that don’t appear in their other USA courses include the Pirate Crossing and Chantemerle Bridge.
What to Expect
Go Ape is a highly interactive treetop adventure where participants are equipped with harnesses, pulleys, and carabineers after undergoing training. This thrilling escapade allows you to navigate at your own pace, generally completed in two to three hours. The course caters to all skill levels, with bypass routes available for many challenging obstacles. Notably, zip lines #3 and #4 exceed 400 feet, and the entire course comprises over 1,400 feet of zip lines!
Moreover, expect to engage in quite a bit of exercise. It’s essential to leave any fear of heights behind, as obstacles range from 35 to 50 feet above the forest floor! The course’s structure gradually progresses from easier tasks to more challenging ones, thereby allowing participants to build both skills and confidence. Non-participants can enjoy watching from various vantage points along the trails below the treetop course.
Course Dates and Times
Hours of operation for the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course can vary based on the time of year and daylight hours; therefore, checking in advance of your visit is advisable.
Hours tend to fluctuate with daylight; some parts of the course may open as early as 8:00 a.m. during summer months. Planning your trip accordingly will ensure you catch the course during its operational hours.
Requirements and Restrictions
All participants in the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure course are required to sign a waiver form and attend a 30-minute training session. The key participation requirements include:
- Minimum Age: 10 years old
- Minimum Height: 4’7″
- Maximum Weight: 285 pounds. If you are near this weight, there may be a chance that the harness will not fit properly, which could prevent participation. Visitors are encouraged to try on a harness in advance to address any concerns.
- Supervision Ratio: One adult (18+) may supervise either two 10–15 year-olds or up to five 16–17 year-olds. Supervising adults must be on the course with the children and cannot oversee from the ground.
Location
The Go Ape! Treetop Adventure is situated just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh in North Park. Situated within McCandless, Hampton, and Pine Townships, North Park stands out as the largest and one of the most scenic of Allegheny County’s nine parks. Within the park, the ropes course is conveniently located between Pearce Mill Road and the tennis courts to the east of the boathouse.