Ropes Courses

Groups of people on the low and high ropes courses

Durham Parks Recreation Outdoor Recreation offers both a low and high ropes course option for groups seeking team building or high adventure for their group, organization or birthday party.

The Low and High Ropes Courses are currently closed. Please check back for updates.

Low Ropes Course

The 13-element low ropes course is located in the wooded area adjacent to the historic Spruce Pine Lodge and Lake Michie in northern Durham County.

At the low challenge course, staff facilitators use a variety of natural and man-made elements, games, and initiatives to help groups and individuals develop trust, cooperation, teamwork and leadership skills. Facilitators utilize a 13-element low ropes course, portable elements, hiking trails and other open spaces to create intellectually and physically engaging outdoor experiences for groups. Each program is individually designed based on a consultation with the client.

The minimum age for participation at the low challenge course is 10 years of age, and programs can be designed for persons of differing abilities.

Low Ropes Course Private Rental Fees

Fees are for a 1/2 day (4 hours)

Youth (up to age 17)
City Resident, Play More Card: $18
City Resident, No Play More Card: $20
Non-City Resident, Play More Card: $22
Non-City Resident, No Play More Card: $25


Adult (18+)
City Resident, Play More Card: $27
City Resident, No Play More Card: $30
Non-City Resident, Play More Card: $40.50
Non-City Resident, No Play More Card: $45

High Ropes Discovery Course

The 22-element High Ropes Discovery Course is located in Bethesda Park, adjacent to the RTP.

The High Ropes Discovery Course is full of options, allowing participants to choose their degree of challenge throughout their journey, culminating in a peak experience in the Crow’s Nest, which offers birds-eye views of the surrounding area. A final thrill awaits with the participant’s choice of the giant swing or zip line as the exit of the course. The course is designed to motivate by building self-esteem, encouraging risk taking, developing respect for individual differences and fostering trust through a common experience.

Visit our High Ropes Discovery Course FAQ page for more information.

High Ropes Discovery Course Private Rental Fees

Fees are for a 1/2 day (4 hours)

Youth (up to age 17)
City Resident, Play More Card: $22.50
City Resident, No Play More Card: $25
Non-City Resident, Play More Card: $27
Non-City Resident, No Play More Card: $30


Adult (18+)
City Resident, Play More Card: $40.50
City Resident, No Play More Card: $45
Non-City Resident, Play More Card: $54
Non-City Resident, No Play More Card: $60

Don’t have a group but want to experience the High Ropes Discovery Course? Individuals can participate in High Ropes Discovery Days approximately 1 Saturday per month. Visit our registration site and search High Ropes Discovery Day for a list of days and times.

Play More Cards can be purchased at any recreation center, the administration office or online. These cards are renewable annually.

Trained Course Staff

The staff has years of experience facilitating team-building programs and hold degrees in areas such as wilderness leadership, outdoor recreation, and organizational psychology. All programs are custom-tailored for each individual group based on a client consultation prior to the event.

Some of our clients include:

  • Duke University’s Women’s Rowing
  • Duke University Pratt School of Engineering
  • Cisco Systems
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Durham Public Schools
  • Y Guides

For more information on the Ropes Courses please email Ryan Sailstad or call 919-560-4405.