5 minute read
Rock Climbing
TO THE TOP
Rise above the High Country through rock climbing
BY CHANDA RICHARDSON
When visiting the High Country, it’s not hard to miss the incredible scenery around you. With mountains reaching high peaks, many find curiosity as they hope to see an up top view of the area.
Since August 1998,, Boone’s Rock Dimensions adventures have been widely popular to both tourists and locals. This thrilling establishment allows visitors to follow guides on rock climbing and reach the top of some of the most beautiful natural areas.
The PCIA-certified climbing guides are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable climbing program for all of their clients.
If you’re just starting out, you can visit Downtown Boone to stock up on gear, learn more about the experience and practice on their climbing tower. With this, you can train, take classes, work with partners and even bring the kids along for a chance at the wall.
For experienced climbers, the Belay course will allow you to pay only $25, with gear and shoes included, for a day-time climbing experience in the heart of downtown.
After visiting the tower or if you’re ready to hit the ropes, the following locations are offered by Rock Dimensions.
Crowders Mountain State Park
Crowders Mountain is located 25
SEE CLIMBING ON PAGE 59 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK DIMENSIONS Hanging off the edge of a cliffside can provide unmatched views.
and Climbing Gear Shop
BOONE • BLOWING ROCK, NC
Climbing, Rappelling & Caving
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 58
miles west of Charlotte, near Gastonia, NC. At an elevation of 1,625 feet, the 800-foot pinnacles of Crowders are actually a part of the Appalachian chain that formed millions of years ago. On a clear day, Charlotte can be seen from the tops of these peaks. The sheer cliffs abound with footholds and handholds for beginner and intermediate climbers. Crowders Mountain is a good option for winter trips on its easy south facing rock sites. Spring and fall are also great seasons.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston-Salem, N.C., with an elevation of 2421 feet. Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it. The mountain, dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range. Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle.
There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1/person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12/site. Both campsites contain a table and grill/fire pit. Call the park for reservations and information.
Rocky Face Park
Rocky Face Recreational Area is an Alexander County park located in Hiddenite, NC. Formerly a rock quarry (early 1900s), the mountain offers a south-facing rock face with climbing opportunities for various levels of ability. Since May 2012 the recreational area opened to the public as a county park and climbing became a major activity. Rock Dimensions facilitates rock climbing programs at the park during the annual Spring RockyFest, at the Fall Rock Climbing Festival, and with Scout troops and other groups throughout the year. The best seasons for climbing at Rocky Face are LARGE TRACTS! Fall, Winter, and Spring. For Scouts and other groups wishing to camp, there is an easy backcountry site established mountains4sale.com with reservations required. The Chimneys of Linville Gorge Linville Gorge was formed by the Lin ville River, which now meanders some - Mountain Land 2,000 feet below the rim of the gorge. This wilderness area is part of Pisgah C O M P A N Y National Forest, located in the Mountains of N.C. The gorge offers breathtak ing views, and a variety of climbing op- 828-263-2340 tions, exciting rappels, and for a unique recreational experience, an exhilarating Tyrolean Traverse! Primitive camping, suitable for groups, is available about a quarter mile from the parking lot and picnic area. In the summer, Linville Gorge is a nice break from the heat and humidity of the Piedmont. Fall brings an array of colors to the forest, in addition to perfect camping weather. In spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in beautiful bloom.
Wilson Creek Area
Wilson Creek begins its journey at Grandfather Mountain and flows into Johns River 23.3 miles downstream. Acres County Price Acres County Price Surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, 404 Wilkes the creek makes its way through some of the oldest rocks in the Southern Ap341 Wilkes palachians. The climbing is scenic and 329 exposed, with views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. Primitive 203 Watauga camping is available along the forest 184 Wilkes service roads near the climbing access.
For your next rocky adventure, visit 159 Caldwell rockdimensions.com. 155 Ashe 113 Wilkes Paul Breden 96 Ashe Broker / Owner M: 828-263-2340 buymountainland@gmail.comPaul Breden Broker / Owner M: 828-263-2340 buymountainland@gmail.com Mountain Land Company 4524 W U.S. Hwy 421 Wilkesboro, NC 28697
88 64 49 45 43 41 25 22 18
UNDER CONTRACT!
$110,100
LARGE TRACTS!
mountains4sale.com Mountain Land C O M P A N Y
828-263-2340 43± Acres - Wilkes County $411,000
Acres County Price Acres County Price
404 Wilkes 341 Wilkes 329 203 Watauga 184 Wilkes 159 Caldwell 155 Ashe 113 Wilkes 96 Ashe Paul Breden Broker / Owner M: 828-263-2340 buymountainland@gmail.com
88 64 49 45 43 41 25 22 18
UNDER CONTRACT!
$110,100
LARGE TRACTS
mountains4sale.com Mountain Land COMPANY
828-263-2340 43± Acres - Wilkes County
$411,000 Never a better time! PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS Mountain Land Company Rock climbing isn’t just for the adults. Many kids also learn the ins and outs of the sport. 4524 W U.S. Hwy 421 Wilkesboro, NC 28697
