Climbing Areas & Updates
Below you’ll find some information on several climbing locations in the area. Updates provided by Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides. Rock Dimensions offers guided climbing trips to all of the areas listed, as well as almost any destination in North Carolina. Also check out the latest news from the Carolina Climbers Coalition here.
Holloway Mountain
Located in Foscoe, Holloway Mountain is a great entry-level toproping site, with ample climbing for a half or full day. While Holloway Mountain is known primarily for it’s easy-access toproping, there are several great moderate traditional crack climbs that can be led. Leave your dogs at home, as it’s close to the road, and often used for groups. Pick up the guidebook here (it’s only one page in the book), or in our Boone store.
Directions:
From Boone, take HWY 105 south to Foscoe (where the speed limit drops to 35). Turn left onto Church Rd (by the gas station), and take another left onto Holloway Mountain Rd (gravel). Park in one of two pull-offs on the right side of the road, only about a quarter-mile up the road. DO NOT PARK DIRECTLY ON ROAD AT THE TRAILHEAD. Hike up the road a short distance until you see the trail on your left. A very short, steep hike will put you at the cliff, directly in front of the tallest routes. Did we mention not to park on the road at the trailhead?
Shiprock
Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shiprock is one of the area’s best and most well-known climbing spots. Shiprock offers single and multi-pitch traditional climbing from beginner to expert, though there is no top-access, so bring a rack. Don’t miss “Boardwalk”, “Edge of a Dream”, and “Welcome to Watauga”. Pick up the latest guidebook, complete with every route at Shiprock, here or in our Boone store. Use caution if you’re unfamiliar with this area – electrical storms are frequent in the summer, and they come without warning. If you take your dog, make sure you’ve got a leash and someone to stay with him/her. Tickets have been written for dogs left unattended.
Directions:
From Boone, take HWY 321 south towards Blowing Rock. Before reaching Blowing Rock, the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses HWY 321. Take the BRP south until you reach the parking area for Rough Ridge on the right. Park here or at the next parking area south. DO NOT PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. From the Rough Ridge parking area, walk south on the BRP until you reach the trailhead on the right.
The Dump
Don’t let the name fool you. While there is, in fact, plenty of garbage down the hill from the parking area, the quick access and abundance of bolts makes this a prime spot for some after-work climbing. Pick up Grimbo’s guide, the only one for this location, and go clip some bolts! Leave your dog at home or bring a leash.
Directions:
From Boone, take HWY 321 south to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take the BRP south to HWY 221 south. Take 221 south until you reach the parking area on the left, just after Pilot Ridge Rd. The cliff is across the street and back the way you came. You could hit it with a rock from the parking lot. There is also some great bouldering below the road on the same side as the parking area.
Table Rock Area, Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge offers everything from toproping to 500 ft traditional multi-pitch climbing in a wilderness setting. From the Tablerock parking area, you can access toproping at the Chimneys or Devil’s Cellar, or enjoy a day of multi-pitch on Tablerock, all complete with endless views. Bring your sunscreen and bug spray, but leave the dog at home.
Directions:
From Boone, take HWY 105 south to HWY 181 south. Turn left on Gingercake Rd (Signs for Linville Gorge), and stay to the left to continue on Table Rock Rd. Follow Table Rock Rd all the way to the top. Use the guidebooks and maps from here to navigate around the different climbing areas.
