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Climbing in N Carolina in early November - partner/advice sought

Original Post
adam24 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 0

Hi, I'm visiting N Carolina for work in early November and was thinking of climbing while i'm there.

I'm from England, so I don't know much about NC climbing, but from this site it looks like there's some great stuff. I'll be working in Raleigh-Durham, but can visit other parts of the state.

What i'm after is:
1. Recommendation of a good place to climb - i'm happy to climb trad or sport; single pitch or multi-pitch. What would be best at that time of year? I can lead E2 in English money (7b in euros). I guess thats upper 10s trad and lower 12s sport.

2. A partner! Is anyone available and would be willing to show me some NC rock?

Thanks,
Adam
adamtryan@gmail.com

csproul · · Pittsboro...sort of, NC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 330

There are good places to climb all year here, most will require a couple + hours of driving.
Good spots in Nov:
Close (under 2 hours)- Asheboro boulders, Pilot, maybe a warm day at Moores, Cooke's Wall

Farther (2-3 hours)- Rumbling Bald, Stone Mountain

Farther still (3-5 hours)- Looking Glass, Laurel Knob (ok maybe more than 5 hours), and New River Gorge in WV if it's not raining.

There are more that I'm leaving off the list but these are the areas that I have spent a good amount of time at.

Give me a shout when you're here...I'll climb assuming that I still live here. I'll be out of the country until Nov 12th and I'll be weak as hell when I return, but I'd still love to climb.

sanz · · Pisgah Forest, NC · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 210

Csproul pretty much nailed it.

The only really great spot for ropes within day trip distance is Moore's, but it gets miserable pretty quick in the cold. You can chase the sun, but the routes you can get on are limited and specific to time of day once it starts getting cold.

If you're into bouldering, Moore's has some great stuff that people love to climb in the cold. Asheboro is supposed to be good too.

If you can get away for weekends, New River Gorge is a world-class destination. Must go at least once. Looking Glass and Rumbling Bald are also great.

I would also add Linville Gorge to the list. Again, you'll have to chase sun, but I have climbed there in November and loved it. It is also a magical place and kinda represents NC in a lot of ways for me.

Hit me up when you get to town. I'm not getting out much but will try to make it happen.

Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245

If you like the grit, you need to go to Rumbling Bald and Looking Glass. If you like Gogarth, you should check out Linville Gorge and Moore's Wall. And even if you hate all kinds of rock climbing, you should still check out NRG.

Ryan Williams · · London (sort of) · Joined May 2009 · Points: 1,245

PS, adam, could you bring me back some NC bar-b-q when you return?

Chris Whisenhunt · · Fayetteville, WV · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 995

NRG

AField · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2011 · Points: 55

Same as above- The nearest places to climb will be Moores or Pilot, but do bring your rack as Moores maintains a pretty strict no bolt style and Pilot, while sport-y, can often benefit from some gear between bolts. Since you're coming in November I would recommend the Bald, only be aware that it can get very crowded on fall/winter weekends.

If you do find yourself partnerless, there is stellar quartzite bouldering at Moores, and classic southeastern gneiss at the Bald, but the Asheboro boulders I think are closed to non CCC members. Hope you have a good trip!

csproul · · Pittsboro...sort of, NC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 330
AField wrote: but the Asheboro boulders I think are closed to non CCC members. Hope you have a good trip!
This is true. The CCC pays the lease on this boulder field and the landowner requested that it be open to CCC members. It is a pretty small price to pay to keep this amazing place open (it was closed for a long time). The $25 CCC membership ($15 for students) is well worth it, especially if you go a few times. CCC funds have also purchased Laurel Knob and some of the Rumbling Bald boulders.
adam24 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 0

Thanks guys, lots of great info, much appreciated!

It sounds like there's loads of options and much like home its about making the best choice based on conditions. I wasn't sure how predictable the climate would be in NC.

Thanks for all the kind offers of partnering too! Work haven't confirmed dates for the trip yet, but once they do i'll sort out arrangements. Sadly, as it's a work trip I won't be able to bring masses of gear, so the rack will probably stay at home. I'll probably bring my harness and personal pieces so I'll be ready for bouldering or teaming up with equiped locals.

@ Ryan W - I love the grit and the sea cliffs. I probably like the sea cliffs a little more though :)

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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