Partners near Boone 9/12 through 9/14

I am going to be visiting my brother in Boone next weekend and am dying to climb some moderate classic routes in the area! I am looking to see if I could round up a partner (or partners) to show me around, or at least get some suggestions on lower grade stuff that is solo-able if I can't line up a partner.

I grew up in the Piedmont of NC and always went to the mountains with my family, but I never fell in love with the mountains and climbing until I visited (and subsequently move to) Boulder. I now have a deep respect and growing love of the Appalachians and especially the areas around Boone and the Blue Ridge. I did my first hike in Linville Gorge last year and ever since all I can think about is getting back there for some climbing.

Easy multipitch trad routes are my first choice, but totally down for some single pitch or sport as well! I would prefer to follow someone as I don't have a rack and am not comfortable enough with my gear placement yet. But I'd even be happy to check out some bouldering areas too. I'd say The Prow is #1 on the to-do list from my minimal research, but somethin like that, Peak A Boo, North Ridge or anything else similar would be awesome!

As far my climbing goes, I am very comfortable at lower grades and often solo Flatirons up to 5.4, and I am super comfortable with exposure. That said, I don't do as much roped climbing as sctambling but I am comfortable leading up to 9 sport and I will follow up to 8/9 trad.

If partners don't pan out, are there any good suggestions for easier solos? Is that even a thing in NC or is that just stupid? If it's not completely crazy, are there routes I can walk off of, or should I plan on borrowing a rope and rappelling? Which routes in particular?

I will be available most of the day Saturday the 12th, Sunday the 13th, and could do something in the morning (be done by noon) on Monday. I may be able to drive from Boone, but if not I will gladly give you gas money as well as bring along some food/booze/whatever for your troubles and generosity!

Also, one of the days I would like to do an epic, most of the day hike in the Gorge or along a high ridgeline with great views and preferably some scrambling opportunities along the way. I was eyeing the 22 mile backpacking loop in the Gorge that goes along the east rim and drops down to the Linville Trail along the river. I know Gorge miles/vertical are said to be much longer and difficult than elsewhere, so maybe that isn't the best idea for a long day. Any other suggestions in the area? I wouldn't mind some company for that either!

Thanks for the suggestions.

The Daddy, 5.6, Trad 5 pitches, 500' in the Ampitheater (Linville Gorge), mountainproject.com/v/the-d…

The Mummy, 5.5, Trad 3 pitches, 350', next to The Daddy. mountainproject.com/v/the-m…

I haven't decided when, or if I'm climbing that weekend but I'll keep you posted.

Good luck and stay safe!

The Hidden Valley fundraiser is that same weekend. It is close to Boone in Abingdon VA. Should be easy to find partners there.

Bump

Thanks for the suggestions.

Let me know, Anthony, if you decide on climbing anything in the area.

Hi Nick,

Will do. I'm finally hitting up the doc to see about all the injuries I've been ignoring...

I'll fill you in tomorrow!

PM Sent. I'm free this weekend and wouldn't mind a trip to NC.