Hello all -- Hoping to take my kids for a half-day of top-roping on North Shore. Given their skill level, and my own, would like walk-in access to the base of climb and walk-up access to set anchors. From what I read of Palisade and Shovel Point, does not sound like those areas fit the bill. Anything else in the area that might offer ease of access to bottom and top?

Thanks for any help. Take care all.

Not on the North Shore. You'd have better luck at Taylors Falls.

In the Duluth area you can try Ely's Peak. About a ten minute walk in to the base on the new climbers access trail, and there are access trails to the top as well. Climbs in the 5.4 to 5.10 mostly .I've taken my kids ( 7 and 4) there and they did OK.

On the Shore you could try Carlton Peak if you want a little more wild experience. About a 1 mile approach on the SHT to the cliffs. Bring long webbing for TR setups here.

Let me know if you need more beta.

Mike, thanks for the response! We are definitely going to hit Taylor's as well this summer. The North Shore is on our radar because we’ll be there later this summer for some other commitments anyway.

Jeff, thanks much for the help as well. If Ely’s Peak is a possibility, I think we’ll do that one. My kids are 6 and 8, so it’s good to know you went there with similarly young ones.

I’ve spent some but not much time on the North Shore, and never been to Ely’s Peak. Are the anchoring possibilities for top-roping at Ely’s slinging trees/rocks, using nuts/cams/etc., or a combo? As I said, we’re really just getting going in the sport, so still feeling our way a bit.

Most of all, a sincere thanks for the help!!

POST EDITED: To remove request for help with driections, etc. The Ely's Peak entry on this website how good info. Thanks again!

Setting up for TR you can use a combo of nuts, cams, and slings trees. I had my 4 year old out there twice this year and he has a blast. Hope your rugrats have fun.

Excellent, thanks Biathlon. Very helpful stuff!

If you go to Carlton bring some old carpet to pad your TR setup. The rock is really coarse and can easily do some damage to your rope.

Carlton is a great place to go, the views are amazing, the hike is fun, and there is a wealth of climbing opportunities that your kids will enjoy.