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North Wall, Rocky Island Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in North Wall, Rocky Island

L › R R › L A › Z

	Center Ring T,TR 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Rock and Roll T,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Rocky Road T,TR 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b

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Elevation:	111 ft
GPS:	38.99484, -77.2484 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,800 total · 38/month
Shared By:	John Ely on Nov 15, 2013
Admins:	Frances Fierst, C S Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

The 'North Wall' is the other worthwhile top roping area on the Rocky Island (along with 'The Knob'). It is across the Back Channel from the start of the Billy Goat trail to the northwest, though climbing here is complicated by the fact that the rock formation drops right to the water's edge. Several routes, including leadable cracks, between 5.6 and hard 5.10, are present. A long sling or static line helps to provide a descent to the beginning of the routes 'Rocky Road', 'Rock & Roll' and related routes. More simply set a top rope on Rocky Road and use it also as a rappel line. (See the topographic photo.)

Getting There

On the north-most tip of the largest 'Rocky Island', quite visible from the canal carriage path or the summit of the 'Bulges'. From the main Kayak put-in off the carriage road, scamble south towards the river until you find the crossing point near the fish ladder kayak chute. Low water of late summer or fall helps make the crossing, but the crags main routes are usually above water under most conditions. Access the southern two routes by scrambling in out nthe south side, and the others by downclimbing/rappelling a 5.4 route in the middle near 'Rocky Road.' (see topographic photo).