Amphitheater

The Prow of the Amphitheater. The descent gully i...

Description 

The word "spectacular" could have been coined just so you could describe the Amphitheater. Combine long, moderate multi-pitch climbing, high-quality rock, fantastic exposure and take-your-breath-away views, and you've got some of the best climbing North Carolina has to offer. The Mummy and The Daddy are two of the highlights of the Amphitheater; both are must-do routes even if your lead level is much higher.

Getting to the base is a long, hard slog down a steep descent gully, so most climbers rack up before starting down. Stow your pack and other non-essential stuff at the big flat rock near where the gully starts (ask someone who's been there), then retrieve it on the walk-off from the top of the climb.

Getting There 

From the Table Rock parking lot, head south through the campground and along the ridgeline trail. Continue past the Chimneys and past the first cut-off trail to the right (this leads to North Carolina Wall). Watch for a white quartz rock on the trailside and take the cut-off trail to the right. Continue down this trail as it steepens and look for a split-off to the left near a large flat rock. This turns into the descent gully; downclimb this steep gully to the base of the Amphitheater. The Mummy Buttress is to your left, the Prow and Open Book to the right.

The Classics

Featured Route For Amphitheater

The Open Book 5.11b  NC : Linville Gorge : Amphitheater

This climb offers some of the best jams and stems in the gorge. When you see it you will know why and you will want to climb it. From the rock ramp climb your way up to a roof and bulge. Continue up the incredible corner to a tree covered ledge, building a belay mid way through the corner....[more]   Browse More Classics in NC

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The Amphitheater from RJ trail