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Rumbling Bald


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Submitted By: saxfiend on Nov 28, 2006
Administrator: saxfiend
Latitude: 35.4432  Longitude: -82.2435 
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Aerial View of The Bald


Description 

With all the breakfast-sounding names associated with Rumbling Bald (Hickory Nut Gorge, Cereal Buttress, Frosted Flake), you might think the place was a theme park dreamed up by General Mills. In fact, Rumbling Bald is an excellent winter climbing destination in North Carolina, featuring a mix of granite/gneiss crack and friction climbs, trad and sport styles.

The history of climbing here is a little hazy, but the first ascents were apparently done in the early 1970s in what’s now known as the Flakeview Area. In the mid-70s, route development began at the Cereal Buttress, with first ascents like Shredded Wheat being made by Jeep Gaskin. Other RB pioneers include Grover Cable, Don Hunley and Sean and Shane Cobourn. The 80s were a time of big growth at areas like Hanging Chain Wall; the 5.12b route of the same name was at one time the hardest line in North Carolina.

In the 90s, Rumbling Bald was closed for several years due to access issues with neighboring landowners. In the late 90s, however, the crag was reopened, with bouldering gaining a predominant popularity among climbers. Most recently, Sean Cobourn and partners have been busy exploring and establishing new routes on Rumbling Bald's north face. At present, land purchases by the Carolina Climbers Coalition, combined with state plans for a Hickory Nut Gorge State Park, make the outlook excellent for continued access.

Camping is not allowed at Rumbling Bald, but there are private campgrounds nearby in the Chimney Rock area. The town also hosts B&Bs and motels for those not wanting to camp, along with good places to eat along the scenic Broad River. And if you get bored with climbing, you can join the tourists across the river at Chimney Rock Park (there is actually climbing in this state-owned park, but only if you hire an authorized guide service).


Getting There 

Rumbling Bald is located just outside the town of Chimney Rock. From points west (Asheville, etc.), pick up US 74A and go east to where 74A combines with US 64 and SR 9 near Bat Cave. From points east (Charlotte), exit I-85 south of Charlotte for Kings Mountain and US 74; follow 74 west to Forest City and veer off on US 74A west to Bat Cave.

From Bat Cave, follow the signs for Chimney Rock Park and pass the park entrance as you go through the town of Chimney Rock. Not quite a half mile past the park, turn left on Boys Camp Road (SR 1305). Follow this for about a mile and a half to a dirt access road on the left; take the dirt road to one of two parking areas for Rumbling Bald.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Rumbling Bald:
The Gift   5.7     Trad, Sport, 1 pitch, 125 feet   Flakeview Area
Bear Cub   5.7     Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet   Flakeview Area
Fruit Loops   5.7+     Trad, 2 pitches, 160 feet   Cereal Buttress
Bear Hunt   5.7+     Trad, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Flakeview Area
Gift Certificate   5.8     Trad, 1 pitch, 180 feet   Flakeview Area
Comatose   5.8     Trad, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Comatose Area
Granola   5.8+     Trad, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Cereal Buttress
Frosted Flake   5.9+     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Cereal Buttress
Drivin' and Cryin'   5.10a     Sport, 100 feet   Flakeview Area
Lakeview   5.10a/b     Trad, Sport, 2 pitches, 165 feet   Lakeview Area
Born Again   5.10b/c     Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Cereal Buttress
Rusty Redneck   5.10c     Trad, Sport, 100 feet   Comatose Area
Zydygo   5.10c     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Screamweaver Area
Gunboat Diplomacy   5.10c/d     Sport, 2 pitches, 160 feet   Flakeview Area
Breakfast of Champions   5.10d     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Cereal Buttress
Whiskey For Breakfast   5.10d PG13     Trad, 2 pitches, 90 feet   Cereal Buttress
Capt Crunch   5.10d     Trad, 80 feet   Cereal Buttress
Shredded Wheat   5.11a     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Cereal Buttress
Southern Boys Don't Wear Plaid   5.11a/b     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Screamweaver Area
Dixie Reality   5.12     Trad, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Dixie Reality
Browse More Classics in Rumbling Bald

Featured Route For Rumbling Bald
Route pic.

Crystal Clear, aka Titanium Test Pilot 5.10d  NC : Rumbling Bald : The Wall of Solitude
This is a mixed line with the business protected by bolts. Starts down the hill from the corner route at a pine tree on a small ledge. Go up and right from the tree on gear to reach the 1st bolt. Follow bolts and gear through the overhanging wall. Pull the move at the lip and climb 25 ft to the anchor....[more]   Browse More Classics in NC


Photos of Rumbling Bald Slideshow Add Photo
trail to the bald

trail to the bald

on the drive in

on the drive in

my hot wife at Chimney Rock, with Cereal Wall in background

my hot wife at Chimney Rock, with Cereal Wall in b...

FA'ing in fine style

FA'ing in fine style

Willy trying the V5 campus problem @ the trailside area.

Willy trying the V5 campus problem @ the trailside...

Dime Crack (V4)

Dime Crack (V4)

Run & jump fun! (or trying to swallow the whole boulder)

Run & jump fun! (or trying to swallow the whole bo...

Moby Dick (V4)

Moby Dick (V4)

Problem w/ a BIG dyno swing move (V3?)

Problem w/ a BIG dyno swing move (V3?)

Kung Fu Grip (V5)

Kung Fu Grip (V5)

Classic Rumbling Bald sloping topout (V3)

Classic Rumbling Bald sloping topout (V3)

aerial of Hanging Chain area

BETA PHOTO: aerial of Hanging Chain area

aerial of Flakeview area and vicinity

aerial of Flakeview area and vicinity