Upper Tier

All climbers must use existing rappel stations for descent. MORE INFO >>> Rappel stations are located atop the routes: “Boardwalk” (for main section of cliff) and “Edge of a Dream” (for upper tier routes). Please see http://www.accessfund.org/regions/news/NC for more info Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Description 

The Upper Tier consists of a small ampitheater and a wall to the right of the ampitheater. There is a dirty 4th-class gully that divides the ampitheater. On the left side there is a bolted line that goes at 5.12+. The right side of the ampitheater holds the beautiful Edge Of a Dream.

Getting There 

See description for access to Ship Rock. From the Rough Ridge parking area, the Upper Tier can be accessed by following the Rough Ridge Trail; please stick to the trail due to the fragile/unique nature of the ecosystems in the area. The turnoff for the upper tier is approximately 15 minutes from the parking lot and is very thinly marked. Please see AccessFund.com for further details and closures. The Upper Tier is accessed via one of three options: one can hike in by turning to the right by Gumfighter and following the thinly-marked trail; one can climb there via Borrowed Time or Gumfighter; or one can rappel down from a thinly-marked turnoff on the Rough Ridge Trail.

The Classics