Rumbling Bald  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  35.449, -82.2143 Map Page Views:  374,263. Good page? (8 likes)    Administrators:  saxfiend, Edward Medina, Ryan Williams, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  saxfiend on Nov 28, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

2013 Closures MORE INFO >>> Big Lost Cove Cliffs are closed to climbing due to the local falcon population This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

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

Featured Route For Rumbling Bald

Wild Hickory Nuts 5.11b  NC : Rumbling Bald : Cereal Wall

Sustained and classic climbing. Begin off the mossy ledge at the base of the Nut n' Homo crack. Angle up and right toward a bolt, placing a couple pieces of pro before you get to it. Follow the shallow crack system that climbs more like a face to the next bolt. Fire to the top of the next crack section (possibly a strenuous nut or tricam placement along the way) and place some thin pro at the top of it before heading for the last bolt and easier climbing. Build a belay for another pitch or c...[more]   Browse More Classics in NC

Photos of Rumbling Bald Slideshow

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trail to the bald	on the drive in	my hot wife at Chimney Rock, with Cereal Wall in b...
FA'ing in fine style	Willy trying the V5 campus problem @ the trailside...	Dime Crack (V4)
Run & jump fun! (or trying to swallow the whole bo...	Moby Dick (V4)	Problem w/ a BIG dyno swing move (V3?)
Kung Fu Grip (V5)	Classic Rumbling Bald sloping topout (V3)	BETA PHOTO: aerial of Hanging Chain area
aerial of Flakeview area and vicinity	Photo taken from Eagle Rock looking north east tow...	Cool boulder crack that is taller than it looks. ...
Alison Spatz climbs an obvious arete at the Breakf...