Does anyone know anything about climbing at John Rock near Looking Glass in North Carolina? This is the rock you can see off to the southwest when you get to the top of many of the routes at LG.

I've found little bits and pieces of information about this rock that indicates people have climbed there. It'd be interesting to know more and see whether it's worth a side trip when you're at Looking Glass. I'm sure Bob Rotert knows something about John Rock, so I hope he'll chime in here, but if you have beta on this place, I'd be happy to hear about it.

JL

Me too...I assume this is on forest service land?

I would guess so. Looking at it on a topo map, the fish hatchery (also presumably forest service-owned) appears to be practically at the foot of the cliff.

Its forest service as far as I know. I hiked to the summit of it via a forest service signed trail this past winter. I looked around for signs of climbing as I was curious too but found no fixed anchors and such. I remember talking to someone (not sure who or where) that said there were routes on several domes in the area that were strictly kept word of mouth. Perhaps this is one of those areas.

John Rock is really not as cool as the Glass-- less sustained and a bit more lichenous as it faces more north and gets little traffic. (This is probably a plus right now, I guess, when you could fry an egg on LG) I found it to be kind of underwhelming, in sum.

Thanks, Rob, it's good to hear from someone who's actually been there. Sounds like it's not worth checking into, especially with all the good stuff at LG.

JL

Yeah, I have heard some info about climbing there and have even heard about some bolts here and there, but I think John's Rock is not going to have the same quality as the Glass. Maybe after you climb "everything" at Looking Glass, you could climb at John's Rock. :) Another dome in the area that has quality rock climbing is Cedar Rock. And there are actually two developed areas, not just the one listed in NC climbing books. The other is referred to as Stone Depot, I think. Mostly 2-3 pitch bolted moderate routes. It is a hump to get to though...probably 1 - 2 hours.

John Rock has some pretty cool lines. It is Forest Service land. No good way to get there, but here is how I go: From Fish Hatchery, walk around gate and hang a right on the obvious trail. Hike until you get to a small stream. Turn left. Go to rock.
It is a good diversion from LG if you prefer climbing far from the madding crowds.
Cedar is better though....