Stone Mountain, North Calorina

Hello fellow climbers,

Couple of my friends and I are thinking of coming to Stone Mountain, NC in late December, approximately 26-30th. I looked at the MP description of the place (South Face) and it looks very appealing. However, since we come from Brooklyn, NY I would like to hear an opinion from a local community if it's worth the drive: how cold it gets day and night, does it get dry fast after a rain, what's the situation on campgrounds, how big is the crowd during that time on classics, etc. Any help is appreciated.

Best,

Yura

It's great conditions as long as it's sunny, temps are fine into the 30s. Doesn't get too crowded, even on nice weekends. Dries quickly after rain, some stuff might seep, but the day after a rain you can still find dry stuff. As a general rule, if the roads are dry you can find something to climb. Might have to wait behind a slow party on the Great Arch, if you're comfortable on 5.5 slab, then No Alternative likely will not have a line, and is super fun. You can camp at the park, or at several local sites ( ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-…).

For a good intro, lead up U slot, and see how you feel on moderate runout slab, then do No Alternative. If you're wanting more after that, try Block Route, Electric Boobs, and the Pulpit. If you've sent those (best protected routes), then you're probably ready to explore a bit. Yardarm is a good intro to the bigger runouts on easier ground.

Thank you, Noah. That was very helpful

In late December Sauratown will also be open and it not too far from Stone. If you're looking for a change of pace from the slabbing. carolinaclimbers.org/saurat…