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Elevation: 3,709 ft
GPS: 36.6122, -81.49118
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 49,655 total · 277/month
Shared By: Aaron Parlier on Jul 9, 2009
Admins: Shawn Heath, Aaron Parlier

Description Suggest change

-Not in Guidebook-

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is a truly massive expanse of Appalachian Mountain wilderness. For reference, Grayson Highlands State Park contains 4,502 acres of land within its boundaries. Attached to GHSP, the MRNRA contains over 120,000 acres. This area includes the Rhododendron Gap which is the massive rocky expanse that every single climber looks at and says "what about all those boulder over there" while climbing at Horizon Line and Highland Highball on Wilburn Ridge. Rhododendron Gap is just a small corner of the MRNRA map though, and for the adventurous pebble wrestler, this is a wonderland.

Anywhere in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area (MRNRA) you will find longer approaches than what you will experience in GHSP. The bouldering here is spectacular, and you will be limited only by your motivation to hike in. The landmass here is huge and not covered well at all yet on this website. Directions will be quite vague, but the landscape is open and obvious. I will only cover the most obvious and straight forward lines and areas as of now, but know there are lots of already explored and established lines throughout. When you go, you will no doubt find awesome obscure blocks. Just have fun and climb everything you can!

Don't start hikes or climbing sessions into this area if you are limited by time. This place will encompass an entire day or more. You can camp ANYWHERE in the MRNRA and this is a spectacular area to do so. You will find breath-taking views, ponies, wonderful trails and a vast amount of bouldering. There are many highball lines, steep & vertical faces, slabs, and all around awesome climbs.

If you don't want a long approach however, stick to the endless fields and easy approaches in GHSP proper. If you're spending a while in the park though, take a light pad and pack, food, some water, and enjoy the place... it's an area that you won't soon forget.

Getting There Suggest change

stay straight on the trail past the intersection to the horizon area. hike to the walk-through fence. hike up the mountain trail to the rocky natural bald on top.

The Appalachian Trail meanders throughout, around, and nearby these three peaks and crests and allows for easy access once you arrive. There are a myriad of other side trails and pony paths that facilitate access to many boulders and faces. Take time to explore and climb on the many blocks and boulders and enjoy your time while you're up here.

Being such an expansive landmass, there are many other points of entry. Some by foot, some jeep trails and horse trails, some unimproved roads that most vehicles with all wheel drive can navigate. Pick up a MRNRA map and explore! 

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