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Elevation: 200 ft 61 m
GPS: 39.2506, -76.7627
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 27,778 total · 148/month
Shared By: Dominic Albanese on Jul 26, 2009 · Updates
Admins: Frances Fierst, C S

Description Suggest change

Only 10 minutes outside of the beltway, with great routes Ilchester is the center of the universe for Baltimore climbers.

There are a few leads, but most climbs are set up via the concrete infused pole on top of the cliff. While exceedingly strong this can get crowded on busy days so some long static rope or webbing is a good idea just in case. Even if you use the pole you need twenty feet or so to put the TR over the edge.

The rock is generally sharp, and the well-used holds can be slippery, but often intricate sequences make for great climbing.

This is a well used/abused urban crag both by climbers as well as the community so every attempt should be made to keep relations with rangers and locals friendly.

Getting There Suggest change

Take exit 13 off of 695 for Frederick Road on the southwest side of Baltimore. Go west for 2 miles or so through the town of Catonsville. Just after the light for North Rolling Road (By the Candlight Inn) the next left will put you on Hilltop. Take this through the neighborhood (watch out for new traffic calming installations as well as cops) After a half-mile the road enters the park, park at the lot just as the road takes a sharp right.

Take the trail 1/4 mile to the top of the cliff, staying right at the fork. The trail leads to the top of the cliff. Currently the last bit of trail to the top has become extremely eroded and is even starting to effect the TR anchor. It is highly suggested to go around (it takes 10 seconds longer) to preserve both the trail and anchor.

From the top of the cliff, take a right and go around and down (past Renaissance and Midnight Lightning) to the base of the cliff.

GPS coordinates are for parking.

The current coordinates for parking are inaccurate.  These will lead you to the parking lot at the start of the trail described above:

(39.2529570, -76.7602080)

21 Total Climbs

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Location: Ilchester Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Ilchester

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 22
Middle Climb
Trad, TR
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 8
Double O
TR
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 31
Blue Rose
Trad, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Middle Climb
 22
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad, TR
Double O
 8
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b TR
Blue Rose
 31
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, TR
More Classic Climbs in Ilchester »

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