PRINT: Bouldering in Mountain Lake, Southwest Virginia (Appalachia)

Mountain Lake

Virginia > Southwest Virginia (A…

Access Issue: Closed to climbing, access is currently being discussed with MLC Staff. Details

MLC staff are asking people not to boulder here until further notice. Discussions are taking place in order to establish both bouldering and mountain biking as recognized activities at Mtn. Lake. MLC request a ban on bouldering until a decision has been made.

Description

Mountain Lake is a small bouldering area that has handful of decent problems. Most of the climbing is on the far side of the lake (opposite from the resort), but there is certainly more to find in the area. A cool place to explore or get some good views from Bald Knob.

Getting There

From Blacksburg take 460 North , turn right off of 460 onto either 700, or 613. Both take you straight to the resort. Drive past the resort on the left side of the lake and park on the right side of the road in a small gravel lot.
Cost of 3$ to park, though I have heard of some no-charge parking in other locations.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

View from Bald Knob, a short easy hike from the resort

highball

V playing around

The main attrations

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Aaron Parlier
Boone, NC

I hope this place opens... it sounds amazing, and its so close to Bburg... Oct 19, 2010

Nathan Witt
Roanoke, Va

Has anyone followed up on access at Mountain Lake? Their entire focus has shifted to ecotourism. May 24, 2019

Kevin Reuwer
Blacksburg

I recently followed up with the general manager for the property on the status of bouldering on the rocks at the far end of the lake. She confirmed the area is still closed to climbing. The worry stems from the increasingly erratic levels of the lake, along with some scientific research ongoing in the area. Mar 10, 2021

Travis Melin
Portland, OR

Most of the bouldering up here is below the old club house. Maybe 50 established, and potential for many more. Maybe 1.5 miles from the lake. Not sure what the staff would make of climbing in that area.... I made a guide for it back a few years ago. Shoot me a PM if you want me to send you a copy. Mar 13, 2021

Chance Eastridge
Richmond, VA

I honestly don't see how Mountain Lake even has jurisdiction over the boulders here. The highball boulder is the only one even in their view and you have to hike to even see it. I'm sure management would love the liability gone but most of the boulders are on the ATT. How can they say we can't climb them? The lake has been dry since 2005. It's literally a small pond. Not trying to be a rebel but it's now 2022 and I'm climbing them until someone kicks me out. This has been ongoing for over a decade. Enough already. Jan 16, 2022