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Bear Haven

W Virginia > Eastern WV

Description

Bear Heaven lies on a ridge high on Shavers Mountain near Bowden, WV. The site figures a lot of different boulders and climbing areas that are open to exploration. Some rocks are covered with lichens, so one should becareful not to disturb the local environment. There a few spots to set up top-rope but typically good anchors are scarce so bring some long slings or webbing. There are many boulder problems waiting to be named. Camping - 8 sites; Fee $5 per night.

Getting There

From Elkins go east on State Highway 33 for approximately 11 miles, turn left on Forest Road 91 at the top of Shaver's mountain. Follow Forest Road 91 for approximately 3 miles. Bear Heaven Campground will be on the left.

Routes from Left to Right

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 1
● Nacho Cheese
Trad, TR
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 1
● Swiss Cheese
TR
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13
 3
● Cheese Squat
TR
V2-3 5+ PG13
 1
● New High Score
Boulder
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13
 2
● The Arsonist has Oddly-Shaped Feet
TR
V1-2 5 PG13
 4
● Bear Haven Hanger
Boulder
V1 5 PG13
 3
● Deek
Boulder
V4+ 6B+ PG13
 2
● Lucky Pierre
Boulder
V0 4 PG13
 2
● It's All Ogre Now
Boulder
V1+ 5 R
 2
● Ant Hill
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Nacho Cheese
 1
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad, TR
● Swiss Cheese
 1
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c TR
● Cheese Squat
 3
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b PG13 TR
● New High Score
 1
V2-3 5+ PG13 Boulder
● The Arsonist has Oddly-Shap…
 2
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13 TR
● Bear Haven Hanger
 4
V1-2 5 PG13 Boulder
● Deek
 3
V1 5 PG13 Boulder
● Lucky Pierre
 2
V4+ 6B+ PG13 Boulder
● It's All Ogre Now
 2
V0 4 PG13 Boulder
● Ant Hill
 2
V1+ 5 R Boulder

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Me climbing "High Wall Block."
[Hide Photo] Me climbing "High Wall Block."
Working the traverse on "Bolted Block." KILLER!
[Hide Photo] Working the traverse on "Bolted Block." KILLER!
Repelling down "Bolted Block" after setting the anchor.
[Hide Photo] Repelling down "Bolted Block" after setting the anchor.
Reaching for a hold on "New High Score." (High Wall Block)
[Hide Photo] Reaching for a hold on "New High Score." (High Wall Block)
Downhill side of Bathroom Boulders.
[Hide Photo] Downhill side of Bathroom Boulders.
Scar face (Bolted Block)
[Hide Photo] Scar face (Bolted Block)
Backside of High Wall.
[Hide Photo] Backside of High Wall.
Penni hitting the traverse around the corner from 'Swiss Cheese.'
[Hide Photo] Penni hitting the traverse around the corner from 'Swiss Cheese.'
Problem on back side of "Rocky Top." (Bathroom Boulders)
[Hide Photo] Problem on back side of "Rocky Top." (Bathroom Boulders)
Bottom of "High Wall Block." Fun to traverse. I call it "New High Score."
[Hide Photo] Bottom of "High Wall Block." Fun to traverse. I call it "New High Score."
One of the first faces you'll see when heading to the rocks at the first trail split.
[Hide Photo] One of the first faces you'll see when heading to the rocks at the first trail split.
View of Bolted Block from the top of the High Wall. The block is anchored on top aimlessly, but offers a few top roping opportunities. Just be wary some of the bolts may be sketchy.
[Hide Photo] View of Bolted Block from the top of the High Wall. The block is anchored on top aimlessly, but offers a few top roping opportunities. Just be wary some of the bolts may be sketchy.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Clinton Higgins
Elkins, WV
[Hide Comment] Road will fork on 91. Bear left... Haha Aug 27, 2012
BenRunkin
[Hide Comment] Has anyone climbed or put up problems on the small boulder right off the road from the parking area? I went straight up the face and then up the left arête. Both climbed in the V5/V6 range Oct 5, 2014