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Pole Steeple
Pennsylvania
> S Central PA
Description
Fun but not terribly often ventured to moderate trad and top rope spot. Its got world class views and a nice, just long enough to warm up approach. Very old and solide stone. Mostly less than vertical but some vertical and some slightly overhanging routes exist.
Great place to take the family or climb and connect with the Appalachian Trail.
15-20 +/- established climbs. Most, if not all, are 5.8 difficulty and under.
Getting There
In Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Take 81 to the 233 South, follow until you are at the "T" intersection at the state park (you'll have a stop sign). Turn left onto Pine Grove Rd. And follow for a few mins and you'll clearly see Laurel Lake on your right. Pass the lake and pass its dam. The turn to the trail head is just past the dam and its not always easily seen or marked so go slow. The road you want to turn right onto after the dam is Railroad Bed Rd. Follow this road for 1-2mins and a parking lot will clearly be on your right and the trail head (should be marked, popular hiking trail) will be on your left. Follow the trail directly to the cliff. 10-15min approach all uphill.
Routes from Left to Right
| Route Name |
Location |
Star Rating |
Difficulty |
Date |
|
●
Chimney
|
|
2
|
|
5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c
Trad
|
|
●
Crack II
|
|
|
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
Trad, TR
|
|
●
Unknown Ceiling
|
|
|
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R
Trad, TR
|
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Again not many hard lines so if you're out looking to push your limits this may not be for you (unless your limit is 5.8 or below then enjoy!). If you're looking for a cruiser day this place is great and the views are world class for sure.
For some specific routes check out rockclimbing.com's "Pole Steeple" site. I added this to Mountain Project so that seekers are aware this place exists.
Every climbable rock on public land in PA should be announced. We aren't the West and therefore us PA locals need to maximize our climbing experiences by allowing easy access to the beta. You won't go to this place if you don't know it exists. May 28, 2013
Lancaster PA
Rock Climbing & Bouldering PA published by Blue Biner has some good topos on the routes. May 18, 2014
Monticello, UT