Rocky Face Recreational Area Rock Climbing

This sunny rock face was operated as a quarry in the 1920s. In 2013 it opened as a recreational venue operated as a municipal park by Alexander County. Rebolting is ongoing to upgrade aged fixed anchors. The rock quality is variable and the cliff sheds loose rock regularly. A helmet is advised for climbers and belayers. The park is located on Rocky Face Church Road just outside the town of Hiddenite.

History

Rocky Face is a man-made crag. A former quarry in the early to mid 1900s. The earliest documentation of the quarry used for climbing or rappelling was in the 1970s. The US Army Reservists 3rd Brigrade, 518 Division out of Hickory used Rocky Face for rappelling training in 1975. Later, a few local climbers would discover the mountain. The ethics then, were strictly traditional, all but one bolt had been put in on lead. This bolt was placed by Ben Dunlap and Terry Wright in a rainstorm, with a hardware store bought drill and a homemade hammer. This was the second bolt they had ever placed. As of 1993, only one route saw the power drill, it was done from the ground up.

With permission from the first ascensionists (local climber, Steve Pope and others), many of the original routes have been retro-bolted for the enjoyment of generations of climbers. As an ongoing process, new routes for all levels of climbing ability are being established, creating even more energy around Rocky Face as a destination for sport and toprope climbing. The Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC), CCC representative and Rock Dimensions owner, Ryan Beasley; along with locals Johnny O Connell and Travis Mabe have been important partners in helping to establish rock climbing as a major activity of the park.

Notice from the Park Director:

"We have recently experienced several incidents involving climbers remaining inside the gate after closing and disregarding instructions from park staff. In some cases, attendants have even been spoken to disrespectfully.

Moving forward, and with the exception of medical emergencies, any vehicle left inside the gate after closing will be towed at the owner’s expense. Repeat offenders will be permanently banned from RFP and may also be subject to trespassing charges.

Campers will now apply and receive a park permit to display in their dash when stay overnight. Upon inspection by the S.O. or park attendants if the permit isn’t displayed the vehicles will be towed at the owners expense."

To learn more about the Park and see a video from UNC TV NC Weekend.

http://video.unctv.org/video/2365143783/

Rocky Face Park has a great website with topo images.

Rocky Face Park Website