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Southwestern Highlands

Pennsylvania

Description

Includes areas in the Laurel Highlands (vicinity of Johnstown, Donegal, Connelsville, Dunbar, Ohiopyle, Uniontown....) as well as Pittsburgh, the western pillar of Pennsylvanian urbanity and academia: this is the southwestern section of the state, scattered with some of the finest gritstone boulders you'll find. Excellent, seemingly limitless destination bouldering as well as quality short route-climbing.

Those in the area should check out the SWPACC (Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition)  to stay up to date on access issues and new developments.

https://www.facebook.com/swpacc

https://www.instagram.com/swpacc/

Getting There

See each climbing area for local directions.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Brian McCall on The Torch v3 - Stonenation
[Hide Photo] Brian McCall on The Torch v3 - Stonenation
Amanda Sonon on Angry Dragon v2 - J-town
[Hide Photo] Amanda Sonon on Angry Dragon v2 - J-town
Aubree on Sunset Arete.
[Hide Photo] Aubree on Sunset Arete.
Amanda Sonon on the Brain v1 - J-town
[Hide Photo] Amanda Sonon on the Brain v1 - J-town
Fun little 8' problem, after 2 sends i figure v2ish based on first two moves from sit start.
[Hide Photo] Fun little 8' problem, after 2 sends i figure v2ish based on first two moves from sit start.
fun little 9' rock, near South Fork, did not get a chance to get on it but estimate it at v3ish from sit start
[Hide Photo] fun little 9' rock, near South Fork, did not get a chance to get on it but estimate it at v3ish from sit start
20' wall i found yesterday near South Fork looks like there should be a few good problems on it.
[Hide Photo] 20' wall i found yesterday near South Fork looks like there should be a few good problems on it.
Nice 12' footer with a small cave to start in. South Fork. I was primarily hiking this day looking for new rocks so i did not send many problems but this one looks like lots of fun starting in the small cave which goes back for ~ 4-5 feet
[Hide Photo] Nice 12' footer with a small cave to start in. South Fork. I was primarily hiking this day looking for new rocks so i did not send many problems but this one looks like lots of fun starting in th…
16 foot slight overhang near South Fork PA
[Hide Photo] 16 foot slight overhang near South Fork PA
Same Gritstone outside of South Fork, better view of some of the features on this rock. cave underneath rock makes a lot of sitting starts V3ish. Enough holds to get choosy, make it as easy or as hard as you want. V1-V5 moves on the rock. A route that traverses entire rock would be solid and ~20-25' <br> Amazing mix of holds on this thing. Could have played all day can't wait to go back, Great training rock!
[Hide Photo] Same Gritstone outside of South Fork, better view of some of the features on this rock. cave underneath rock makes a lot of sitting starts V3ish. Enough holds to get choosy, make it as easy or as…
Fairly large Gritstone in the woods out side of South Fork, PA. Not very high but long
[Hide Photo] Fairly large Gritstone in the woods out side of South Fork, PA. Not very high but long
Brian McCall on Two Top v4 - Ghost town
[Hide Photo] Brian McCall on Two Top v4 - Ghost town

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Pete Baertsch
Connellsville, PA
[Hide Comment] The SWPACC (Southwestern Pennsylvania Climber's Coalition) is finally up and running! Please "like" the facebook page to stay up to date on access issues and new developments. facebook.com/swpacc Oct 15, 2014
Pete Baertsch
Connellsville, PA
[Hide Comment] CrazyApe Presents: Prepare for Download vimeo.com/144699875

Check out this short propaganda video featuring a glipse of just some of the classics that exist here in SWPA. The whole first half of the video is just Coll's Cove! Nov 12, 2015
Pete Baertsch
Connellsville, PA
[Hide Comment] This interactive map has the location of several popular and open access areas in SWPA. SWPA Sandstone google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewe… May 18, 2016
Rob Guy
Pittsburgh, PA
[Hide Comment] Has anyone camped in Lost Crag before. Live about 1.5 hrs away, and would like to just stay overnight sometime. I’m aware it’s a state game land... I’ve read the regulations for game lands in PA in general but was wondering if there’s any exceptions to the rules? Obviously would WANT a fire but could do without. And would probably just hammock, so leave no trace would apply since I’ve already seen a fire pit. I honestly would just wing it and plead ignorance but trying to go about it the right way. Thoughts? Mar 30, 2020
Charlie Strauser
Pittsburgh, PA
[Hide Comment] @Rob Guy Unfortunately there are no exceptions to the state game lands rule and pleading ignorance would probably be the bad way to go about things, considering a large portion of our climbs sit on PA game lands, which have been lenient enough to turn a blind eye towards climbers as long as we wear orange. I would check around the area, theres a KOA in connellsville, theres state forest land all around so dispersed camping rules apply. Ohiopyle state park, scarlet knob, all generally nearby. Also, letting the authorities think that we aren't aware of the rules and can't be bothered to check will probably sour the relationship between local climbing organizations and the state game commission, and honestly they would have a pretty strong case for banning climbing with whats been going on around the state in places like Haycock and Beam Rocks with all the graffiti. The state can't tell the difference between hooligans and climbers, but we should try to make the distinction apparent for them by doing the right thing. Nov 20, 2020
Dizzy B
Portland, OR
[Hide Comment] Is there any beta out there about The Vault? I've seen videos and Facebook posts kicking around, and see that it's indicated on Pete's map, but I haven't been able to find topo or access notes. It would be great to get a page up about it if the folks who developed it are willing. Jan 13, 2021