All Locations > Maryland > Prettyboy Reservoir

Clipper Mill Slabs Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Clipper Mill Slabs

L › R R › L A › Z

	Cowabunga T,TR 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Hang Ten T,TR 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Highline T,TR 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
	Slab Happy T,TR 5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b

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Elevation:	589 ft	180 m
GPS:	39.68013, -76.76806 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	101 total · 53/month
Shared By:	Jim Borton on Feb 16, 2026
Admins:	Frances Fierst, C S Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Details

Update (11/8/2023): It was recently brought to our attention that the Baltimore City Department of Public Works published Watershed Regulations in 2012 that prohibit, among other things, rock climbing ( publicworks.baltimorecity.g…). This contradicts what we've been told by the Baltimore Environmental Police (below). Hopefully, this can be resolved as was the case for mountain biking. In the meantime, please be discrete.

The Baltimore Environmental Police have jurisdiction over Prettyboy Reservoir. They welcome climbers as long as we don't damage anything. The Wildlife and Heritage Service of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages hunting in the Prettyboy Reservoir Watershed and issues permits (bow hunting only). Permits are not required other activities such as fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Climbers have reported one occasion (May 8, 2023) when a DNR representative asked them to leave, saying that they needed a permit. This was shared with the Baltimore Environmental Police, and they said this was likely a misunderstanding on the part of the DNR representative and that no permit was needed. Rock climbing is OK.

Do not place bolts anywhere in the Prettyboy Watershed. This constitutes “damage” to the rock and is prohibited by the DNR, as outlined in its management plan for the Prettyboy Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Managemwnt Area and enforced by the Baltimore Environmental Police.

Description

Located at the far northwest end of Prettyboy Reservoir, where the Gunpowder River flows into the reservoir. This south-facing cliff is set into a steep ridge on the north bank of the Gunpowder just before Clipper Mill Road crosses the river. The crag is a slabby formation of Prettyboy Schist capped by a massive overhang that resembles a breaking wave.

Getting There

Cross the road from the parking and hike up the ridge for about 5 minutes. Upon reaching a saddle, break to your right and traverse the slope moving downward as you go. The apron of the lower slab with come into view. Head for the bottom of the slab, turn the corner to your left and behold the surf. Total approach time is 10 minutes.