Climbing Near Silver Spring, Maryland

In the middle of Sligo Creek near a slightly trafficked dirt path , in an ephemeral tributary to the Sligo Creek. There are strict ethics in this area as determined by the first ascensions and enforced the the grand edict of the Routes Of the Creek Society (ROCS). They are as follows: 1) No chalk under any circumstances, under penalty of having your house covered in ugly white splotches, 2) No climbing shoes (bare feet or street shoes only) 3) No cleaning of the moss, lichen etc. the only cleaning of the rock that may be done is sweeping the dirt and leaves off the boulder with a broom  At the end of Greenbrier Lane where it hits Sligo Creek park. Walk 30 ft straight across the grass and go right on the dirt trail. Take a right onto a side trail before you come the the first bench (maybe 150 ft). The one boulder in this area is 20 ft in over the ephemeral stream bed.

From Beach Dr you can see the top of the boulder. Descend a rather steep muddy embankment about 10 feet where you will be at the main feature of this boulder - the large, low roof. The other side of the boulder is more vertical, with easier routes. From the intersection of Sherrill Dr nw and Beach Dr, probably 15 minute walk north along beach drive. Start looking out when you pass the little bridge on the right, it's maybe a couple hundred feet up a hill and off the right side of the road.

A couple of big boulders within a short walk of each other along Beach Road, just south of the intersection with Wise Rd. Best to enter RCP via Sherrill Dr NW (especially if you have a car), at the same intersection of Aspen St NW and 16th St NW. Follow Sherrill Dr until you cross the bridge and come to a small intersection with Beach Dr and a small parking area. Take a right on Beach Dr (going north along the creek) for maybe half a mile (?). You'll pass a couple of picnic areas on the right, keep going past these until you come to a small bridge on your right (which connects with Valley Trail continuing along the other side of the creek). At this intersection with the bridge, you can head left down a pink-blazed trail. Taking this option and heading 50 feet down this trail leads you to the easier boulder area, but continuing up Beach Dr from here for another 500 feet or so will bring you to another boulder just off to the right of Beach Dr down a rather steep embankment. This single large boulder has a prominent roof.The blog here has more information - robinclose.blogspot.com/201…(the large featureless roof is the second picture in the link above)