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Rock Scrambling/bouldering in southern VA or northern NC over spring break?

Original Post
Rachel Goldberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0

We are looking for a spot for spring break vacation with our 2 kids (9 and 11), both of whom absolutely love rock scrambling.  Their favorite by far is a place in Wyoming called Vedauwoo (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/64/db/21/64db214c6f0dc086bd2adf7472844b2c.jpg or https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/f344ad2188449eb6f1d9948fe50c14487009bbc9/c=284-0-3501-2419&r=x408&c=540x405/local/-/media/2016/10/12/FortCollins/FortCollins/636118752574802002-vedauwoo.rocks.aspen.JPG).  Our 9 year old is learning rock climbing at a gym in Alexandria and both kids are pretty adventurous as is one of the parents (me!).  Does anyone have any suggestions for locations that are warm enough to be pleasant in the last week in March in southern VA or northern NC (or even WV, but I assume that will be too cold) that would have a couple of good areas for rock scrambling?  Thanks!

Russ Keane · · Salt Lake · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 452

Vedauwoo is pretty perfect, for what you describe.  I can imagine the kiddos having a blast padding and exploring around that magical place.  The woods of western North Carolina could be similarly wonderful for your family.  Late March is a fantastic time of year for its beauty and perfect temperatures.   A place called Rumbling Bald might work.   Large expanse of giant beautiful boulders sitting peacefully in the woods, ready for exploration of all types, from easy kiddo stuff to world class V-whatever you want.   It's a state park with trails and sunshine and if you hike up to the top you can see Lake Lure and Chimney Rock across the way.   The town itself is adorable with little souvenier shops and places to eat on the roaring river.   Also included is a 200-foot waterfall cascading down in the distance, like a dream.   Come on out!

Rachel Goldberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0

Thanks so much for the suggestion!  This sound great.  I'll definitely look into.

Brian Payst · · Carrboro,NC · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 10

It’s maybe a little early in the season, but Grayson Highlands State Park in VA might also be a good fit.  Lots of boulders and places to scramble and climb, ponies, stream, hiking and nice campground. 

Rick L · · Medford, OR · Joined Oct 2015 · Points: 50

Also look up Devils Marble yard In Va, lots of rock scrambling to be found there!

Rachel Goldberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0

Both of those locations look like a lot of fun, but more for the summer.  It's hard to find a warm spot for spring break without getting on a plane!  Thanks, though, for the suggestions.  I'll add them to our summer spots to visit!

David Tysinger · · Charlotte · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 0

Hanging Rock State park near Winston Salem and Table Rock, SC would be good bets for rock scrambling as well.  Table Rock, NC would be good too, although I expect the gate to be closed off this time of year.

nbrown · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 8,598

Someone already mentioned rumbing bald, however if you're that far southwest check out Big Rock, SC instead. The numerous egg-shaped granite (technically granitic gneiss) blocks range from small boulders to ~150' formations and are very reminiscent of what you see out West. Not the best climbing in the region but a fun and unique place for sure.

https://carolinaclimbers.org/climbing-areas/big-rock.html

Also, may be worth checking out Old Rag in VA.

Eric Angel · · Fincastle, VA · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 131

+1 on Grayson Highlands. Also McAfee’s knob in Roanoke County. Roanoke has a climbing gym as well. Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs are great AT hikes that are fun with scrambling available. 

Rachel Goldberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2018 · Points: 0

Thanks again for all these suggestions.  We've decided to move our trip to early summer, so many of these places will be great.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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