Wilson Creek Trail Area Bouldering

This is a 1.78 mile long trail loop that starts in a trail parking lot that is lust before the Campground Area. As a matter of fact, this could almost be included in the Campground Area if it weren't so nicely packaged in its own loop with its own parking lot... While staying in the campground just walk over with a pad and hike along it...

If coming from elsewhere in the park just drive down to the Campground. When you see the camp store cabin, look to the right and there is a gravel parking lot. this is the beginning and end of the trail.

The vast majority of the bouldering will be found if you walk to the back of the parking lot and take the fire road that is called the "Seed Orchard Road" on the trail map. The Wilson Creek Trail follows the S.O.R. for a while, passing numerous large (but "scruffy" looking) boulders before cutting off to the right to descend the mountainside to meet up with Wilson Creek. On the way down to the creek, you will pass a massive uncleaned highball wall and a hand-full of other dirty faces.

The creek itself is a park wonder, with massive house-sized boulders (most unclimbable, but some with potential) creating awe-inspiring waterfalls, plumes, plunge pools, and swimming holes. The fly fishing (only artificial lures allowed) is amazing, and one of VA's best streams in that respect.

If you walk right from the parking lot to follow only the Wilson Creek Trail (instead of along the Seed Orchard Trail from the back of the lot) you will only find one boulder. Its by far my favorite in the area. The boulder is about a 3 minute walk downhill, and off of the trail to the right. It is the Wilson Creek Boulder (WCB), and it is a park classic.

The WCB is a free standing, geometric, inclined beauty. Its hold are mostly kind to the skin, and with proper pads and a spotter, the landing isnt half bad either. The topouts are tall enough to make you hold on tight, and the moves on the WCB are some of the best in GHSP. If your in the Campground Area, be sure to walk down to the WCB before you leave.