Thanks to its mountains and innate tilt formations , North Carolina is an ideal place for rock climbing . Whether you ’re after multi - pitch rise of awe - inspiring cliff , or easy - access bouldering ( climb close to the ground , without rophy or harness ) , there ’s something challenging and beautiful for you .
Linville Gorge Wilderness
MarionYou’ll be skirt by unspoiled beauty at the third - expectant wild area in North Carolina and one of only two wild gorges in the Southern US . Linville Gorge has climbing options for all skill levels , but be indisputable to climb Table Rock or the Amphitheater . After go up , cool down off at Linville Falls , a waterfall feed by the Linville River .
Looking Glass Rock
BrevardNamed for the way its signature granite dome case chew over the sunniness , Looking Glass Rock stand up from the valley floor to an elevation of almost 4,000 ft . Offering East Coast climbers a rare gustatory perception of granite wall climb , Looking Glass Rock is do it for its slab routes and unique “ eyebrow ” feature ( small , horizontal grooves with sloping , down - facing edge ) . Get to the top and you ’ll marvel at nature ’s majesties .
Stone Mountain State Park
Roaring GapStone Mountain sport an insane 600 ft granite dome , grow from the North Carolina foothills . After touch the top of the noodle , climbing iron can look down on Hutchinson Homestead , a reconstruct mid-19th hundred mountain farm . Be certain to get your papers in order – rock climbing here is allowed by permit only .
Crowders Mountain State Park
big businessman MountainThere are two main climb areas at Crowders Mountain : the “ Main Wall , ” and the “ Hidden Wall . ” The views at both placement make you block that Charlotte is only 30 second forth . All climbers must register with the park faculty and must own a valid rock climbing / rappelling permit .
Laurel Knob
CashiersThis one is recommended for the experienced climber . Laurel Knob is known as the tall crag east of the Mississippi , soaring to a peak of 1,200 ft . Climbing here was technically illegal until the Carolina Climbers Coalition purchased climbing right field in 2006 – and we ’re thankful they did . The meridian and unmanageable - to - reach locating make for a truly alone experience .
Whiteside Mountain
CashiersOnly the seriously adventurous penury effort to go up the bad ass cliff at Whiteside Mountain . check your calendar , because Whiteside is subject to a seasonal peregrine falcon falcon closure from January to August each yr .
Rumbling Bald
Chimney RockFrom long slab route to overhung roof cracks , rumble Bald in Chimney Rock State Park has something for everyone . Head to nearby Old Rock Café for a well - deserved meal after climbing .
Ship Rock
LinvilleShip Rock towers 4,000 ft above the piedmont on Grandfather Mountain ’s Rough Ridge . A popular and easily approachable crag , Ship Rock can be crowded depend on the clip of class . Make a mean solar day of mount by discipline out nearby Boone , or by enjoy the campaign along the Blue Ridge Parkway .
Moore’s Wall
DanburyMoore ’s Wall is the home of some of the early mounting in North Carolina , with the first immortalise ascent occurring in 1959 . Part of Hanging Rock State Park , Moore ’s Wall requires a license to rise , and you may stretch your dollar by enjoying the 20 miles of hiking trail … if you may still go after your climb , that is .
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Looking Glass Rock|J.K. York/Shutterstock (edited)
stone mountain state park|Flickr/Greg Holtfreter
Laurel Knob|Flickr/Mitchell Adams
Whiteside Mountain|Flickr/John Picklesimer
Rumbling Bald|Flickr/dangerismycat
Hanging Rock State Park|Flickr/Susan Smith
