driving north up the east cost looking for climbing adventures

My friend an I are making our way north from New Orleans tomorrow morning(2/18). Our first stop will be Charleston South Carolina. We will be there for about 3-5(2/19-2/24) days then making our way to Asheville North Carolina. We will be there (I will be there) looking for some climbing days for about a week (2/24- 3/1). Then from there we will be heading to Richmond Virginia (about 2 weeks) (3/1-3/10). After that our plan is to continue north to Maine and eventually into Canada. I know this is a lot of territory to cover and post about on a climbing forum all at once...but most importantly to me on this trip is that I re-immerse myself in climbing. I've got rope, gear and can lead sport routes (nothing too fancy) I have experience multi pitch and cleaning anchors and following and cleaning trad. I am looking for partners to climb with this whole way north. My friend climbs too and I am hoping to get him more involved in outdoor climbing and show him some outrageously fun and fulfilling experiences. If anyone is interested in meeting up at any point contact me! Or if anyone has recommendations on where to go and who to contact and what to check out, contact me anyways even if you cant climb with us!!

(925) 708-6853
-Sara!!

Well if you guys are going through New York you cant pass up on coming through the Gunks. If you need a partner or want someone to lead trad I'm always down. I'm sure you know the Gunks are a must if your heading up this way.

It has been mention many times before, but to have the most fun, do be aware of the NE black fly season, traditionally the worst between Mother's and Father's Days. You can still climb then, but you have to be prepared and pick the best spots and times of day. If you could, I would split the trip into two parts, the south first, and then the NE after the bugs recede, even better in the early fall.

If you are into sport, You will obviously want to visit Rumney. I would also suggest Farley in Mass, and if you can lead at least 5.10 and some 11s, Shell Pond in Maine

Sara- sounds a bit early for some stuff...TWall is great , but not sport. Gunks is a maybe and NH is hit or miss

If you're starting your road trip around 3/10, you probably want to return to North Carolina and hit some of the early season crags there. Search the NC page to find what suits you best. There's a lot.

I'd take your time working north, if you have plenty. Seneca is worth a stop if you can hook up with a trad leader. New River Gorge is awesome but there's not many easy routes. There's some nice but small stuff in eastern PA/MD. But I'd listen to M Sprague and not go any further north than PA until after black fly season.

I'll keep my eye on this thread and see if any of us in PA/MD can meet up with you along the way. Maybe trad at Seneca.

Sometimes in NH we get a window of great climbing conditions March and April before the bugs, but as John said, it is hit or miss depending on the melting snow conditions and fickle Newengland weather. Check back here and at NEClimbs.com for conditions . It might be worth making a quick run up to Mass and NH from the gunks then If you can't put it off until later. Less crowds early season (slightly less at Rumney)

thanks for all of the info so far! very helpful. I am looking forward to NC. ill keep this forum posted when we arrive!

Hey Sarah, I'm in the region on a road trip of my own - maybe we can connect in NC or TN. I've been in Chattanooga climbing at the T-Wall (incredible!!!) and hear great things about Obed. I don't know much about NC climbing, but I guess Rumbling Bald and The Looking Glass have some good winter areas.

I'll send you a text!

DennisL wrote:Hey Sarah, I'm in the region on a road trip of my own - maybe we can connect in NC or TN. I've been in Chattanooga climbing at the T-Wall (incredible!!!) and hear great things about Obed. I don't know much about NC climbing, but I guess Rumbling Bald and The Looking Glass have some good winter areas. I'll send you a text!

hey does anyone know the deal with looking glass climbing access during the winter when the road access is closed? how far of a walk is the road? any other back ways?

Long walk. Its a multi-mile hike in uphill on the road. I'd suggest driving over to cedar rock it's open and also has excellent climbing.

or hit rumbling bald