Table Rock, NC

I'm looking to make a trip with my brothers to Table Rock when I get back to the states and am looking for some information. I understand table rock has easy routes so they would be able to learn technique for both climbing and trad. I've got doubles of BD C4's from .5-3, as well as one set of X4s 00-.4, along with numerous stoppers and hexes. My main concern is route finding once on the route. Are most of the easier routes fairly straightforward and easy to find anchors or are they more wandering and you really have to know where to go? This will be my first time to the area and I just want to make sure its enjoyable for everyone...otherwise we're just going to have to go to Stone Mountain to climb the Great Arch. Thanks in advance for any info!

Route finding isn't too hard once you find the start of the route. Finding the start of the route is generally the hardest part. Some routes like The cave route, jim dandy and the north ridge are fairly easy to locate but routes like hidden crack are a bit more difficult. There are a fair amount of fixed anchors and points of protection on the east face routes. Luckily the abundance of lichen growing on the face can make route finding easy by just staying on clean rock.

Follow the path without any lichen = the route.

Your rack is more than big enough to climb anything at Table Rock. I usually climb there with singles and draws. On some routes, I just bring three or four pieces that I know I'll need.

There will likely be other climbers there who can help direct you to the routes of interest. As mentioned, Jim Dandy and Cave Route are easy to find, and a couple of other good easy routes are there as well (Skip to My Lou is fun). Walking all the way around to the North Ridge is straightforward, too.

Table Rock is the best beginner trad area in the state. Have fun!

Thanks for the info! I'm thinking of getting the Selected climbs book off Amazon before going, but I haven't decided for sure especially with the pictures of the routes on here. I had to build a decent size rack for the huge granite multi-pitches here in Korea so I feel pretty good about having the right gear, especially now that you've confirmed it. Does anyone know how it is during the weekdays in the summer months? We're looking to go mid-week to avoid crowds since my brothers are both new to climbing and I'd rather not have that added pressure on them.

Michael Middleton wrote:Thanks for the info! I'm thinking of getting the Selected climbs book off Amazon before going, but I haven't decided for sure especially with the pictures of the routes on here. I had to build a decent size rack for the huge granite multi-pitches here in Korea so I feel pretty good about having the right gear, especially now that you've confirmed it. Does anyone know how it is during the weekdays in the summer months? We're looking to go mid-week to avoid crowds since my brothers are both new to climbing and I'd rather not have that added pressure on them.

Over the summer it varies greatly. Outward Bound uses Table Rock a lot so you could see multiple parties from OB there or you could have the place almost to yourself.