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Favorite spot in Maryland?

Original Post
Brad Vanor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

I'm in Maryland for the next couple weeks. Weather is beautiful right now and I'd love to hit some rocks. Other than some sites on the W. Virginia border I haven't read too much about decent climbing in the state. I'll be googling and emailing some friends for suggestions, but any tips from you guys (and gals) are very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Mark R · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 65

Make sure to check out Indy's guide if you haven't yet.

indy-adventures.net/climbin…

Glass Tupperware · · Atlanta · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 45

I'm a fan of Rocks State Park. Check out Breakaway, Strawberry Jam, and Smoke n Ash if you get a chance. All great leads with a bunch of good gear placements.

Peter Jackson · · Rumney, NH · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 445

Depends on what part of the state you're in. In addition to Rocks State Park, take a trip to Carderock. And if you have time, cross the river in to VA and hit Great Falls (the MD side of the park has climbing, but its not the same quality and quantity).

If you don't mind graffiti, hit Ilchester in Ellicott City and climb the ultra-classic Blue Rose. One of the best routes in the state, albeit a bit short.

All that said, I grew up in MD and when I was young, climbing trips always meant leaving the state.

Victor K · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2003 · Points: 170

I've spent time at both Annapolis Rock and Sugarloaf Mountain. Both are beautiful places. Sounds like there could be access issues at Sugarloaf due to bird nesting. If you're near D.C., Carderock is a testament to the innovation of climbers a long way from real climbing. It's particularly good for footwork practice. It's a pretty location right on the Potomac. If you're an introvert, you'll hate it. Because people. If you're an extrovert, you might not hate it. I spent a fair amount of time there and really enjoyed it.

Davith · · MD · Joined May 2013 · Points: 15

•Anapolis Rocks "mini gunks"
•Rocks state park, exceptional rock quality
•Harpers ferry* multi pitch, loose rock, but the summit view is worth it

GonnaBe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 135

States don't really matter when they're this small and easy to drive through do they? Head west to Virginia and Old Rag mountain. Granite son... granite. Unless of course you're determined to stay in Maryland because, well, because why?! Just don't forget to keep an eye out for the Choss monster. He apparently was run out of the western states and starting dropping sloppy loads of choss all over Appalachia.

Brad Vanor · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

excellent! thanks to all for the great suggestions and information!

Mike F · · Arden, NC · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 56

When I lived in Baltimore I chose to forgo the MD climbin areas in favor of driving to Old Rag in VA, which is stellar, lacks crowds, and is beautiful.

Amanda Friedman · · Denver · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 0

I've been climbing for 14+ years and have always lived in Maryland until recently. There are plenty of places for a day/weekend trip but nothing super epic. For multi-pitch trad its worth the drive to Seneca, WV. Be care with the grades they are sandbagged. For sport head to PA and go to Birdsboro (beginner spot but good routes - wear a helmet) or the newly reopened Safe Harbor (mostly slab). Super easy approaches, I've gone in flip flops! Closer spots are Rock State Park and Annapolis Rock. If you go into any of the Earth Treks gyms (Columbia, Timonium and Rockville) they can give you more beta. Avoid Carder Rock and Great Falls (MD/VA boarder) its overrun with new climbers and polished routes, pretty hiking though.

Josh Schmaltz · · Evergreen, Co. · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 820
Amanda Friedman wrote:I've been climbing for 14+ years and have always lived in Maryland until recently. There are plenty of places for a day/weekend trip but nothing super epic. For multi-pitch trad its worth the drive to Seneca, WV. Be care with the grades they are sandbagged. For sport head to PA and go to Birdsboro (beginner spot but good routes - wear a helmet) or the newly reopened Safe Harbor (mostly slab). Super easy approaches, I've gone in flip flops! Closer spots are Rock State Park and Annapolis Rock. If you go into any of the Earth Treks gyms (Columbia, Timonium and Rockville) they can give you more beta. Avoid Carder Rock and Great Falls (MD/VA boarder) its overrun with new climbers and polished routes, pretty hiking though.
This.

Seneca is worth the drive, about 3.5-4 hours from Baltimore.

Best Trad in Md IMO is Rocks State Park and Annapolis Rock. Strawberry Jam in Rocks St Park is a great route, and the breakaways are fun. Black Crack at Annapolis Rock is great, and the views are nice in both spots. Both places are good spots for setting up top ropes - bring some static line or webbing!

The Narrows out in Cumberland has some longer climbing and more adventurous feel. Probably wont see any other parties there.
Seth Derr · · harrisburg, pa · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 2,260

Old Rag is amazing, but keep in mind that it's a lot less amazing in the summer. There are areas up there that are climbable year round, but the really good stuff is best visited between October and April.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northeastern States
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