gate closing-table rock

when do they typically close the gate? does table rock get iced over after october?

Gate closed Jan 1 to March 31. No it doesn't really get iced over if your looking to ice climb. But snow sticks around up there. If ice climbing is your goal there is some to be had in nc. Black mountain area. I'm assuming you mean table rock nc

Im not looking for ice climbing,I was wondering if the routes ever get icy/snowy enough not to climb after November/ December. I want to take a newbie up there in November-December

I remember coming across a big ice sheet on the cave route one time

I think the answer is "depends on the weather". Assuming no storms, Table is climbable in November/December if you follow the sun, it gets pretty chilly in the shade that time of year in the gorge. It's definitely the tail end of the Table Rock season, but with the right conditions you should be OK. You can always call the Forest Service office (Grandfather district in Nebo) to check on the gate, they will close it if there is ice / snow.

If Table is too cold, the Chimneys are right down the trail and the shorter routes and top rope access are a good fit for beginners as well.

The side of Table Rock with the Cave Route faces east. This will not get sun in the colder months. If you want warm rock climb on south facing cliffs in the colder months. Table Rock does have many routes on it's south face. If the wind is low, and the temps are in the 40's +, you will be fine. TR gets battered by wind being so exposed compared to it's surroundings.

Shortoff is the place to be when it gets colder in the Linville Gorge area. It is lower elevation and large sections face SW and S. It also dries quickly, minus the approach gully. It would help to bring two ropes and rappel in on the south face to avoid the normal frozen gully decent. There is information on how to rappel in on this site under the route Just Another Pretty Face.

Heads up that the USFS just announced the parking lot will be closed for repairs

The U.S. Forest Service Grandfather Ranger District will close the Table Rock Picnic Area and parking lot Oct. 20 through Dec. 1, 2014 for repairs. The Forest Service will also close the paved, upper section of Forest Service Road 99, which leads to the picnic area, for repairs. Foot and bicycle traffic will be permitted in the area while repairs are made.