Table rock, SC.

I've been seeing some talk on here about TR and it's gotten me curious. I'm from Greenville and was wondering what the climbing there is like. From what I can tell the rangers will provide a few topos and the majority of the routes are harder stuff. I lead comfortably into the 10's and don't mind French freeing by any means if some sections are above that, so would there be anything around that grade? or mainly more difficult? Any information is welcome! Also any guidebooks out there?
Cheers,
Will

The season ends Dec 31st. You really should check in at the ranger station which opens annoyingly late. hike is about 1200-1500 vertical in about 2 miles maybe to the base. First wall you hit is the groove wall. climbers left leads you to the main face where everything is genuinely hard and engaged climbing. Some stuff in between that is mixed dificulty i'm not entirely familiar with. My topos are in greenville at the moment.

the majority of the climbing if run out water grooves and very spicy face climbing. Minimal rack is necessary but a full rack because well you never know what you need. emphasis on small stuff except for a few routes. Not much for the newer 10 leader. Its best to go with someone who knows the area. To give you an idea, i've climbed there and helped put up a route up there, am a comfortable 11 leader on gear and i still think twice before i go out there.

Your best bet should you decide to venture up there is the groove wall which is the first wall you come across. Its the location of some moderate 9's that will get you in the head space. mostly single pitch but you can take them up to the top if your want (cant guarantee a rappel from the top, or pro on the route). I dont know much other easier stuff than that. The ten's can be quite hard up there, both mentally and physically as its quite vertical slab climbing in parts. Just looking at your current tick list, i'd say at the very least test your mettle on routes like Dinkus Dog, Pooter the poacher, Carboman at the glass, central pillar at the knob, Catholic School girls direct whitesides- as these protect much better than TR but have similar engagement. Snap Crackle Pop on cereal Wall is also a good engaging and much better protected version of the face climbing on the main face.

No guidebooks, but there are topos floating around if you get to know the right people. It's kind of a low key location because its bold and injuries would be disastrous for everyone involved (difficult evac , limited to no high angle rescue training, etc...). There has been some better communication regarding climbing as a resource for the state park so things are on track for an improved relationship in the future.

Well put T.

Appreciate the feedback. That's exactly what I needed to hear, sounds like ill be waiting a bit to climb there, but I may hike in just to check it out soon.

When you up your game, shoot for Stonewall Action, probably the best route I have done on the legal part of the mountain. Good luck with your negotiations Stephen. There sure is a lot of S.C. rock around that needs to be opened up! would love to climb Rainbow Falls one cold day with you.

Table Rock is a huge asset. Real mountain topography, steep hike, steeper granite. Worth the hike to see one of the baddest walls in the SE...even if you aren't climbing.

Don't let these jokers scare you away. There are certainly some climbs worth doing and safe enough for 5.10 climbers. Check out Dry Line. Once you finish this climb, you can top rope the 5.11 to the right of the rappel line. This 11 will help you hone your slab skills while considering the sparsity of the bolts. The 5.9 called Two for One is another good, safe climb. Probably one of the safest on the cliff. Just assume an R or PG13 on most routes and your head will be in the right place. Assume any moves below 5.8 will be unprotected unless there is natural gear. With a #6 camalot, Peelin' Feelin' is a moderately safe climb. Expect long clean falls, sustained 5.10 slabbing, but not extremely dangerous. I wish I knew the E system well enough to give these climbs those grades as well as the YDS.

The main thing to consider about TR is seepage and the short season. There is only a few weeks where the weather is cold enough and the water tables are low enough that the place is ideal. There will still be climbs open after a rain, but the pickings will be slim. I am really close to TR in Clemson. If you want to get out there and sample the cliff, I am always looking for some sucker to drag up that hike (it is really not that bad). Just send me a message or friend me on facebook or something. I will let you know when I am headed up there or you can tell me when your free. I am pretty flexible with my schedule and don't mind taking a day off for this awesome place.

TomCaldwell wrote:I am always looking for some sucker to drag up that hike

I'll probably take you up on that sometime. I ain't afraid of no little hike in the SE and I love me some slabbin' / water grooves

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Such an awesome wall to be so off limits.

Such an awesome ice climb to be unclimbed. I remember when climbing reflections was mandatory before heading out to the valley.

The TRSP season is upon us. Get out there!

C Brown wrote:

now why would you go posting up the side of the wall that is on DNR land and off limits?

And how can i get a print of that?

badass ice fa's, you babies.

shannon stegg wrote:Such an awesome ice climb to be unclimbed. I remember when climbing reflections was mandatory before heading out to the valley.

Well that's your own damn fault. I would have thought you'd have gotten it during that killer winter a couple of years ago when you Mexican Maid et al. And don't tell me it's because you can't find anyone to climb it with, you know all you have to do is got on the horn and say 'it's in,' and I'm there.

Tomorrow is the last chance to get to TRSP this year. After that, you have to wait until September. Message me if you are interested or need some more info.

TomCaldwell wrote:Tomorrow is the last chance to get to TRSP this year. After that, you have to wait until September. Message me if you are interested or need some more info.

And while you're there, put the bug in their ear that they should extend the season until peregrines are confirmed. :)

Damn those pesky Peregrines!