Mountain Project Logo

"quick approaches"in NC

Original Post
Luke R · · Athens, GA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 704

Some friends and I are going to Asheville this coming weekend, and I'm hoping to get on some rock Sunday afternoon. I'm sure it will be hot if it's not raining, but I don't mind. Are there any areas with relatively short approach times, so as to maximize our climbing time? I'm familiar with Looking Glass, and have climbed once at Rumbling Bald and Crowders, but was hoping one of the lesser known areas might have a shorter approach. I imagine "Lesser-known" and "Short Approach" are mutually exclusive.

We are coming from Georgia, so Western NC climbs are more convenient too.

Thanks in advance!

Tom Caldwell · · Clemson, S.C. · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 3,623

The boulder problem area at Whitesides is super fast. Unlikely you will see anyone there.

Currahee is quick as well, even if you hike from the base. It is a little more traveled.

The Nose of LGR is quite fast of an approach, but could be busy and is certainly well known.

Cathy's Creek is one of the fastest. It gets somewhat regular traffic, but is still very new.

Brian Payst · · Carrboro,NC · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 10

If you're willing to make the short trip up to Boone, Ship Rock on the parkway has a quick approach. North Face of LG is not that long of an approach and will be cooler than other areas at LG.

Ezra Ellis · · Hotlanta · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 0

The dump , off highway 221; 9 miles south of blowing rock has a 40 yard approach,
Looking glass is better and closer to Asheville though.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

Big Green is a 20 minute approach, is at "altitude", and offers nearby swimming holes.

Chris Massey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 5

The 10 or 15 minutes you save on an approach would be lost many times over if you have to drive to some of these crags. If I was in Asheville this weekend and looking to climb on Sunday I would just head to LG. Get an early start because in my experience it seems to rain there everyday between 2 and 3PM. North side will be cooler, and stays dry longer if you do get a little rain. If you really dont want to walk and are willing to sacrifice quality for time then there is always Snake Den near Asheville. I climbed there once. That was enough. I need to check out Cathys Creek. I think it is mostly harder sport and mixed routes. It is in the Cedar Rock guidebook in case you decide to check it out.

Luke R · · Athens, GA · Joined Apr 2015 · Points: 704

Thanks for y'alls responses! I was kinda thinking it might wind up being looking glass anyways. I'm ok with the driving part, since I know where to go- it's the bumbling around in the woods for an hour trying to find the right trail to the right section, when scoping out a "new-to-you" crag. I'm probably bringing along a few friends who don't/haven't climbed much, and a short approach (even with a slightly longer drive) does a lot for perception.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
Post a Reply to ""quick approaches"in NC"

Log In to Reply
Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started