Winter climbing in NC

Hi folks, do you recommend climbing and camping in the Asheville area around New Year's? I see that the average temps are about 25 and 50, but I've not done any climbing in the cold before. Looking for climbing within a day's drive of DC around that time. Thanks!

Closer to Asheville: S face of Looking Glass. Laurel Knob. Rumbling Bald.

Farther away: Stone Mtn., Sauratown (see the CCC website for open times)

All of these places are good in cold temps as long as there is some sun.

If you go as far as the piedmont, there are a number of south-facing crags with a better chance to be warm due to lower altitude. Also they're closer to DC.

-Crowder's and Pilot are alright places to go. Kind of busy though.
-Sauratown is open ONLY in winter. I haven't been yet, but hear it's great fun.
-Cook's Wall is there if you want an adventure. Approach is long and rarely used, expect bushwacking.

If you wanted climbing and camping, Southside of LG would be a good bet. Free camping at the parking area, or pretty much anywhere along 475B.

Hey guys, was gonna post something similar in nature. I've gone to Rumbling Bald and Looking Glass the past few winters but was thinking of Linville Gorge this year, specifically Dec 10... any word on how brutal that would be? I'm used to climbing in the cold, I just like to feel my fingers.
-Alex

Maybe Shortoff. The walk in gully might have ice if it's cold, it does not get much sun. The wall itself will get late morning to afternoon sun and might be ok if it is sunny out. The walk up will get you warm. But I'd still wager that it'll be colder than any of the other places mentioned.

Thanks csproul, good to know. Just looking for a change of pace.. you think Laurel Knob would be a better bet? Basically looking for the good multipitch 5.10 trad scene...

the knob is great in the winter...just keep an eye out for the occasional falling ice if its been really cold.

Alex Ch wrote:Basically looking for the good multipitch 5.10 trad scene...

Sun wall

Thanks csproul, Benandstuff, and everyone who posted, really helpful.

Yeah thanks guys, sorry for hijacking the thread Leah! Have fun out there.

id also make the case for whiteside mountain

rock_fencer wrote:id also make the case for whiteside mountain

Correct me if I am wrong but I think there is a boulder comp at rumbling bald Dec 10th 2015 might want to plan for or around that depending on your pallet for crowds.

The comp is on the 12th. You'll need to ride the shuttle from the town hall as the parking lot will be closed all day Saturday. Or, you could also come to the comp! It's going to be great.