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Elevation: 4,900 ft
GPS: 36.62279, -81.50167
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Shared By: Aaron Parlier on Sep 11, 2011
Admins: Shawn Heath, Aaron Parlier

Description Suggest change

OPEN FOR THE SEASON

The Listening Rock Boulders (LRT) are one of the most easily accessible bouldering areas in Grayson with an approach of less than a minute to the first boulder, and a developed hiking trail to nearly every boulder after that. The loop trail that the boulders line meanders past two lookouts in which you can see, unobstructed, for miles and miles into VA and NC.The listed sidebar areas are organized numbered 1,2,3,4 as you will find them by hiking down the trail from the upper overlook area. Number 5, the Central Boulders are not "on trail" or directly beside the Listening Rock Trail like much of the rest of the individual boulders, but within the center of the loop trail and slightly more difficult to locate.

The Listening Rock Bouldering Area is without a doubt one of the top areas in Grayson. The LRT is home to some of the most classic, elegant, and mesmerizing problems the park has to offer. Don't hike down from the parking-lot, but instead walk up to the concrete walkway where there is a mowed and wooded meadow, boardwalk and lookout with picnic tables and grills sitting conveniently beside the first boulders (Bi-lingual, Greenstreet, Lingual Arete and more problems which are right next to the tables). this is the start of the boulder field, and the loop will hike down and follow back up to the bottom parking lot. the LRT offers problems for anyone who visits, from the beginner to the advanced, with classics like "Bi- Lingual" (V-1/2), Tigerside (v5), Beastmaker and Escape From Alcatraz(v7s), and "SLS" (V-9). The top area, before the trail makes a tight, sharp turn, is called the Overlook Area. Past the loop, the next cluster of boulders is called the SLS area which follows a string of boulders, past the large SLS loop and down to the steep Shang-Hi Boulder. After that there will be a boulderless stretch of trail until you reach another cluster called the Autumn Area. After Autumn, the trail hikes back uphill to the parking lot and the Trail's End Area.

This loop trail has likely been bouldered for years, but until a few years ago, it seemed the stone had never been touched. The LRT is a must-visit area and will not disappoint. this area is closed during the winter after the first snow, so enjoy it as much as you can during the three open seasons...

Be sure to scope out more information, videos, pictures, and problem description on GHSP Bouldering: graysonhighlandsbouldering.…

Getting There Suggest change

Drive into the park all the way to the visitor’s center which is at the end of the park road. Park in the first parking spots you come to. From the parking lot, Follow specific boulderfield access/directions in the GHSP Bouldering Guidebook, or GHSP's Rakkup Guidebook App

Area Breakdown:
As you follow the LRT from the top lookout, you will come to specific areas in this order...

1: Overlook Area:

2: SLS Area:

3: Autumn Area:

4: Trail's End:

290 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

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Classic Climbing Routes at Listening Rock Trail

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V0 4
 31
Honeycomb
Boulder
V1 5
 20
Foggy Mountain Fin
Boulder
V2- 5+
 29
Bi-Lingual
Boulder
V3 6A
 49
The Hive
Boulder
V3 6A
 32
Royal Jelly
Boulder
V3 6A
 5
Moonlight Sonata
Boulder
V3-4 6A+
 34
Ballad of Love and Hate
Boulder
V4 6B
 24
Eye of the Narwhal
Boulder
V5 6C
 11
Strength In Numbers
Boulder
V6 7A
 12
Crucifixion (of the Flesh)
Boulder
V6 7A
 18
Frisky Monkey
Boulder
V6 7A
 16
M.O.W. ArĂȘte
Boulder
V6 7A
 16
Shang-High Knight
Boulder
V7 7A+
 9
M.O.W (Mouth Of Wilson)
Boulder
V8 7B
 4
Nancy with an E
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Honeycomb 1. Overlook Area > Hive Boulder
 31
V0 4 Boulder
Foggy Mountain Fin 1. Overlook Area > Foggy Mtn Fin
 20
V1 5 Boulder
Bi-Lingual 1. Overlook Area > Bi-Lingual Boulder
 29
V2- 5+ Boulder
The Hive 1. Overlook Area > Hive Boulder
 49
V3 6A Boulder
Royal Jelly 1. Overlook Area > Hive Boulder
 32
V3 6A Boulder
Moonlight Sonata Moonlight > Moonlight > Moonlight Left
 5
V3 6A Boulder
Ballad of Love and Hate 2. SLS Area > Mike-N-Ike Boulder
 34
V3-4 6A+ Boulder
Eye of the Narwhal 1. Overlook Area > Hive Boulder
 24
V4 6B Boulder
Strength In Numbers 1. Overlook Area > Front Wall
 11
V5 6C Boulder
Crucifixion (of the Flesh) 1. Overlook Area > Tiger-Side Boulder
 12
V6 7A Boulder
Frisky Monkey 1. Overlook Area > Tiger-Side Boulder
 18
V6 7A Boulder
M.O.W. ArĂȘte 2. SLS Area > Mouth Of Wilson
 16
V6 7A Boulder
Shang-High Knight 2. SLS Area > Shanghai Boulder
 16
V6 7A Boulder
M.O.W (Mouth Of Wilson) 2. SLS Area > Mouth Of Wilson
 9
V7 7A+ Boulder
Nancy with an E 2. SLS Area > SLS Roof
 4
V8 7B Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Listening Rock Trail »

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