Rock House Knob Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 5,000 ft |
GPS: |
35.02127, -83.4348 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 8,368 total · 80/month |
Shared By: | nbrown on Sep 3, 2015 |
Admins: | Ky Bishop, Steve Lineberry, Aaron Parlier |
Description
Not actually at Pickens Nose proper - but it's located close enough to be included in the area. Just down the road, this impressively steep wall has a handful of hard crack and face lines and a very short approach (less than 5 minutes). The site has also been used by boulderers, hikers, and hunters for a number of years. This crag is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Note: This wall is southwest facing but is generally cool in the summer due to elevation and leaf coverage, and warm enough in the early winter due to sun exposure and lack of leaves. However, there are some weird hydrological effects/seepage on the wall, so don't plan to come here after a lot of rain. Best if it's been at least a few dry days in summer, and probably a week or so in cooler months.
Legend has it that the large cave here was used by several Cherokee as a hideout during the trail of tears. Here is an interesting article: smokymountainnews.com/compo…
Note: This wall is southwest facing but is generally cool in the summer due to elevation and leaf coverage, and warm enough in the early winter due to sun exposure and lack of leaves. However, there are some weird hydrological effects/seepage on the wall, so don't plan to come here after a lot of rain. Best if it's been at least a few dry days in summer, and probably a week or so in cooler months.
Legend has it that the large cave here was used by several Cherokee as a hideout during the trail of tears. Here is an interesting article: smokymountainnews.com/compo…
Getting There
Copied from Mark O'Neal's directions:
From US 441: Look for the forest service sign for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory on the west side of the road approximately one mile south of Otto, NC. Turn onto Coweeta Lab Road and follow it about 3 miles coming to a forest service sign for Ball Creek Road - FS 83. Drive until the road forks sharply right and uphill.
83 continues to Picken's Nose, but for Rock House Knob: Instead of going right and uphill, continue straight across and downhill, bearing slightly right past a gate. Follow this a short ways to a fork - stay left here. Continue around another 1 1/2 miles to a saddle on the ridge with a small pulloff on the right.
Follow the level trail heading south from parking lot. It will curve around to the east and end up under the cliff in less than 5 minutes.
From US 441: Look for the forest service sign for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory on the west side of the road approximately one mile south of Otto, NC. Turn onto Coweeta Lab Road and follow it about 3 miles coming to a forest service sign for Ball Creek Road - FS 83. Drive until the road forks sharply right and uphill.
83 continues to Picken's Nose, but for Rock House Knob: Instead of going right and uphill, continue straight across and downhill, bearing slightly right past a gate. Follow this a short ways to a fork - stay left here. Continue around another 1 1/2 miles to a saddle on the ridge with a small pulloff on the right.
Follow the level trail heading south from parking lot. It will curve around to the east and end up under the cliff in less than 5 minutes.
Weather Averages
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