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GPS: 36.09856, -81.80133
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: Tom Caldwell on Apr 5, 2008
Admins: Steve Lineberry, Aaron Parlier
Warning Access Issue: All climbers must use existing rappel stations for descent. DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Upper Tier has a limited number of climbs, but makes up for that in exposure and quality. There are four described climbs in the N.C. Selected Climbs Guidebook. The Upper Tier also has some of the best views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Linn Cove Viaduct. Well worth the hike just for the views. The rock quality is similar to the Main Tier, solid quartzite. Nothing larger than a #2 Camalot is needed for these climbs. Bring plenty of nuts, TCU's, and finger to hand sized cams.

Getting There Suggest change

Park at the Rough Ridge trail head parking lot. Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway south back towards the Linn Cove Viaduct. Follow this for about five minutes until you cross the first bridge. Immediately after the bridge there will be a faint trail on the right that drops down into the drainage and then back up onto a slabby boulder. Follow this rock gully, staying close to the wall on the right for a few minutes up hill. At a large ledge, in front of the Gumfighter and Borrowed Time hike right on the ledge. Borrowed Time is the obvious corner with a hand-sized crack that stretches its length. Follow this narrow trail around some rhodo's and up the hill, through a small rock tunnel until you reach a landing. The first climb you come to will be Lost at Sea, the sharp arete. Do not use the Rough Ridge Trail to access any of the Ship Rock areas as it is now closed at the cliff tops.

10 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Upper Tier

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 221
Edge of a Dream
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 150
Lost at Sea
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 75
Walk The Plank
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 11
Batman
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 44
Maiden Voyage
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 13
Aqua Velva
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 13
Blockade Runner
Trad
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a R
 20
Castaway
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Edge of a Dream
 221
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
Lost at Sea
 150
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Walk The Plank
 75
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Batman
 11
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Maiden Voyage
 44
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Aqua Velva
 13
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Blockade Runner
 13
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad
Castaway
 20
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a R Trad
More Classic Climbs in Upper Tier »

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