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Tower of Babylon
Maryland
> Black Rock
Description
Pillar of slabs stacked atop of it like a square, steep smokestack. This is mostly small overhanging faces with a few deeper roofs of 2-3 feet. Two faces have good routes on them, one of which starts down in a hole. Belaying is done from the scree field. There are a lot of loose rocks on the wall, so helmets are recommended for climber and belayer.
Getting There
Follow directions to Black Rocks. Hike ~0.9 miles mostly uphill from the Thurston Griggs trailhead to the intersection with the AT. Head south (right) on the AT, you'll immediately see the Pogo camp site, which is notable for having the nearest toilet. Continue south on the AT for 0.6 miles to an unmarked side trail that is ~0.1 miles north of the labeled and established Black Rock overlook trail. This side trail meanders in a westerly direction to the top of the cliff. Follow the side trail through a few ledges until the top of the Tower of Babylon is visible. Approach the top of the from the north (to the right), or approach the bottom of the Tower of Babylon by following the cliff line south ~20 yards to a drainage that offers reasonably easy access to the scree field.
[Hide Photo] Another view of the West face of the tower from below,
[Hide Photo] Looking downward at the West face from a side angle. The face is overhanging. Falling Toward Apotheosis is closest and The Wonkey Donkey on the far side of the face
[Hide Photo] The Tower of Babylon as seen on approach from above. Approach trail in yellow.
[Hide Photo] View from above the Tower of Babylon on the approach trail. There are scrambles to the base on both sides of the tower.
[Hide Photo] The dogs and Jeannine are just off the AT at the intersection with the unmarked trail that approaches the cliff line and proceeds down through a few ledges to allow access to both the top of the To…
[Hide Photo] Tower of Babylon at Black Rocks, Md. Possibly the route "No Surrender, No Retreat"