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The Reservoir Wall Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Reservoir Wall

L › R R › L A › Z

	Almost Almost Alpine T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Dane's Delight T,TR 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Give it Some Thought T,TR 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Kelp City T,TR 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13
	Mike's Line T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c PG13
	Prettyboy Murder Hornets T,TR 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
	Sea of Kelp T,TR 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c PG13
	Six Ticks T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Slab, The T,TR 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a PG13
	Thing One T,TR 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
	Thing Two T,TR 5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a

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Elevation:	528 ft	161 m
GPS:	39.62393, -76.70977 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,719 total · 59/month
Shared By:	Jim Borton on May 27, 2021 · Updates
Admins:	Frances Fierst, C S Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Details

Update (11/8/2023): It was recently brought to our attention that the Baltimore City Department of Public Works published Watershed Regulations in 2012 that prohibit, among other things, rock climbing ( publicworks.baltimorecity.g…). This contradicts what we've been told by the Baltimore Environmental Police (below). Hopefully, this can be resolved as was the case for mountain biking. In the meantime, please be discrete.

The Baltimore Environmental Police have jurisdiction over Prettyboy Reservoir. They welcome climbers as long as we don't damage anything. The Wildlife and Heritage Service of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages hunting in the Prettyboy Reservoir Watershed and issues permits (bow hunting only). Permits are not required other activities such as fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

Climbers have reported one occasion (May 8, 2023) when a DNR representative asked them to leave, saying that they needed a permit. This was shared with the Baltimore Environmental Police, and they said this was likely a misunderstanding on the part of the DNR representative and that no permit was needed. Rock climbing is OK.

Do not place bolts anywhere in the Prettyboy Watershed. This constitutes “damage” to the rock and is prohibited by the DNR, as outlined in its management plan for the Prettyboy Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Managemwnt Area and enforced by the Baltimore Environmental Police.

Description

A beautiful crag in a beautiful setting. Close to the dam but completely out of sight. Feels quite remote. Thirty to 55 feet in height. Fairly solid rock for the Gunpowder River area. The rock is similar to The Fin in Big Gunpowder Falls, which is a form of schist.

Getting There

The Reservoir Wall is located located in the southeastern section of the reservoir. Take Mount Carmel Road west to Prettyboy Dam Road. Park in the lot on the north side of the dam. Walk up the open grassy area to a pull-out (parking not permitted) where the road curves to the right. The trail should be right in front of you; though, obscured by overgrowth. (Don't take the more obvious trail to the left.)

The trail heads directly down to the water’s edge. Follow the trail to the right. It takes you around the little cove. When you get to the opposite side, more or less, cut to your right directly up hill. Look for cairns. As you top out you'll come to an odd and unexpected open area. Go straight ahead. After about 100 feet look to your left and you'll see a ravine heading down the water. The Reservoir wall is on the northwest side of the ravine, close to the water. About a 15-minute hike from the parking area, and you are there. Check the photos on this page for a map. About 4 tenths of a mile.