Climbing Near Bethesda, Maryland

Secluded and peaceful. Boulders sit resting on the hillside next to the river. Small lines but fun movement on good rock. Some of the only climbs near downtown Bethesda Take the Capital Crescent Trail north from Massachusetts Ave. for 0.2 miles or until you see a bench on the side of the trail. From there look for a small trail leading down to the river. standing on the bank of the river, the boulders will be on the hillside towards the trail.

West Facing, shady wall of steep, orange colored, slate-shist, in jungle below parkway, 100 m above river. 2 routes, top rope, Ripe Mango 5.10, Ripe Mango Direct 5.11, with aid practice potential and possible new hard projects.Left of Ripe Mango Direct and right of Ripe Mango should be scrutinized for new route potential. What's up with the roof prow between the two?  Park on GW Parkway turn out, bush wack down to west facing cliff. (Similar ambience to the Yosemite Rostrum) Rappel in or scramble down from west. "Inside the Beltway" classics, very steep wall with flat grips and compression. Might need bushwhack tools; clippers, hatchet, machete."Similar ambience to the Yosemite Rostrum" you are tripping on acid, fool.Seriously, the New River bros, quipped with power blower, drills, pry bars, clippers and ! gloves ! could make a decent micro, bela-sectore. ** 

Chossy but enjoyable crag just upstream from the 495 bride over the potomac. Walk 1 mile downstream from Carderock, or walk 1 mile upstream from Lock 10 on the canal. The trails leading in are overgrown and not easily found. If you can make your way to it somehow, the cliff itself is overgrown and not ideal for climbing.