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Climbing Near Burlington, North Carolina

Featured Trad, Sport, Bouldering, and other popular climbing routes and climbing areas Burlington, North Carolina.

Nearby Climbing Areas


The Godsons

11 Miles Away | 2 Routes

Two boulders in relatively deep water (typically ~8 feet, but always check before you climb) make for a fun summer afternoon in Saxapahaw. Big Godson is the 15 foot face on the left as you approach from the water. Little Godson is smaller, on the right, and further into the water. Big Godson in particular is a lot less contrived than any other "bouldering" opportunities in the area (looking at you, Carrboro Boulders) and probably the best outdoor bouldering in the Triangle area.The water is shallow immediately below Big Godson (it is attached to the bank after all) but drops off very quickly so falling is safe as long as you kick off the wall a bit. Again, dive around before climbing to check the depth and to make sure there aren't stick hazards. Life jackets are recommended. Climbs can be done barefoot but some old climbing shoes will make the sharper edges more manageable.Not well-known so there are still numerous opportunities for new routes. Be respectful of the harmless fishing spiders and northern water snakes that make the Godsons their home. Topping out is recommended so you can leap from the boulder into deep water. Buy your friend a pint from the nearby Haw River Farmhouse Brewery if they on-sight Tree of Life barefoot then land a clean gainer into the water. Grab your kayak, canoe or SUP and head upriver from the Saxapahaw Lake paddle access point on Jordan Drive. Kayaks and canoes can also be rented from the nearby Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company though prices are a bit steep. Head to the opposite side of the lake (west) and upstream about 1/4 mile. You'll pass a small outcropping of rocks before reaching the Godsons. They should be unmistakable-- no other nearby rocks are so obviously climbable. Haul your watercraft onto the bank but keep your life jacket on. Climbing on the rock and swimming are permissible, according to one of the employees at the Haw River Canoe and Kayak company. Upon return to the access point stay well away from the dam downstream. Many people have apparently died intentionally going over it in kayaks. There is very little current so there is no excuse for getting close to the dam. Please don't hurt the snakes. There are no cottonmouths/water moccasins this far west so the snakes you see are almost certainly harmless northern water snakes. If you're lucky you might see them catch a catfish.


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* Distances are approximations from location associated with the route.
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