Climbing Options in the Washington DC area?

Hey all, I'm moving to DC later this year and am curious about the best places in the area for outdoor climbing. Are there any good places in Northern Virginia or is the NRG the best option for weekend trips? Any advice appreciated!

Old rag isn't too far from you.

closest for sport is Elizabeth Furnace. Talking Head wall is great, but can get crowded due to the easy approach. Carderock And Great Falls have tons of stuff, but all TR with a bit of Trad. Super close to DC and its fun to climb along the river at Great Falls. Seneca is about 3.5 hours or so but a world class trad spot. NRG is a great weekend option, about 5 hours. I live in Arlington, let me know if you want more info.

Carderock is classic for the area and has very close approach from parking. Great falls is good as well. Both specialize in slick rock and thin holds (and crowds).

I've climbed at Old Rag once, mostly trad and has a 2hr approach so takes a commitment. Awesome granite, though.

Seneca is the only multi-pitch trad around.

I used to day trip to Cooper's Rock all the time from DC and wander the forest with my pad and boulder. Franklin Gorge is good. NRG is worth the drive obviously.

nlbaumgardner wrote: I've climbed at Old Rag once, mostly trad and has a 2hr approach so takes a commitment. Awesome granite, though.

Where did you park? If you use Berry Hollow parking it's about 2 1/2 or 3 miles to the summit. I would use White Oak Canyon parking before using the Weakly Hollow side.

To OP. If you go to Old Rag buy the Erik Horst guide book first. It's difficult or straight up impossible to find the crags without the book or someone who knows their way around. It is stellar granite climbing. The hiking trail is extremely popular especially on weekends but many of the routes aren't within sight from the hiking trail.

Fajita Dave wrote: Where did you park? If you use Berry Hollow parking it's about 2 1/2 or 3 miles to the summit. I would use White Oak Canyon parking before using the Weakly Hollow side.

I parked at weakly hollow like normal for the summit hike. 2hrs is a little slow, but with gear, the vertical, the crowds, and the struggle to find the routes, it took some time. I was using the Horst guide and still took some work to find my way to strawberry fields in the reflector oven.

It's also about 4 - 5 hours to the Gunks. So between the Gunks, Seneca, and the New, you've got your weekend destinations covered. For day trips, well... I'll let others answer...