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NC - Table Rock - Rappel descent from lunch ledge

Original Post
Dave Baker · · Wiltshire, UK · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 303

I know that two other means to get off the lunch ledge exist:
- the downscramble / gully descent
- block route to lightning ledge and walk up

In the event that I don't wish to take either of these, does anyone have an opinion on the best way to rappel off of the lunch ledge?

In looking at the diagram in "climbers guide to north carolina" on p 152 I see two real candidates.

1. Double rope rap on 2x70 (do 2x60 reach?) from Jim Dandy p3 anchors to the ground
2. Two single rope raps from Jim Dandy anchors, moving over to either Cave Route or Helmet for an intermediary rap station

Has anyone done either of these?  Would you recommend either one?  Maybe there are new bolts since that book (it's likely!) and another option exists?

If I were closer, I'd just rap each option and work it out by myself, but with a 4hr drive each way I'd rather spend more time climbing and less time rappelling.

Allan Ange · · Sylva, NC · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 0

Don’t forget My Route to the top which can be done in two pitches. Best way off lunch ledge is walkoff via gully imho. Not sure about the shenaningins involved in rapping off.

Brie Abram · · Celo, NC · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 493

The anchors at the top of Jim Dandy would have you rapping down through trees and low angle stuff at the top, and a stuck rope is fairly likely. The gully is trivial and the way to go. It even has an unnecessary fixed rope for hand over hand support through the short steepest section

Drew Hayes · · Charlotte, NC · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 110

From the P3 anchors of Jim Dandy, you can do two double rope rappels to the ground. I think the first rap puts you at the top of Helmet Buttress (the Slippin into Darkness anchors?).

I'll second what Allan said above - climbing My Route to the top in 2 pitches. Those are great pitches.

Chuck Parks · · Atlanta, GA · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 2,190

The only times I've ever rappelled off the Lunch Ledge, we did one rappel with 2 60m ropes to the p1 ledge on Helmet Buttress/Slippin' into Darkness, and then a second rappel with a single 60m rope to the ground. That's probably the fastest, least-complicated way if you're going to rap. I think you'll find walking off to be faster though.

Dave Baker · · Wiltshire, UK · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 303

Thanks, all!

The fixed rope is gone as of earlier this year, though, and with the knowledge that a double rope rap doesn't even put me on the ground, that's reason enough to either suffer the gully or enjoy the summit en route to the base again.

A very good point that My Route to the top is probably more enjoyable than Block Route and the scramble.

nbrown · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 7,967

I can't imagine anyone (climber) really needing that fixed rope to descend the gully. It's is a super easy, barely 3rd class descent. Should be the fastest way down by far.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Southern States
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