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Olive Oyl

5.8, Trad, TR, 80 ft (24 m),  Avg: 2.3 from 4 votes
FA: David Carrier, Paul Meehan
Maryland > Harper's Ferry > Balcony Rock
Warning Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures; Road Closures. See nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/… DetailsDrop down

Description

Start anywhere to the right of the small tree and stone block at the base of cliff, about 5 feet right of J. Wellington Wimpy. There are at least four variations to the start in the next 20 feet. The leftmost start is about 5.9, and the start gets easier as you go to the right. The rightmost start is about 5.6. Climb straight up to the brushy ledge about 30 feet up. Travel left along the ledge to the base of a blocky face about 15 feet wide. Climb up this face anywhere between the arête to the left and the pine tree to the right. It’s about 60 feet to the top.

Location

Start anywhere to the right of J. Wellington Wimpy. Finish on the large ledge 10' down from the top.

Protection

Toprope anchor on the big block to climber's right of the large ledge 10' below the top, using a very long static line. You can use this same anchor for all routes from Popeye's to Olive Oyl. Be sure your master point hangs over the lip to avoid abrasion and rope drag. Rappel down so you can redirect the rope around the appropriate blocks and notches. You may want to sling the pine tree to redirect the rope and avoid a nasty pendulum fall.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

One of several possible starts to Olive Oyl. Easier variations to the right.
[Hide Photo] One of several possible starts to Olive Oyl. Easier variations to the right.