Pisgah Rock Climbing, North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest lies inside The Blue Ridge Mountains, which are some of the oldest mountains in the world and offer some amazingly diverse rock climbing. Throughout Pisgah is a variety of climbing areas from outcropped plutonic granite domes to rugged river-cut gorges. During any season of the year, you may find yourself balancing up smooth water grooves, jamming your hands into steep cracks, or pulling on jugs that could hold a truck. The southeast is a treasure trove of rock climbing and adventure for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels!

Climb with our experienced and highly trained guides. We are here to help you; challenge yourself, achieve your goals and have fun doing it with well planned guidance.

ROCK

  • Looking Glass Rock
  • Cedar Rock
  • Rumbling Bald
  • Linville Gorge
    • Table Rock
    • The Amphitheater
    • Shortoff Mountain
    • Hawksbill
    • THE LINVILLE CRUSHER
  • Whitesides
  • Laurel Knob

ICE

  • Hwy 215
  • Sam’s Knob
  • Celo Knob 
  • Whitesides 
  • Laurel knob

LOOKING GLASS
An impressive granite dome containing lines varying from low angle slab to steep Yosemite-style crack systems. 

Featured Climbs:

  • The Nose 5.8,  It may not be as long as the infamous Nose of El Capitan, but the Nose of Looking Glass is a worthy classic and one of the most popular multipitch climbs in NC (and for good reason!). 
  • Second Coming 5.7, a featured moderate on the South Side of Looking Glass that serves as a perfect introduction to multipitch trad climbing or a fun casual route to warm up for one of it’s more challenging siblings on the wall.
  • The Seal 5.10a, from thin cracks to balancy slab to powerful undeclings, the clean granite on this climb will give you a run for your money.

CEDAR ROCK
Similar in style to Looking Glass, but with a more adventurous approach. The main wall is west facing, so it’s relatively cool in the summer and somewhat warm in the winter. 

 

Featured Climbs:

  • Oh! Mr. Friction 5.6, allegedly Cedar Rock’s first climb! 

 

RUMBLING BALD

One of the best areas to climb in the winter because it stays relatively warm when it’s sunny. Tucked away in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the technical face and crack climbing alike lead to beautiful views of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure across the gorge.

 

Featured Climbs:

  • Fruit Loops 5.7, a perfect intro to crack climbing on the first pitch and a fun pitch of chimney climbing in the second pitch!
  • Family Wall 5.6-5.7, a good group area with fun featured face climbing
  • Drivin’ and Cryin’ 5.10a, if looking to challenge your thin technical face climbing skills, the small edges and crimps on this climb will test your balance all the way from your toes to your fingertips.

LINVILLE GORGE
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Linville Gorge is one of the most rugged gorges in the eastern part of the country. 

Featured areas:

  • Table Rock – probably the most easily accessible area in Linville Gorge, Table Rock offers lots of easy to moderate single and multi-pitch climbs on beautiful quartzite stone. 
  • The Amphitheater – while the actual climbing in the amphitheater is relatively easy, the approach makes the day feel very adventurous. If a big adventure or an alpine style day sounds appealing, climbing the Mummy, Daddy, and the Prow would be up your alley.
  • Short Off Mountain – positioned at the very end of the gorge, Short Off offers a lot of multi-pitch trad climbing in a variety of styles: Moderate cracks, pumpy overhangs, and steep face climbing.
  • Hawksbill Mountain – known for containing mostly harder climbing, Hawksbill is where locals may go to challenge themselves. Hawksbill has both challenging multi-pitch trad routes and steep sport climbing.

If you’re feeling extra ambitious and want to climb in every area Linville has to offer in one day, you should ask about the LINVILLE CRUSHER. 

 

WHITESIDES MOUNTAIN
An intimidating wall known for its stout grades, wild exposure and risky runouts between protection. Climbing this wall would certainly be an accomplishment.

Featured route: 

  • The Original Route 5.10c A0,

Climber to Guide Ratio, Pricing:
Prices are per person

Full Day Guided Rock Climbs/Courses (8hrs):
1:1 $350
2:1 $250
3:1 $200
4:1 $200

Full Day Top Rope Climbs :
1:1 $260
2:1 $180
3:1 $140
4:1-6:1 $100

Climber to Guide Ratio, Pricing:
Prices are per person

1/2 Day Guided Rock Climbs/Courses (4hrs):
1:1 $320
2:1 $230
3:1 $180
4:1 $180

1/2 Day Top Rope Climbs :
1:1 $230
2:1 $160
3:1 $120
4:1-6:1 $80

Client Expectations:
No prior experience necessary.

Included:
All climbing gear; shoes, harness, helmet, belay device, & locking carabiner. Bring your own gear if you have it.

Pricing includes an (AMGA) American Mountain Guides Association Certified Guide/Instructor. With other guide services, ask that your guide is certified by a third party like the AMGA.

Not Included: 
Transportation, clothing, food and travel/medical insurance.

Pikes Peak Alpine School operates under special use permits from the USDA Forest Service, Pike National Forest and is an equal opportunity service provider & employer

Back To Top