Rock Climbing and Bouldering of Western North Carolina

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Before you can enjoy the exhilaration and freedom of climbing in Western North Carolina, you must prepare for climbing by learning technical, physical, mental, and emotional skills that accompany this wonderful sport. This webpage can serve as a basic guide and starting point for your journey in acquiring these skills and enjoying the sport of climbing.

The Basics of Rock Climbing Safety

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Being Safe on the rock is paramount. Inspecting equipment regularly, double checking knots, buckles & anchor systems, using proper commands, and following up to date safety practices is important. Using common sense and not compromising safety, to satiate your ego, is what will allow you to enjoy rock climbing for years to come.

Learn More About Rock Climbing Safety

Discussion of Rock Climbing Ethics

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As with any activity ethics come into play when we are talking about rock climbing. One needs to use common sense, have respect, and obey the laws and rules of the climbing areas they visit. Learn about these issues and more in order to maintain access to WNC rock climbing areas.

Read More about the Ethical Concerns of Climbing

Determining the Appropriate Type of Trip for You

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Before you go climbing consider a few things first. Check to make sure where you are planning on going doesn't have closures. Know what the Focus of the Trip is (social, recreational, training, competition, spiritual). Consider the size of your party and how that might affect or impact other rock climbers in the area.

Read More and Decide What Kind of Trip is Right for You

Types of Climbing (Traditional, Sport, Ice, Mixed, Bouldering, Aide)

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Learn about the different types of Rock Climbing available in Western North Carolina, from Traditional and bouldering to Ice Climbing and Buildering.

Traditional, Sport, Bouldering, Aide, Ice, Mixed, Urban Climbing...Learn More

Types of Climbing Gear

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Learn about the gear that helps you enjoy the sports of climbing and bouldering. Also learn about taking care of your gear and rope.

Learn More About the Different Types of Climbing Gear

Ratings of Difficulty & Classes of Climbing

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Know the classes of climbing, free climbing ratings, and bouldering ratings. Learn and understand the Yosemite decimal system as well as the B-Ratings and V-Ratings. Educate yourself, climb hard, and climb safely.

Learn More About Climbing Classes & Ratings

Rock Climbing Spots of WNC

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Western North Carolina has excellent climbing opportunities with a slew of terrific climbing spots, including: Chimney Rock, Looking Glass, Cedar Rock, Snake's Den, Linville Gorge Area, Whitesides, Rumbing Bald, Shiprock, and Stone Mountain.

WNC Rock Climbing Locations

Bouldering Spots of WNC

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Western North Carolina has excellent bouldering opportunities with a slew of terrific bouldering spots, including: Rumbling Bald, Grandmother, Blowing Rock, The Dump, Winkler's Creek, John's Rock, Stone Mountain, Beacon Heights, and Hound Ears.

WNC Bouldering Locations

Local Outfitters

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Guide Services, Climbing Gyms and Training

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Great Web Resources for Climbers

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ABC-of-Rock Climbing: www.abc-of-rockclimbing.com
This is the best informational Rock Climbing site that we could find!

RockClimbing.com: www.rockclimbing.com
This page of RockClimbing.com will give you access to information about all recorded WNC Climbing Areas.

SoutheastClimbing.com: www.southeastclimbing.com
This page of SoutheastClimbing.com will give you access to information about a bunch of WNC Climbing Areas.

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