Contrary to popular belief, winter climbing is excellent in Western North Carolina, especially in the Asheville/Hendersonville region. I’m often asked the question, “So what do you do in the winter?” and my response is always the same: ROCK CLIMB!! I look forward to winter rock climbing all year long. There are a number of reasons for this, one being that many of our climbing areas in Western North Carolina are south-facing and are blessed with constant winter sun! Another reason is the weather is typically much drier and more predictable! In this region, we often have blue skies throughout the whole winter season.
Alright, let’s get to the point, here are my top three areas for winter climbing:
Rumbling Bald
“The Bald” is arguably the best winter location in WNC. It’s located a 30-45 minute drive from Asheville and Hendersonville, and an hour and 15 minutes from Greenville, South Carolina. Rumbling Bald is a south-facing, low-elevation climbing area in the Chimney Rock State Park region of Hickory Nut Gorge. On a 40-degree day, it is not uncommon to climb here in a T-shirt. Due to its aspect, the rock bakes in the sun and creates what I call “micro-ovens” — little pockets of heat that are just perfect for dead-of-winter climbing. It’s also home to one of the best boulder fields in the south! Rumbling Bald is my home crag and favorite place to climb all winter long. You’ll find me here at least a few days per week during the late fall and winter seasons!
Big Rock Mountain
Big Rock, like Rumbling Bald, is south-facing and lower elevation. Located in Pickens, SC it gets all the benefits of a southern winter including blue skies and warm sun. Big Rock is also located a short drive from Asheville and Hendersonville, about one hour and some change. Weather conditions aside, this area has an overall amazing feel, like being in a giant boulder field perched on the mountainside.
The South Face of Looking Glass Rock
“The South Side” is the best winter multi-pitch location in the region. It is south-facing in aspect and pleasantly warmed by the sun. Home to some excellent multi-pitch routes, this is my go-to spot for getting up off the ground! A bonus fact, this area usually has fewer climbers in winter due to the 475b gate closure, which results in an extra 10-15 min of walking, so we often get the place all to ourselves! So worth it!
Honorary Mentions
These areas are honorary mentions because they are either not fully south-facing, or are at higher elevations, but share some of the same factors that make them good for winter climbing. They are both in the Linville Gorge are, located 1-2 hours from Asheville, Hendersonville and Boone.
Shortoff Mountain: “Shortoff” is an excellent adventure climbing location in Linville Gorge. Although the aspect of this cliff line alternates, there are a few routes that get sun the majority of the day. Routes like “Construction Job” and “Straight and Narrow” are good-to-go in the winter and are classics to boot!
Table Rock: The east face of Table Rock is home to some wonderful moderate multi-pitch routes. The east face gets sun the majority of the day and the shorter routes are often blocked from the wind as well.
Don’t just take my word for it! Let’s get out on the rock this winter and I’ll change your mind. Book a guided single-pitch, multi-pitch, or private instruction day with Guillard Climbing online or over the phone at (828) 214-5194.