As a graduate of the Outdoor Ed program at Montreat College and my personal experience on Discovery, facilitating the climbing portion of this program is always very special for me. My first multipitch climbing experience was on Discovery just about 15 years ago! I remember waking up super early, not really knowing what was going on, then being told we were going to the Amphitheater to climb the Prow. I should add, we climbed in hiking boots! I was gripped to say the least but here I am all these years later, a certified Rock Guide, and a small climbing guide service owner, still at!
Last week I had the privilege of facilitating this portion once again. Day one was a great time warming up in the Devils Cellar with some single pitch climbing and belayed rappel. Getting a feeling for the climbing style of Table Rock and getting ready for the unknown coming on day two. Students are only somewhat in the loop on what’s coming next in this program, this helps to facilitate being in the present! So, on day two we went multipitch climbing!
In small groups we ascended Table Rock via Jim Dandy (5.4), Cave Route (5.3), and the North Ridge (5.5). Three super classic Routes on the East and North Face. This area is extra special to me in a large part because my own Discovery experience was one of my first times in Linville Gorge, and I will always remember the feelings I had during that time.
As I type this in my warm dry house, the 2026 Discovery students are still out there moving through the beautiful rugged Western NC landscape on the final week of their 21 day journey! Wishing y’all a safe and great home stretch!