Linville Gorge Rock Climbing Trip Highlight
Last week, some of our rock climbers spent a few days in the Linville Gorge wilderness area of North Carolina! They climbed, belayed, rappelled, and enjoyed time in this beautiful natural setting with friends.
Some call this area “the Grand Canyon of the East”, because of the dramatic cliffs and rocky crags. The land is protected by the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area designation, and thanks to the Wilderness Act of 1964 it was one of the first places to be included in the National Wilderness System.
Scuba, Ollie, and Matthew were the counselors leading the adventure, along with Jack (Cabin 25), Frank (Cabin 26), Blake (Cabin 10), Asher (Cabin 28), Andrew (Cabin 25), William (Cabin 34), and Forrest (Cabin 34).
On the first day, they arrived and went to “Table Top” to rappel down into the “Devil’s Cellar,” a small hole at the bottom of the gorge.
On Thursday, they headed to “Jim Dandy,” for a multi-pitch climb where campers were also able to belay each other up the mountain. As they walked back to the campsite, they mentioned enjoying being able to see some jets flying through the sky. They fueled up with plenty of food for dinner and finished the night with s’mores.
On Friday, they traveled up to “Sunset Chimneys”, which included top-rope climbing with three ropes and routes to choose from. One of the routes was a much harder climb, and all the campers gave it a decent try.
What were the best parts according to campers?
- “The different views from the multi-pitch climb” - Jack
- “Belaying, climbing, and the views” - Frank
- “Pluggers (bagels with cream cheese and pepperoni) and multi pitching” - Blake
- “Rappelling into the gorge by overcoming fears” - Asher
- “Multi pitch climbing” -Andrew
- “Multi pitch and eating pluggers, plus the hiking down” - William
- “Rappelling on the first night” - Forrest
They were able to work on their outdoor skills and climbing skills, specifically practicing ATC belaying and top belaying, knot tying, rappelling, and slab climbing. We’re looking forward to all the adventures that this final week of camp holds!
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