ROCK DIMENSIONS

Top-Rope Climbing and Rappelling Programs

 

Rock Dimensions offers top-roping programs that focus on the skills and unique experience of climbing outdoors on real rock cliffs.  We offer trips at locations in the Piedmont and Mountains of North Carolina, with convenient camping nearby.  Participants will learn necessary safety skills for an outdoor environment, along with terminology, climbing movement, useful knots, and rappelling and belay techniques.   Rock Dimensions trips are fun and engaging, providing a unique and exciting challenge for individuals of all skill levels.

 

  • LOCATION: Trips offered in the Piedmont and NC Mountains:  Crowders Mountain State Park,     Pilot Mountain State Park, Linville Gorge Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest, Wilson Creek Area, Pisgah National Forest

    Rock Dimensions operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the U.S. Forest service for guiding in Pisgah National Forest.

  • GROUP SIZE: Maximum of 10-17 participants, depending on location. There are many options for larger groups that can be discussed specifically with your group (different location, 2-day program, etc.). Group sizes are limited due to environmental impact concerns and   government restrictions, and to allow for maximum participation.

           

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Instruction in knots, harnesses, communication, belaying and climbing movement
  • Top-roping on 3-4 climbs, ranging from beginner to intermediate        
  • Belaying and backup belaying                      
  • Rappel instruction:  equipment, fireman’s backup belay, techniques
  • Rappelling on vertical and over-hanging rock faces using various rappel devices

           

ROCK DIMENSIONS PROVIDES:

  • Harnesses, Helmets, Ropes, Belay and Rappel devices, Anchoring equipment
  • Experienced climbing guides and instructors

 

COST:            4-8 participants:                    $75.00 each

                        9-12 Participants:                 $70.00 each

                        Participants after 12:            $65.00 each 

 

 

CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

            Crowders Mountain is located 25 miles west of Charlotte, near Gastonia, NC.  At an elevation of 1,625 feet, the 800-foot pinnacles of Crowders are actually a part of the Appalachian chain that formed millions of years ago.  On a clear day, Charlotte can be seen from the tops of these peaks.  The sheer cliffs abound with footholds and handholds for beginner and intermediate climbers.  Crowders Mountain is a good option for winter trips on its easy south facing rock sites.  Spring and fall are also great seasons. 

            A free private campground is available for Rock Dimensions Scout groups, including a covered shelter with lighting for convenient ground school training.  Facilities include bathrooms with sinks and an eating area with tables and benches.

 

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

            Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont near Winston Salem, N.C., with an elevation of 2421 feet.  Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it.  The mountain, dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range.  Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle.

            There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1/person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12/site.  Both campsites contain a table and grill/fire pit.  Call the park for reservations and information.

           

LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS

             Linville Gorge was formed by the Linville River, which now meanders some 2,000 feet below the gorge’s rim.  This wilderness area is part of Pisgah National Forest, located northwest of Morganton in the Mountains of N.C.   The gorge offers breathtaking views, a variety of climbing options, exciting rappels, and possibly a Tyrolean Traverse.  With an elevation of 3500 feet, in the summer, Linville Gorge is a nice break from the heat and humidity of the Piedmont.  Fall brings an array of colors to the forest, in addition to perfect camping weather.  In spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in beautiful bloom.

            Primitive camping, suitable for groups, is available about 1/8- mile from the parking lot and picnic area.  The Table Rock Picnic Area has pit toilets and picnic tables.  There is no water for cooking, cleaning or drinking. 

 

WILSON CREEK AREA

            The rugged and beautiful terrain of Wilson Creek is located in the Pisgah National Forest near the town of Linville.   With an elevation of 3400 feet, these cliffs offer awesome exposure and spectacular views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. 

            This setting is great for smaller groups and perhaps older Scouts who are looking for more of an adventure involving a short backpacking experience.  Camping is primitive with no facilities, and involves a 1/2-mile hike to the top of the ridge.   Campsites are located directly above the climbing sites, nestled among the trees of the cliff top environment with wide-open ridge views.

 

 

Rock Dimensions ~ 196 Foggy Hollow Rd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 ~ 888-595-6009 ~ ryan@rockdimensions.com

www.rockdimensions.com