Climb at Safe Harbor
Conestoga, Pennsylvania
Description
Added by Zinnia Xu
Great spot for slabby sport climbing with over 80 routes; 1.5 hour drive from Baltimore, 1.75 hour drive from Philadelphia, 2.25 hour drive from DC.
Directions: Drive to Safe Harbor. From Safe Harbor, take River Road south to Green Hill Road--this road is very windy. Drive towards Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve. When you reach the tunnel, park on either side of the tunnel. There isn't too much parking here so I'd suggest carpooling.
The trailhead is located on the uphill side of the tunnel, right next to the tunnel. Hike up and over the tunnel for 150 yards until you reach the rail trail. Take a right and walk along the rail trail for roughly 15 minutes until you reach the climbing walls. There will be a sign with climbing rules/regulations.
Description:
Safe Harbor South is an awesome local place for sport climbing. It's located at an old rail trail in Safe Harbor and is a couple hours drive from Baltimore, Philadelphia and DC. There are over 80 single pitch routes in 11 different sectors, ranging in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.12, but mostly around the 5.9-5.11 range. Most of the climbs here are slabby climbs-definitely a toe workout! There is a port-a-potty available near the later sectors. Consider bringing a crashpad--some of the first clips are higher up.
This is one of my favorite places to climb outdoors. Bring lunch and come for a day sport climbing trip! Remember, when you reach the top of the climbs, be sure to take a moment to look over the trees at the view of the river! Have fun and climb safe.
Helpful resources for the area:
Climbing Guide:
safeharborclimbing.com/SH-MiniGuide-Horst.pdf
safeharborclimbing.com
This is all information and resources for Safe Harbor South.
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Climb at Safe Harbor Reviews
This is probably one of the better locations for sport in PA. Much more solid rock than the bird. Hit it in the off seasons to reduce the heat. Give it a few days to dry out because the cracks leak after rain. Mostly slabby sport and it can be very crowded during the weekends. Yes, don't let your dogs run loose like any other climbing location. Autumn Arch was my favorite route out of all the climbs there after doing most of the top rated up to 11
4.0
I did my first 2 outdoor lead routes and it was a great spot to feel comfortable while pushing my boundaries! As an added bonus, I was able to bring my dog with me for moral support. There were a few other groups but not crowded at all in late February. I would suggest bringing layers as the wind and the sun make you sweat one minute and freeze the next.
4.0
It's summer... There is little to no shade and the rock stays hot. Unless burning slab is your style this place ain't the best. Plus if you have a dog... You have to tie him up and that's not cool. I heard there's some free climb over the water though... That's worth the trip :)
2.0
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