The Best Rock Climbing in North Carolina

Looking for the best rock climbing in North Carolina? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around North Carolina. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top rock climbing spots in and near North Carolina

Tuckasegee, North Carolina

Paradise Falls

4.3

1.5 mi

To the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...
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Walnut Cove, North Carolina

Hike and Rock Climb Moore's Knob

4.3

Looking for a shorter hike with stunning views, or a place to rappel with a backdrop like no other on the East Coast? Look no further than Moore's Knob, located within Hanging Rock State Park. Just North of Winston-Salem, Moore's Knob is one of the many wonders of the Sauratown Mountains. At 2579...
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Newland, North Carolina

Beacon Heights Overlook

5.0

0.71 mi / 105 ft gain

Beacon Heights is the perfect hike when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville and Grandfather Mountain, Milepost 305.2. The trail is a steady climb uphill for less than a half mile. The last section being fairly steep and rocky. Once at the top, there are several rock outcroppings, but...
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Otto, North Carolina

Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose

4.8

1.5 mi / 200 ft gain

From the parking area (fits about 6 cars) follow the trail on the same side of the road up the ridge through dense rhododendron. Several spur trails branch off of the main trail and lead to rock outcroppings with excellent views. Getting to the parking area is slow. The narrow gravel road winds...
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Morganton, North Carolina

Camp at the Chimneys in the Linville Wilderness

5.0

1 mi / 138 ft gain

The Chimneys area is a lesser-known camping destination within the Linville Wilderness. The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that rise above Linville Gorge and provide unobstructed panoramic views of the gorge and surrounding mountains. These rocks sit adjacent to Table Rock which hosts w...
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Lake Lure, North Carolina

Boulder at Rumbling Bald

4.5

1.5 mi

Located off of Boys Camp Rd. in Lake Lure, North Carolina, Rumbling Bald is a huge boulder yard that has been in use since the 1970's and has begun to flourish. Conveniently at the trail head is a gravel parking lot with three Port A Johns to use. Make sure you get to the parking lot early thou...
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Highlands, North Carolina

Hike the Whiteside Mountain Loop

5.0

2 mi / 595 ft gain

Whiteside Mountain is simply breathtaking, there is no way around it. Views of the mountain from the South expose its sheer granite face, which runs almost its entire length East-to-West. However, the views of the mountain are just the beginning, as this hike climbs to higher heights than just ...
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Highlands, North Carolina

Bouldering Granite City

5.0

0.3 mi / 96 ft gain

At the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around. Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall. This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...
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Pinnacle, North Carolina

Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP

5.0

Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly check and maintain all of the bolts located on all of...
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Cullowhee, North Carolina

Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina

0.9 mi / 258 ft gain

Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...
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Linville, North Carolina

Raven Rocks Loop

1.94 mi / 479 ft gain

Raven Rocks Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Linville, North Carolina.
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Hiddenite, North Carolina

Hollow Rock Trail

3.42 mi / 722 ft gain

Hollow Rock Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Taylorsville, North Carolina.
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Lake Lure, North Carolina

Rumbling Bald Loop Trail

1.38 mi / 387 ft gain

Rumbling Bald Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Lake Lure, North Carolina.
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Gastonia, North Carolina

Crowder Mountain via Tower Trail and Backside Trail Loop

2.74 mi / 630 ft gain

Crowder Mountain via Tower Trail and Backside Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Gastonia, North Carolina.
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Lake Lure, North Carolina

Weed Patch Mountain Trail

15.64 mi / 4078 ft gain

Weed Patch Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Black Mountain, North Carolina.
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Morganton, North Carolina

The Chimneys

1.67 mi / 233 ft gain

The Chimneys is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Morganton, North Carolina.
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