Linville Gorge Bouldering

I've only been down into the gorge to boulder a couple of times, both without the help of a guide or a map. Even without a guide, it was fun just to wander around and scope out the possibilities. Back when I was there a couple of summers ago, there was very little chalk anywhere; you pretty much found a boulder, chose a line that looked good, and tried to climb. It's a fun adventure and the surroundings are hard to beat. The second time I made the hike in, it was starting to rain so I only got a couple of lines in before we had to bail. So I'm looking forward to exploring more in August after my move to Boone. For now, I thought I'd put together a collection of beta on the area.

First, a few videos to show ya the sweetness that is gorge bouldering. Here are a couple nice ones from DPM:


Linville Gorge North Carolina - Project Day from Werd on Vimeo.


The Wataugan(V12) from Nate Draughn on Vimeo.



Here's the trailer that LVM Rock made for their movie on climbing in the gorge. There's some great footage of the bouldering included, so check it out (and keep an eye out for some of the crazy highballs!):


Summer Ascents 08 from lvmrock on Vimeo.


Now for the beta:

Mike Stam has set up a online guide on his blog that shows problems and locations for TONS of bouldering in Linville Gorge. Mike has been developing problems in the gorge for years, and this site is a great resource for anyone wanting to get down there and explore. Get your adventure bouldering hat on, as well as yer swim trunks, and check out this guide:

movementonstone.blogspot.com

For a bit more info, including obviously important directions into the different bouldering areas, see UpstateBouldering's post on the gorge (Thanks, Brad):

http://upstatebouldering.blogspot.com/2009/10/wnc-local-spot-linville-gorge.html

Boulder photos: Mike Stam


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