Rocks and Ropes

Downtown Greenville is in dire need of a good rock climbing gym. At one time there were two, Urban Crags and Rocks and Ropes. Urban Crags closed down years ago and Rocks and Ropes has now moved from Main St. to the Blue Ridge area, but it is now open for business. Seems to me the new Ray Kroc Center would be a good place for a rock climbing gym (and a skate park). 


Distance from downtown Greenville: 14 miles.



View Larger Map

Climbmax Climbing Center

Located in downtown Asheville, this is primarily an indoor bouldering facility but they do have this 3 story climbing wall located just outside the climbing gym.



Distance from downtown Greenville: 63 miles.


View Larger Map

Looking Glass Rock

Located between Brevard and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Looking Glass Rock is "a pluton formed by underground volcanic activity," according to the sign at the overlook on the parkway. It's called Looking Glass, because when it's wet it reflects light like a large mirror. There are three ways to the top. You can climb up the side, you can take a five mile hike starting here or you can reach it by helicopter as there is a large helicopter pad near the top. (This is used to rescue climbers who have fallen so unless you're a paramedic, don't count on this option.)

The view from the top is nice but there are nicer views on the way up via some side trails so check those out. There are also a few decent places to camp near the top. Just make sure you don't sleep walk, as there is nothing to keep you from falling off the side.

Distance from downtown Greenville: 59 miles


View Larger Map

U.S. National Whitewater Center

The new National Whitewater Center located in Charlotte, NC is an artificial river with class 1-5 rapids used for training kayakers and rafters. According to the current issue of Backpacker Magazine, kayakers are coming from all over the world to train here.











The park also contains 11 miles of hiking/mountain biking trails and a five story rock climbing wall.
















Location: N 35° 16.350 W 081° 00.358
Distance from downtown Greenville: 95 miles
Local Geocaches

James Island Rock Climbing Wall

This 50 foot outdoor climbing wall is located at James Island County Park in Charleston, SC. The park also contains a small lake for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, hiking trails, camping and a water park.

Location: 32°44'9.91"N 79°59'11.69"W
Distance from dowtown Greenville: 218 miles
Local Geocaches