Good area for beginner top roping?

[acrosteve]

Hello

I am planning a trip this weekend with my brother in law and our two 10 year old boys and wondered if I could get some suggestions for a good spot for some short - 20-30', "easy" - 5.0 or lower and good quick access to the top.

We are likely camping in the Grey's arch area

Thanks

[clif]

I think there's some wall in the Miller fork that has what your looking for, practice [correction: the nursery] wall? maybe a couple in muir, guide wall? use the search feature on this site. also, for better or worse, there seems to be a effort to direct people to this website for visitor information:

http://www.heartofthekentuckyriver.com/

though I don't think they are prepared to offer guidance on routes, maybe a snack while you think about it?

just tried the 'advanced' search here with 'toprope' being the only criteria and neither of those walls came up in the results...

[MurphMan]

So 5.0 or lower is pretty much no longer climbing. If you're looking for some fun scrambling, I'd recommend checking out Indian Staircase and Cloudsplitter. Link them together and you have a pretty solid half-day hike with some great views and fun scrambles. I'd also check out Courthouse Rock, although the scramble up that is a bit tougher with fairly dire consequences if you slip. It's definitely doable without a rope (I've never used one), but I've seen people top roping after a leader soloed or trad climbed it.

As for actual climbing, I think Practice Wall has quite a few routes that can be set up on top rope. Don't quote me on that though. Otherwise most of the Red is sport climbing.

[Rx2Climb]

Practice Wall is your best bet...most routes are short and easier.
http://www.redriverclimbing.com/RRCGuid ... all&id=135

[DrRockso]

Top rope routes at practice wall are right where the approach trail meets the cliff. To access the top ledge walk left and then right following the cliff. 3 or 4 sets of anchors up there.

[whatahutch]

I sent you a message, acrosteve. Enjoy the climbing and be safe.

[Josephine]

The Red is not a good top rope area. New River Gorge offers many top ropes. The only area in the Red that offers short easy TR is practice wall; however, there's no "5.0 or lower." I would recommend indian staircase in that national forrest for scrambling.

[acrosteve]

Thanks guys - I have been out of touch for a couple of days, but I am starting to gather things up and sort of finalize my plans.

I seem to be unable to send a private message - I can read the ones I receive, but cannot compose or reply.

Though I have not been to the gorge in over 15 yrs, I do remember that spots like I am looking for might be hard to find just hiking around a few trails without a plan. So thanks for the info.


Patrick, thanks for the info and offer - sounds like a possibility, but I am also considering Muir Valley and won't have time for both.
So, the Miller Fork area is a separate area - off of 11 a few miles south of Muir?

I am looking for something mostly for the boys, as I am packing too many lbs to be much of a climber now.

Thanks for the info - Practice Wall seems like a good possibility

[acrosteve]

Thanks for the tips. We had a great time on the Front Porch and Practice Wall. All of us where able to climb 5.4 even with regular hiking boots.

Definitely will be back.