Champe Rocks

Post by **overhung** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 6:02 pm

Anyone ever climbed there? I know the guidebook says it's off to climbing, because of crossing private property. Anyone?

Post by **captain static** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:43 pm

I have been to Champe Rocks to stare in awe at the route called "Psychotic Reaction" but did not climb. We used swim there because there is a nice swimming hole and we were friendly with the owners. Something happened way back when that pissed the owners off on letting people cross their property and that was the end.

Post by **TradMike** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:19 pm

They don't own the river. That's the only way back there, currently. Some people canoe in and don't dare cross the private property. It's three Seneca's stacked on top one another.

Post by **TradMike** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 9:10 pm

Here's the topo

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=38. ... atum=nad83

Post by **young'n climber** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:29 pm

What or Where is Champe Rocks?

Post by **TradMike** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:53 pm

It's only one of the tallest climbing areas in the east. The fin in the back is 850 feet tall. It's 4 miles north of Seneca in West Virginia.

Post by **overhung** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 8:09 pm

Anyone up for some sneaky business? There has to be access without crossing the private property.

Post by **ynot** » Thu Jun 23, 2005 10:23 pm

Whoa! that looks awesome!

Post by **agrigabe** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:39 am

I knew a couple guys who have climbed Champe Rocks, and they said it's awesome. They said to either canoe in or get someone to drop you off early or late to cross over the private property. The road runs parallel to the river there for several miles, so you can probably find a fence row to follow to cross over to the river and hike in as long as you don't have to leave a vehicle. That's what I've heard, but of course the folks at the Gendarme will tell you the latest on access.

Post by **Bashie** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:42 pm

Yes, It's legal to climb there, because the National Forest Service owns it (we own it). There are about 10 farms that are privately owned, between the road and the North Fork River. Mrs. Harper used to let us cross for a while in the 90's, but then the son in law talked her into closing access. Check with the Gendarme - I heard there may be a renter along the strip that will let you in without a hassle. I've done the running trespass before. There is a curve in the road. You can go under the road through a culvert, and run along a big birm in the field. Bring a water purifier and camp. There are about 40 routes in there - trad, mixed and sport. Crossing the river in spring can be sketchy - cold and deep. Should be fine right now.