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We're heading out to Blowing Rock, NC the last week of June and I'm planning on doing an easy multipitch trad route in Linville Gorge (probably something at Table Rock). We're also planning on doing some bouldering near Blowing Rock.

Wondering if anyone has any beta on either of these plans. I've done the search function and found a 'beta' thread that did not appear to have any actual beta but had some freaking sweet pictures. I've also checked out mountain project, but that got me lost as fuck when I was Arizona last month. The website I keep seeing pop up, www.ncbouldering.com, just takes me to some weird ad page. Might be defunct.

Basically just wondering what's worth getting on at Table Rock, what kind of protection is needed (think I'm good on that, but open to suggestions), and whether it's manageable to have two climbers follow. Also seeking general bouldering recommendations around Blowing Rock.

Incidentally, if anyone's out there that week and feels like meeting up, shoot me a PM. Even more incidentally, I'm also open to bar/restaurant suggestions.

Thanks


Ben

pm me.

Table rock - my route, jim dandy, cave route and the finish to those off lunch ledge (not sure of the name) are all bolted (but not sport!) routes. Mellow climbing, great exposure, and big ledge half way up to hang out on. White lightning to north ridge as an amazing 5.8 gear route.

If you get out into the gorge then, mummy, daddy and the prow are doable in a day if you move fast.

And, if you are into bouldering, the new, hip hot spot is actually in lineville. I think DPM had a bit of beta on it. Looks rad for sure!

Not much right around lineville, but the tarten serves a nice tasty, greasy country breakfact. If you get into boone, the the black cat is a great place.

i've got a NC guidebook if you want to borrow it, PM me if yes. I went down to Linville for a long weekend last year, lots of fun.

Ditto Wes' comments on Table Rock. If you're looking for easy & pleasant climbing, do Jim Dandy or Cave Route to the Lunch Ledge then finish up on My Route (5.6) - some nice exposure on My Route. There is one natural belay on My Route, so take a small rack up with you. Gets you a total of 6 pitches between the two routes. It's an easy walk-off down the hiker's trail from the top.

definitely get on white lightning/true grit at table rock, and i would also highly recommend second stanza and hidden crack (not as hard to find as it sounds).

i also concur that the mummy and the daddy are both excellent, easy, and well protected.

and if i were you i would stay away from blowing rock boulders. it is hot, humid, and insect infested often times in the summer. go check out grandmother mountain boulders.

definitely get on white lightning/true grit at table rock, and i would also highly recommend second stanza and hidden crack (not as hard to find as it sounds).

i also concur that the mummy and the daddy are both excellent, easy, and well protected.

and if i were you i would stay away from blowing rock boulders. it is hot, humid, and insect infested often times in the summer. go check out grandmother mountain boulders.

Thanks for the replies everyone. PM's have been sent.

Gripster, I was under the impression that blowing rock humidity wouldn't be so bad, being at around 6,000 feet. How is it compared to RRG? I'm in Cincy, which is pretty comparable to RRG, i.e., miserably humid in the summer, so just about anything would be a step up.

Barnacle Ben-the boulders are closer to 3300 feet, not 6,000 feet. I doubt however that the blowing rock boulders are any more miserable than the rrg as far as humidity goes, but the bugs really can be terrible and completely ruin your day. grandmother will be better, stay away from lost cove as well.

if you are feeling adventurous then go check out wonderland (you can find directions online if you look, and deadpoint magazine did a whole article on the place an issue or two ago) which will be hot, but is at least by the river.

by the way the best place to climb routes in the summer in the boone area is shiprock. buy a copy of the harrison/shull guide for more information. i might be able to meet you for some trad climbing there while you are in the area, just pm me when you get closer to coming down.

sorry i forgot to promote the delicious local restaurants:

(All in Boone by the way), check out

Black Cat Burrito (cheap, good)
Coyote Kitchen
Boone Saloon (local favorite bar)
Some Thai restaraunt, it's the only one in town so just ask
Espresso News has the best coffee
Melanie's for breakfast, super good
Stickboy bread company used to have an awesome deal, foccacia, cookie, and drink for $3 lunch special

Have fun