LOOKING GLASS ROCK
Nestled in the heart of the vast Pisgah National Forest in the southern Appalachian mountains , Looking Glass Rock is among the best North Carolina rock climbing areas . The 500-foot-tall granite dome has been drawing North Carolina rock climbers for nearly a half-century thanks to the diversity of climbing styles found at the five different rock climbing areas .
When it comes to trad climbing , North Carolina is renowned for its bold , ground up climbs that oftentimes tread a thin line between frightening and fun . While Looking Glass is certainly no exception to the standard , the wide variety of climbing found at the four different areas provide a wide-range of classic climbs of all grades , from 5.5 slabs to 5.13 + testpieces .
For beginners at Looking Glass , the numerous horizontal eyebrows that are the signature feature of the towering batholith offer plentiful , but sometimes-tricky placements that lead to some fun , exciting climbing that is certain to provide a good introduction to the area ’ s unique style of climbing . For climbers in search of splitter cracks and Yosemitelike corners to jam and stem their way up , look no further as there are more than a few of those to be found lurking among the expansive sea of granite as well .
Tucked away beneath the 500-foot-tall North Face of Looking Glass Rock are a handful of classic boulder problems well worth a visit . Thanks to the blocky granite of Looking Glass , the boulders have a unique style unlike most other areas in WNC . Classic climbs can be found in the V2 to V8 + range with a good selection of moderates that offer plenty of options to keep most boulderers busy for a few sessions as they work out the moves on the unique granite blocks found below Looking Glass Rock .
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