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Carderock

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About Carderock:

Carderock is a part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. It is located on the Potomac River between Vaso Island and the Canal along the Billy Goat Trail.There is no fee to enter the Park. The rock is micha-schist and ranges from 30-50 Ft.with the majority of the climbs about 35 ft. There is a good variety of features in this small area, aproxiamately 200 yds. of friction slabs, overhangs, and cracks. A predominately low angle base makes this an excellent area for bouldering. While the rock is stable, it is not recomended for trad climbing because the protection will slip or break out. Bring enough anchor for trees about 20-30 ft. from the edge of the cliff. There are 35 routes 5.5 to 5.8 and 65 routes from 5.9 to 5.12. Many of the routes can be climbed from the same anchor, providing for good warm-ups and challanges for climbers of all abilities. Carderock can be very crowded on weekends in good weather.
Nearest town or city: Cabin John
Directions: Directions: From I-495, Take exit #13 to the Clara Barton Parkway, on the Maryland side of the Potomac near Cabin John. Follow the Parkway North to the first exit, Carderock Recreation Area. At the top of the ramp turn left across the Parkway, right to go under the canal, stay right to the last parking lot.
Latitude, Longitude: 38.97516, -77.20814
Access Issues:
Camping: None
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs: Lifetime

Topo Images

No route specified Nubble Face
No route specified No route specified

Most Recent Photos (See all 25 photos)

No route specified No route specified Trudies Terror
Trudies Terror
Beginners Crack

Most Recent Video

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Forum Discussions (14 posts)

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
No Replies **CORRECTION TO DIRECTIONS** Evandoyer 0 Jun 29 2015, 8:27 PM
With Replies current CR conditions? Pdawgy 2 May 17 2011, 2:44 PM
No Replies Wash. D.C. partner(s) wanted - Carderock/Great Falls - 6/15 to 6/19 i_h8_choss 0 May 31 2010, 3:06 PM
With Replies 20 - 30 ft anchors? zsmith2 5 Jul 04 2009, 1:49 AM
No Replies Looking for partner Aug 2-11!!! saber199 0 Aug 02 2008, 12:55 AM
No Replies Camping? mor1642 0 Jun 19 2008, 4:13 PM
With Replies Carderock Trad, yeah...Trad climbing! lofstromc 5 Feb 26 2009, 1:44 AM
With Replies Carder Rock Boldering Guide? jhernand 3 Apr 04 2007, 2:42 PM
No Replies DC climbers - Carderock! mrtristan 0 Jul 04 2005, 8:11 PM
No Replies Where to buy the Carderrock, MD guidebook. virginia_alpinist 0 Feb 12 2005, 8:25 PM
With Replies Carderock Conditions moeman 1 Mar 08 2004, 2:48 AM
With Replies Rob's Book binerbaby 7 Nov 27 2001, 12:48 AM
With Replies New Guide Changes Long Established Ratings from the 40's redpointadventures 5 Feb 20 2003, 2:31 AM
With Replies Bolting at Carderock redpointadventures 21 Feb 23 2004, 3:54 AM