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isagani
Nov 13, 2010, 1:51 PM
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Registered: Jan 29, 2007
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Hi,
I'm going to visit my stepdad in Southern Maryland for Thanksgiving and offered to take him and his brother out climbing. I was just wondering where I could take them (Both Novices) that would have easy top rope routes with easy cliff top/bottom access. I don't want to have to teach rappelling or worry about them on difficult 4th class terrain. I have plenty of static line and webbing so I can build TR anchors on trees/rocks from approximately a mile away if need be. I was thinking Carderock or Great Falls on either the MD or VA side, any suggestions? Where would it be less crowded? I really don't like climbing around big crowds, but I don't know if that's an option this close to the capital. (At least we're planning on getting out the day after Thanksgiving, I feel like not too many people will be out that day.) Thanks for any suggestions!
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KiloMike
Nov 17, 2010, 1:52 AM
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Registered: Apr 12, 2007
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Great Falls is pretty good. Not the easiest downclimbing but can be done. I took a bunch newbies out there and didn't have too much of a problem. Enjoy. Hope the weather is good for you
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cwo2
Nov 17, 2010, 2:40 AM
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Registered: Jul 9, 2007
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Carderock is easier to navigate, but also consequently more crowded.
You might also consider Sugarloaf Mtn: lots of easy/ moderate routes with short approaches to the base.
-Carl
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cclarke
Nov 17, 2010, 4:26 AM
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Registered: Apr 25, 2003
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Carderock is probably a bit easier for first timers and you can also probably share topropes with people if the weather is good.
It won't be crazy crowded but there will be other folks there if it's not raining. A sunny day in late November can offer the best possible conditions for that little crag.
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edvictorious
Nov 17, 2010, 2:48 PM
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Registered: Aug 10, 2010
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It's a bit of a coin toss with crowds here; especially at Carderock with its easy, short approach and no entry fee. I'd recommend shooting for Great Falls Park (VA side), maybe Sandbox area. It's got a good collection of easy routes and isn't listed in some guidebooks. This and the fact that there aren't really any hard routes make it less popular so you might end up being the only people there. No sketchy 4th class down climbs either (we have a few of those in other areas, though).
Another nice thing about Great Falls is that there's a climber's kiosk at what is called the climber's lot (sharp right U-turn right after the gate) where people sign in. Taking a look at this you'll know what areas are occupied and what areas aren't.
Have fun!
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erclimb
Nov 17, 2010, 3:17 PM
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Registered: Aug 23, 2002
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it depends on the temp...you'll get afternoon sun at carderock and you're generally protected from the wind
great falls only has a few climbs with good sun and only early in the morning this time of year...there's almost always a breeze in the gorge and only a few places to avoid it...the exposure can also be freaky, couple that with the cold and it can be a miserable time for beginners
i prefer to do my late season climbing at carderock; it won't be too crowded tg weekend and people are good about sharing
sugarloaf is good, too...cooler because of the elevation but better rock
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isagani
Nov 19, 2010, 1:13 PM
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Registered: Jan 29, 2007
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Hey thanks for all the suggestions guys! I have the Falcon Guide for Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland I still have to take a look through it and make up my mind. I think I'm leaning a little towards Carderock and going to try and brave the crowds the day after thanksgiving. Hopefully everyone will be out shopping and not climbing...
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hyhuu
Nov 19, 2010, 2:06 PM
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Registered: Jul 25, 2001
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Well if you don't go there then it will definitely be a little less crowded.
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