South Carolina Climber's Fest 2024 11/22-24

UPDATE 11/21/24: SOLD OUT!!!!

Climbing. Community. Education. Stewardship. Access.

This year's South Carolina Climbers Festival carries special significance as the Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina communities recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. As we work together to rebuild, the festival will serve as an opportunity to gather and restore trail access to climbing areas in Table Rock State Park. It's also a chance for us all to come together, climb, and be with our community. 

We recognize that many are facing difficulties in the aftermath of Helene. We realize that many folks in our community were financially impacted by Hurricane Helene. Due to those impacts, this year's festival will feature a sliding registration scale. Additionally, all proceeds from the event will go directly toward rehabilitating and reopening climbing areas that are currently closed due to the hurricane's impact. 

Big thanks to our title sponsors Fox Mountain Guides! 

Registration includes:

• Access to community climbing at Big Rock and Table Rock State Park's Pumpkintown Area. 
• Access to climber education clinics (follow sign up links below)
• Car camping Friday 11/22 and Saturday 11/23 at Hagood Mill Historic Site.
• Breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning. Dinner Saturday night.
• Access to raffle (tentative)
• Access to BYO bake sale
• Access to community gear swap

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We need volunteers more than ever this year! Sign up here and please sign up for more than 1 slot if possible! 

Festival Information

When: November 22-24, 2024

Locations:

Table Rock State Park - please carpool to TRSP for stewardship and clinics. 

Hagood Mill Historic Site - tent camping on 11/22 and 11/23 is included in your event registration

Clinics:

Local guide services will host clinics at this year's event, with all proceeds going directly to the guides, who are facing challenges this season. Clinics will take place at Big Rock or Hagood Mill Historic Site. See info and sign up for clinics by following the links below:

- Single Pitch Rescue: Appalachian Climbing School 

- Intro to Trad: Fox Mountain Guides 

- Bolt Replacement Clinic: Appalachian Climbing School 

- Multi-Pitch Rescue Skills: Fox Mountain Guides

-  BIPOC Gym to Crag: Pisgah Climbing School (FULL) (November 24th)   

- Women's Gym to Crag: Pisgah Climbing School:  (specify the clinic you'd like to attend when filling out booking form)

- AlpineTools and Tricks: Pisgah Climbing School:(specify the clinic you'd like to attend when filling out booking form)

Issues registering for a clinic? Contact Alycia at aandrade@carolinaclimbers.org

Tentative Schedule

Friday 11/22: check in and set up camp at Hagood Mill

Saturday 11/23: Breakfast, Pumpkintown Trail Day at Table Rock State Park, climber education clinics at Big Rock, vendor village after party with dinner, N/A drinks, games, BYO bake sale, community gear swap, raffle (tentative).

Sunday 11/24: community climbing at Pumpkintown, clinics at Big Rock or Pumpkintown

Get Involved as a Partner:

The CCC is navigating uncertain times, and while we’ve removed financial contribution requirements, we welcome local businesses to sponsor or become event partners to support the mission behind this event, and the rehabilitation of climbing areas. Here are two ways to get involved:

1. Zero Cost Option: If you are a business connected with the climbing community and lost revenue due to Hurricane Helene, this option is for you. Set up a table in the vendor village at no charge. Enjoy the opportunity to engage with the community and potentially sell your products. To sign up as an event partner, visit: This Form. The vendor village will happen Saturday November 23rd from 5 - 9 PM at Hagood Mills Historic Site. 

2. Sliding Scale: Donate what you can (cash or in-kind) to the CCC, set up a table in the vendor village, and receive a social media shoutout for your support. To sign up as a sponsor at any level, visit: Sponsorship Form

We’d love to partner with you for this event and share in the opportunity to connect with our community!

Get Involved with the Bake Sale and Gear Swap

Bake Sale Sign Up

Gear Swap Interest

FAQ's:

FAQs

Will you set up climbs for me?: No. If you need guiding or climbing instruction, please register for one of the all inclusive clinics. 

What is Community Climbing?: Due to the nature of the festival and our crags, people will be climbing in close proximity to each other. We hope you're able to share beta, tips, and even share a rope! CCC board and staff does not provide any services for this activity other than offering beta on climbs if desired. If you do not have the skills to set up and lead climbs safely on your own, we urge you to take one of the educational clinics offered. 

Parking?: Parking will be very limited at Big Rock and Table Rock State Park. At Big Rock, expect to park in the lower parking lot on the corner of E Preston and Nine Times Rd. At Table Rock State Park, following parking instructions outlined earlier in this email.

Rain?: In the event of a storm, we will cancel the event. We can not offer refunds, but your registration fee will be used to maintain and gain access to our many climbing areas. 

Kid-friendly?: Yes, we love kids

Dog-friendly?: Sort of. No barking dogs and dogs on leash at all times, please.  

Will you be serving alcoholic beverages?: No, we are unable to provide alcoholic beverages at this year’s SC Climbers Festival. This is an alcohol-free event.

Is there an SC Climbers Festival t-shirt?: Due to financial constraints, this year’s event does not include a custom t-shirt. However, we encourage you to support the CCC’s Helene work by purchasing our WNC Strong t-shirt through our partnership with RECOVER. Get yours now: https://recoverbrands.com/products/rs100249504