The Rumble 2026

THE RUMBLE 2026 Presented by Fox Mountain Guides

March 6–8, 2026 • Rumbling Bald • Lake Lure, NC

Join climbers from across the Southeast for a weekend of competition and good climbing, all to benefit climbing access in the Carolinas

What’s Included

• Access to the best day of climbing of the year at the Bald
• Two nights of camping at Lake Lure Green Space
• Swag bag + event shirt*
• Sponsor village access
• Food, beer & post-comp hangs
• Raffles, prizes for competitors & stewardship opportunities

*Must register by t-shirt cutoff date February 12th, 2026

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Enhanced Competition Format

We've heard your feedback on how The Rumble comp could be improved, and this year you can expect:

• Improved competition scoring
• Enhanced categories
• Improved prizing tiers for competitors

BlocHaven Cash Prize – Open Category

For the first time ever, the Rumble features a cash prize purse in the Open category, sponsored by BlocHaven.

1st: $500 • 2nd: $250 • 3rd: $100

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Why The Rumble Matters

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene brought massive desctruction to the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock region — including Rumbling Bald, one of North Carolina’s most beloved climbing areas.

The Rumble 2026 marks the first major climbing competition to return since the storm.

By registering, traveling, and spending the weekend in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, you directly support:

• Local Lake Lure & Chimney Rock businesses
• Regional recovery and tourism
• Long-term stewardship of climbing access

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Building the Future: Lower Ghost Town

Just minutes from Rumbling Bald, the CCC’s newest climbing area — Lower Ghost Town — is being built for the future of our climbing community.

Your registration helps fund the following at Lower Ghost Town:

• Trail construction & access infrastructure
• Stewardship and environmental protection
• Paying off the land loan
• Long-term conservation of this iconic cliff

Draft Weekend Schedule

Friday March 6th

4:30 - 7 PM: Optional event check and camping at Lake Lure Green Space

Saturday March 7th

7 - 9:30 AM: Check in, light breakfast, pad loading, take shuttles up to Rumbling Bald parking lot.

10 AM: Event kickoff talk at Rumbling Bald parking lot

10:15 AM - 4:30 PM: Rumble Competition at Rumbling Bald

4:30 PM: All scorecards turned in

4 - 9:30 PM: Afterparty festival at Lake Lure Green Space: Vendor Village, raffle, dinner, beer, competition awards, overnight camping. 

Sunday March 8th

Ghost Town Post-Rumble Access Celebration

Meet at 9:00 AM at Chimney Rock Village public parking ($5). After a brief introduction, Mike Reardon and Dan VanBrocklin will lead a hike and orientation around the Lower Ghost Town cliffs.

The organized event ends after the tour. Attendees may stay to climb or hike on their own; climbing is not led by the CCC and is at your own risk.

10 AM: All tents packed up at Lake Lure Green Space

Volunteers Needed

• See volunteer opportunities and sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/RumbleVol26 
• Volunteers must sign up for at least 2 volunteer slots.
• Volunteers Incentives: Volunteers will receive a 10% discount code from the CCC for signing up as a volunteer. Volunteers are required to register for The Rumble via this event page. Volunteers will also get 2 drink tickets and 2 free raffle tickets. 

Equitable Access Scholarship: The Carolina Climbers Coalition in partnership with NC BIPOC Climbers is offering scholarships to encourage equitable participation in our 10th annual climbing competition - the Rumble! Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/RumbleEA26

Plan your Rumble strategy! Scorecards and guides can be viewed here (please note: guides linked here are from 2024. The 2026 Rumbe guide will be slightly different. We will update this link with the 2026 guide when it's available.)

The Rumble 2026 Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: Fox Mountain Guides

Supporting Sponsors: BlocHaven, Fox Cabins New Zealand, Triangle Rock Club, Mast General Store, BlueWater Ropes, La Sportiva, FirstHand Climbing, REI Asheville, Appalachian Climbing School

Cash Prize Purse Sponsor: BlocHaven

Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors of The Rumble 2026

• Town of Lake Lure
• Chimney Rock Management LLC
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Ground Up Sales: SCARPA, Petzle, Rab, Big Agnes
• Second Gear
• KAYA Climbing
• Mtn Dog Tees
• Appalachian Climbing School
• Ground Up Sales (SCARPA, Petzle, Rab, Organic, Big Agnes)
• Sterling Rope
• Whistle Hop Brewing
• Guayaki/Yerba Madre
• Coastal Climbing

 

FAQ'S:

Can I spectate or climb without registering? Spectators are welcome to come out and watch during the event. Non- registered climbers are welcome to climb at Rumbling Bald while the event is taking place. Spectators and Non-registered climbers will be shuttled up to the Rumbling Bald climbing access area AFTER all event participants and volunteers have arrived at the climbing area. These shuttles will likely start running for spectators climbers at around 10 am. Spectators must register at the non-competitor rate if they want a Rumble shirt and meals. 

Can I bring my pet? Pets are discouraged at the Rumble event. Pets are allowed to be on Chimney Rock State Park property, leashed at all times. 

Can I get a refund?  Please note that registration fees are non-refundable. This is a fundraiser for the Non-Profit organization Carolina Climbers Coalition. There is a lot of planning that goes into making this event safe and awesome. It takes a lot to organize an event of this nature/magnitude with linking partners from Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock Management LLC, Town of Lake Lure, Lake Lure Police, Lake Lure Fire Department, Lake Lure Town Council, Sponsors, Volunteers, and others.

Safety?  Please climb safe. Do NOT push your limits on safety, especially during the comp. If you are contemplating a climb that you know is at your limit and you know is not protected well, save it for another day. Please do not let the competition compromise your judgment in personal safety. If you see someone doing something that is clearly unsafe for them and their apparent skill level, say something in a supportive way that will steer their attention to more reasonable goals. All climbing is at your own risk. 

Will someone set up ropes for me or supply equipment for me?  No.

What if I just want to “enjoy the festivities” and camp? Camping is included with the participant's registration cost. Non-registered people can camp at the cost of $20 donation per person. Campers should check in and pay for the event at the Lake Lure Green Space Parks & Rec Building between 4-7PM on Friday or 7 - 8:30AM Saturday. 

Shuttles? Shuttles will leave Lake Lure Green Space beginning at 7:30 AM and bring competitors and spectators to Rumbling Bald throughout the day.

Do I have to be a CCC annual member to participate? No. But, if you believe in the CCC’s mission of protecting, preserving, and expanding climbing opportunities in the Carolinas, we hope you will consider becoming an annual member. CCC members also get a discount on registration in addition to several other tangible benefits. You can register for Rumble and get an annual membership by choosong the registration + annual membership option.

Why is the CCC putting on this event? The Carolina Climbers Coalition is committed to preserving, protecting and expanding our climbing opportunities in our region. The Rumble is our main event to raise money for our cause and engage with our awesome climbing community. The Town of Lake Lure, Village of Chimney Rock, and area businesses also love to see the influx of climbers coming to visit and patronize their businesses in the dead of winter. Our economic impact of climbers will help gain access to new areas within the greater region. An additional percent of proceeds raised during the Rumble will be given to a land conservation and access organization. 

Weather policy? The Rumble is an outdoor event and the weather can have a mind of its own. We reserve the right to adjust the competition dates and or time depending on the weather to ensure the safety of everyone involved. There could be delays in the start time for the event if the weather dictates that is the best course of action. We will post updates on the status of the comp, with regards to weather, on our website and social media platforms. All registered participants will also receive email updates. Make sure to check in often if weather looks to be an issue. If the event is canceled due to weather, your registration fee will go towards the CCC’s efforts of expanding, protecting and preserving climbing in the Carolinas.

Thank you to all volunteers, staff, registrants, and support people for helping us make this happen!