Raven Rock

CCC Area Rep: Shannon Millsaps smillsaps@carolinaclimbers.org

Directions:

A parking address is included in the gate code email once you fill out your waiver.  You will see the locked gate right where the pavement turns to gravel. Unlock the gate, drive down the newly graveled driveway into the parking area. Do not park outside the gate and park smart. The CCC just completed the regrading and gravel of the parking lot. If the parking lot is full, go to a different climbing area close by like Little Bearwallow Falls, Rumbling Bald, Eagle Rock, or Buffalo Creek.

What to expect:

High quality, densley packed routes from 5.8-5.13d. 50+ routes, some bouldering, and even some ice climbs. Spring, summer, fall area with a shortish approach. The area needs extensive work with graffiti clean up, trails, parking reimbursements, etc. Please consider a donation to help us in opening this great area.

Access & Climbing Notes:

In April 2023, the CCC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the land owners of Raven Rock & Hickory Creek Boulders, outlining stewardship, climbing, and access improvements. This area is private property, with access-amicable land owners. Please know that with all climbing areas, our access is fragile and our goal is to be a positive force for the land and community. Over the last 10+ years, Raven Rock has seen unsightly and unprecedented destruction by local vandals, illegal dumpers, and invasive species. The CCC is working to clean up the mess while solidifying climbing access at Raven Rock and Hickory Creek Boulders for the first time.

We estimate that climbing started at Raven Rock in the 1980's. Raven Rock is a 100’ free standing pillar with over 50 established climbs ranging from 5.8-5.13d, noted for its exceptional rock quality. Raven also holds a few ice climbs and several boulders, all with a 5-15 minute short approach. The north facing aspect of Raven makes climbing tolerable even in the summer months, which is rare for our region. The Hickory Creek Boulders are a separate cluster from Raven, located along the beautiful Hickory Creek, with nearly 40 problems in the V0-V10 range. Please help us by making a donation and/ or donating your time to volunteer with the CCC. Climbing has been such a positive benefit for residents and visitors of the greater region; improving physical health, bolstering the economy, and helping connect people with conserved land. Raven Rock & Hickory Creek Boulders will be key pieces of the legacy of climbing and outdoor recreation in Hickory Nut Gorge.

Climbing Beta:

Word of mouth currently/ choose your own adventure. We will likely start an editable Google doc of routes but it is not the priority. We have a lot of work to do to first clean up and serve this area before worrying too much about sharing route beta. Please support the CCC.

Groups/ car pool:

Due to unstable lands and a general small footprint of this crag, please keep your group size under 8 and please car pool.

Rules:

• All visitors- hikers and climbers alike- must have filled out this liability waiver and access registration before using the trails. This form expires at the end of each calendar year. If you do not fill out this waiver in this calendar year, you will be considered an unlawful trespasser. For any visitors under the age of 18, a guardian must fill out the waiver.
• Lock the gate behind you
• If you chose to hike or climb here, you are voluntarily assuming all risk of injury or death.
• No camping or overnight parking
• No fires
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. A supervising adult must complete their waiver.
• Users of this area will not trespass on nearby private property or otherwise negatively affect the relationships with neighbors.
• No usage of fires, stoves, or grills
• Dogs must be on a leash
• Do not cut or remove major vegetation
• Leave No Trace
• No graffitti and pack out what you packed in