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cleo23
Jan 27, 2009, 4:02 PM
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Hey ya'll, I haven't been climbing in a few years since I moved to New Orleans, but a few friends have told me they'd like to go, so I'm wondering what the closest place to New Orleans would be where I could find some decent outdoor climbing? Easy to moderate top rope stuff would be perfect as I'll be taking a few beginners.
So far, the closest I've found seems to be Cherokee Rocks in Auburn, AL, which is a good 6 hours away. Any other suggestions?
(This post was edited by cleo23 on Jan 27, 2009, 4:04 PM)
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johnwesely
Jan 27, 2009, 4:19 PM
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That is probably the closest you are going to find unless there is something closer in Arkansas.
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tysonl33cobb
Jan 27, 2009, 5:15 PM
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Batesville in Arkansas is only 8 hours away, close enough for a weekend trip..
Other than that i would say bypass Auburn and go to Sandrock in Alabama. about 6 hours away.
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styndall
Jan 27, 2009, 6:02 PM
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When I climbed at HP40, I bumped into a crew of cats from New Orleans. They made the drive every other weekend.
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gothcopter
Jan 27, 2009, 7:10 PM
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A second vote for Sand Rock, AL.
You should be able to make it in about 6.5 hours. You can camp there for free, and there are climbs in a wide range of difficulties and disciplines (toprope, sport, trad, bouldering).
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cleo23
Jan 27, 2009, 7:58 PM
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Thanks for the info! Sandrock does sound like it is worth the extra hour.
Any advice for heading/camping/climbing there?
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keinangst
Jan 28, 2009, 5:26 AM
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Camping there is popular, but hit or miss on "security" (mostly car break-ins). There's also a crag called Griffin Falls on the same interstate exit, about 30 minutes from Sandrock. Fewer routes, but no crowds and IMO higher quality rock.
For camping, I'd probably lean toward DeSoto state park, about 20-30 minutes up the road. That would also put you near Little River Canyon...400+ sport routes, mostly 5.11+.
And HP40 for bouldering is 5 minutes off the same stretch interstate, but a little closer to NO. Hit it en route or on the way home, assuming you like bouldering (hell, even if you don't)
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gothcopter
Jan 28, 2009, 7:33 AM
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cleo23 wrote: Thanks for the info! Sandrock does sound like it is worth the extra hour. Any advice for heading/camping/climbing there?
As far as getting to Sand Rock, here's your objective in Google maps:
http://maps.google.com/?q=34.180832,-85.81676
If you don't already have a copy of the Dixie Cragger's Atlas for Alabama and Georgia, getting one is highly recommended. It has all the information you'll need to find your way around Sand Rock. You can mail order one ahead of time. Or if you take I-459 around Birmingham on the way up, you'll go right by Mountain High Outfitters. You should be able to pick up a copy there, along with any other climbing gear you might need.
Keep in mind that to the locals the town is known as Sand Rock, whereas the climbing location itself is known as Cherokee Rock Village. As you drive along the final few 100 yards of road before the parking lot at the end, you should see some turnouts and camping spots on the ridge to your left. There are additional camping spots in the woods to the right.
Cherokee County is a dry county, so if the law sees you with alcohol then you'll definitely have it confiscated, and maybe get a fine. Sand Rock is a local party place, so if it's a party night then there may be some four-wheelin' and hell-raisin' going on up there. Don't build your camp near anything that looks like a good ATV track, or you'll be in for a noisy night. Local law enforcement does often make the rounds up there during weekend nights, which is usually when the hapless climbers get busted with their beer.
There have been some isolated incidents of break-ins, so it's best to play it safe and not leave any valuables in the car while you're off climbing. On the bright side, there aren't any long or arduous approach hikes involved, so taking along the extra iPod or whatever you have isn't going to kill you.
The south face of the Jaws Block is the de facto beginner toprope area. There are several sets of bolted anchors along the top. There's an easy scramble to the top of the block from the northeast end. You can also scramble to the top of the Sun Wall from the west end to set up ropes on stuff like Popular Science and Windows. Beginner climbs that you would need to first lead on gear would be Standard Route and Knob Wall (both 5.6). Kennel Club is a 5.8 sport route on the Holiday Block that is another popular beginner climb. The bouldering is everywhere -- just hop on a rock and go!
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cleo23
Jan 29, 2009, 12:02 AM
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Excellent info. Thanks!!
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acorneau
Jan 29, 2009, 10:01 AM
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gothcopter wrote: Cherokee County is a dry county, so if the law sees you with alcohol then you'll definitely have it confiscated, and maybe get a fine..
A "dry county" means you can't sell alcohol, it has nothing to do with possession.
Now if the climbing area (city/county/state park, etc.) says that alcohol is prohibited, that's something different.
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