Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts of America

Our BSA trained and qualified climbing instructors have all the gear to take your group top rope climbing and rappelling in a number of locations across the state and we are actively pursuing new locations. Each of the locations below offers something different - a unique experience for your unit. We offer overnight camping trips and simple day trips. Please contact us for more information.

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Please be sure to check the Guide to Safe Scouting and the Age Appropriate Guidelines when considering a natural rock program for your unit. It is also required that at least one member of your unit complete Climb On Safely training prior to a natural rock event.

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Are you new to climbing? Would you like to learn more? Our Links tab has several resources to guide you in learning more about rock climbing.

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• Rocky Face Mountain Recreation Area - Rocky Face is an old rock quarry in Alexander County near Hiddenite, NC. The climbing area is basically a climbing tower made of natural rock. It is adjacent to the parking area which includes multiple picnic tables, potable water and flush plumbing. This is an excellent area for beginning groups that have never been out on natural rock before and are looking for an easy day trip. Camping is available but it is backcountry with no car access and no potable water. Hiking trails run through the park for about 6 miles total. There is a $45 group fee that must be submitted at least 14 days in advance.

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• Crowders Mountain State Park - A modest drive from Charlotte, Crowders offers excellent top rope climbing and rappelling opportunities with views of Uptown Charlotte in the distance. There are several climbing areas available with an approach hike of about 1 mile or more (45 minutes). Crowders offers ample overnight camping areas and additional hiking trails.

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• Pilot Mountain State Park - Pilot offers over 42 top rope climbing routes while many of the beginner routes are the easiest to access from the parking area at the top of the mountain. The parking area has flush plumbing and is a short 10 minute hike to the climbing access trail. Group camping is available farther down the mountain from the parking area (not in walking/hiking distance).

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• Melrose Mountain - Located in the hills above Tryon, NC, Melrose is a small secluded crag offering a wide range of climbing styles from slabs to overhanging. The routes tend to be short but this allows the scouts to get many tries at a route and succeed on a climb before they fatigue. The rappels start down easy terraced rock before dropping over the edge into a free rappel. The approach to Melrose is a steep but easy 5-10 minute hike down the mountain side. Please note that there is no potable water or toilets available at this location.

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• Table Rock, NC - On the eastern edge of the Linville Gorge, Table Rock offers spectacular views of the gorge and the piedmont foothills to the east. Two climbing areas are available - The Chimneys and Devil's Cellar. Both areas are accessed by a short hike (~0.5 mi) from the parking lot. Primitive camping is available with pit toilets but no water or electricity. A bit far from Charlotte for a day trip however a day trip from MSR is possible as the drive is a little over 1 hour from camp. This area may only be accessed from April 1 to December 31.

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• Hanging Rock State Park - Hanging Rock does not offer much in the way of top rope climbing. The approach in can be moderate to strenuous. Ample group camping and excellent hiking trails can still make this a viable option for many units. A shorter hike than the climbing faces is a large bouldering field. Parking for the climbing area is outside the main park and while potable water is available the restroom facility is a vault toilet.

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​Note that all state parks have a $45 group fee and may be limited to 14 total participants including instructors. Often we are able to get two group permits if we are taking a larger group.