Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Whether you are looking to send a V-12, redpoint a 5.10a, or just hang out with your climbing buddies, there is much to keep you busy climbing in the Roanoke Region.
Rock Climbing Bouldering Climbing Gyms
McAfee Knob
As one of the most heavily hiked sections of the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob (pronounced MAC-a-fee) is a very popular destination. The 3.5 mile hike is well worth your while. The panoramic view available at the knob is astounding. The fact that there are more than 75 climbable boulders at the summit is the icing on the cake. The long hike and vast expanse of boulders has kept the area fairly underdeveloped.
- Download Bouldering at McAfee Knob guide book
The rock in general, is gritty sandstone, in some areas it is smooth like HP40 while in other areas it is hard slick quartzite. There are slopers, pockets, edges, tiny crimps and glorious jugs. Most boulders on the top are vertical, rectangular and between 10 and 20 feet tall. There are a few roofs and many groveling topouts.
Bozoo
Bozoo is a quality stretch of sandstone rock on the border of Virginia and West Virginia. Head to Bluestone Lake State Park and you'll discover a developed cliff known as Bozoo. Bozoo is home to 50 routes of colorful, bullet-hard faces that average vertical to overhanging. The majority of the routes follow all-gear natural lines and there are a number of climbs that are classic climbs. Climbs range from 5.7 to 5.13c/d.
Mountain Lake
Mountain Lake is a natural Lake that sits on a vocanic fault. This is why the water receeds from time to time. For locals this area is great to check out if time is limited and you want to climb on real rock. Bouldering at Mountain Lake is all about the setting. While in the area be sure to check out Cascade Falls.
Iron Gate
Features over 30 routes with many Gunks-like horizontal cracks & roof. Sport routes are the norm with many climbs requiring just a fistful of quickdraws and a 60m rope. 5.9-5.12b/c. View maps of climbing location and climbing routes. Buy Rock Climbing Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland by Eric J. Hörst for all the necessary climbing beta.
Barney's Wall
Barney's Wall climbing site is accessed via the Cascade Falls trail. There is no signage. Hike the upper trail until you reach an overhanging rock on left (almost to main falls). Follow base of rock wall to climbing area. Blocky sandstone tends to provide excellent holds although overhangs provide plenty of challenges. Estimate climbs in the area to be from 5.8 - 5.12, getting difficult near the main wall that has the largest overhang.
Bozoo
Bozoo is a quality stretch of sandstone rock on the border of Virginia and West Virginia. Head to Bluestone Lake State Park and you'll discover a developed cliff known as Bozoo. Bozoo is home to 50 routes of colorful, bullet-hard faces that average vertical to overhanging. The majority of the routes follow all-gear natural lines and there are a number of climbs that are classic climbs. Climbs range from 5.7 to 5.13c/d. Click here for driving directions from Blacksburg.
Dragon's Tooth
This bouldering area is pretty far from the parking lot. After hiking several mile on the Dragon's Tooth trail, you will come to sevearl large fins that are pretty big. The super classic line is the obvious Finger Crack. There is much to be had in the V3 and under category.
Other Climbing Areas
The Rock
Located inside "The Dwelling Place" church, The Rock is large indoor bouldering wall with a cave and several walls of varying angles. There are numerous marked problems covering a wide range of difficulty. Start at your own level from easy, straightforward climbs for all ages, to routes that require complex sequencing, with advanced body position, and world class expertise. You can use a rope to climb or just boulder with our unique custom molded floor padding which allows for intense movement ability, and 15 foot bouldering lip. The wall also includes rappell stations and leadable top-rope sites.
Radford Climbing Wall
Open to the public and located on the campus of Radford University, the Radford Climbing Wall is about 25' to 30' tall and has several top-rope anchors on it. You can also boulder on the lower portion of the wall. They can supply harnesses and shoes if you need them and even have staff that will belay you so you don't need any experience to climb there.
Wytheville Climbing Gym
Come experience the 33-foot high Entre Prises custom constructed climbing wall. It features a crystal plywood system that has a high friction coating and offers a flat panel surface for kids and beginners. It also has a 3-D curved imprint system that was specifically designed for our wall with a 5-foot overhang. The imprint system is constructed of polymer cement and will not polish or lose its texture. The holds used vary in size and shape. Perfect for novice or old hand! Climbing holds and routes are changed periodically to keep the experience fun and exciting.
Rise Up Climbing
Located in Lynchburg, Rise Up Climbing contains 50+ routes on 40' walls with top ropes and lead available. The climbing wall features widely varying terrain from vertical to steeply overhung. The bouldering is extensive with over 60 problems spread over a top out boulder and a very steep 14' wall. Over 7,000 square feet of climbing wall is available. A belay competency test is required for using the roped walls. An extensive instructional program is available as 
well.
