THIS IS A 2 DAY 1 NIGHT EVENT!! The first day will be spent climbing @ carder rock in maryland, overnight camp @ swains lock & then a day of climbing @ great falls in va.

As always if the weather forecast over 50% precipitation on the day of the event it will be moved to a future date. Any questions feel free to email greg seeks on meetup.  

This event is for experienced rock climbers with all the proper working gear. (Ex.) Climbing rope, biners, climbing harness, climbing shoes, top rope anchors (webbing or static line), belay device etc.

Directions: (Carder Rock MD.)Directions: From I-495, Take exit #13 to the Clara Barton Parkway, on the Maryland side of the Potomac near Cabin John. Follow the Parkway North to the first exit, Carderock Recreation Area. At the top of the ramp turn left across the Parkway, right to go under the canal, stay right to the last parking lot.

Carderock is a part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. It is located on the Potomac River between Vaso Island and the Canal along the Billy Goat Trail.There is no fee to enter the Park. The rock is micha-schist and ranges from 30-50 Ft. Top rope set up only.

There is a good variety of features in this small area, approxiamately 200 yds. of friction slabs, overhangs, and cracks. Bring webbing or static rope to anchor off trees about 20-30 ft. from the edge of the cliff. There are 35 routes 5.5 to 5.8 and 65 routes from 5.9 to 5.12

Carderock can be very crowded on weekends in good weather. Carderock endures as the region's favorite climbing destination and is still a nice place to climb. Just don't be surprised if you show up on a nice afternoon and find that all the best routes already have ropes on them.

OVERNIGHT CAMPGROUNDS @ Swains Lock Mile 16.6 Swains lock road

Hiker-Biker Campsites

• No fee charged.
• 30 hiker-biker campgrounds located every 6 to 8 miles along the canal.
• Stay is limited to one night per site, per trip.
• All sites have a chemical toilet, water, a picnic table, and grill. Please Note: Potable water may not be available at each campsite. Water is treated with iodine. Please plan to have water purification tablets with you. Water is turned off from November 15 to April 15 each year.

Directions: (Great Falls Park)Take exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike.
At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. If you are exiting from I-495 South, coming from Maryland and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, take a right at the light onto Route 193 West. If you are coming from I-495 North (the Inner Loop) from points south or I-66, you will take a left at the traffic light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road.

PARK FEES:$5.00 Vehicle Pass. Good for three consecutive days for one vehicle, including motorcycles, in Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland.

Unofficially, the Great Falls area is the top climbing spot in the Washington, D.C. region. The area is a picturesque river gorge with a view of the Falls. The majority of the climbs are on the Virginia side. The rock is partially-metamorphosed schist composed of granite and quartz crystals. While the rock is stable, it is not recomended for trad climbing as protection will slip or break out. Most of the climbs are in the 50 ft. range and tend to be overhanging. Bring plenty of toperope anchor for trees about 15-20 ft. from the edge of the cliff. There are over 100 climbs between[masked] and 130 climbs between[masked] with the majority of climbs being 5.10 or better.

WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers so you can make adjustments as you warm up and cool down. In general wear comfy, loose fitting clothing that does not restrict your movement.

FOOTWEAR: Climbing Specific Shoes & approach shoes

BRING WITH YOU: Climbing rope, biners, climbing harness, climbing shoes, top rope anchor set up, belay device etc., hydration , snacks,  CAMERA . All necessary camping gear for 1 night, headlamp/flashlight , bugspray , sunblock.