{"id":21257,"date":"2024-02-08T18:59:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T18:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitabingdon.org\/?p=21257"},"modified":"2026-02-27T13:59:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T18:59:30","slug":"10-reasons-why-you-should-plan-a-trip-to-southwest-virginia-if-youre-a-climber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitabingdonvirginia.com\/stagingprop\/blog\/10-reasons-why-you-should-plan-a-trip-to-southwest-virginia-if-youre-a-climber\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Reasons Why You Should Plan a Trip to Southwest Virginia if You’re a Climber"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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10 Reasons Why You Should Plan a Trip to Southwest Virginia if You're a Climber<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Southwest Virginia is loaded with adventure potential, drawing outdoor lovers of all kinds. But for climbers, the region is truly special. Blessed with some of the state\u2019s premier climbing areas, southwest Virginia is also peppered with secret spaces and newly re-opened treasures, like the Hidden Valley Climbing Area. Options are abundant for climbers of all styles and skill sets. Adding to the appeal, the region is also infused with a rich cultural tradition, providing plenty of post-climbing perks, from bluegrass jam sessions to scrumptious craft brews. Here are 10 reasons why Southwest Virginia needs to be on every climber\u2019s go-to list.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. Grayson Highlands State Park<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Known for the free-roaming ponies wandering its lofty meadows,\u00a0Grayson Highlands<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is possibly the most climber-friendly state park in Virginia\u2014and arguably the premier bouldering destination in the state. Loaded with nearly 1,000 problems, the park\u2019s routes are scattered among three main boulder fields\u2014the Listening Rock Trail Loop, the Boneyard Area, and the Highlands Bouldering Area\u2014and throughout several smaller areas. The bulk of the park\u2019s boulders are located above 4,900-feet, making them climbable even in the summer. Some of the park\u2019s most coveted climbs are also among the most accessible, like the routes along the Split Rock Trail. The first official bouldering trail in the state, the Split Rock Trail begins at the park office and links the Contact Station and Alchemy boulders, providing access to nearly 60 routes. You\u2019ll even find tent-side boulders accessible from the park\u2019s campground. To accommodate climbers, the park also rents crash pads, chalk bags, and brushes. Without a doubt, the most comprehensive climbing guide is Aaron Parlier\u2019s\u00a0Grayson Highlands Bouldering Guide<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A post shared by Grayson Highlands Bouldering (@graysonhighlandsbouldering)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>