Pilot Mountain Rock Climbing and Rappelling

Rock climbing at Pilot Mountain is a great place to take first-timers along with more advanced climbers who need practice. The 60-foot quartzite cliffs provide a great training ground for those learning knots, belaying, and climbing techniques.

Most climbing routes are located along the Ledge Springs Trail. There are some interesting routes like Copper Top, a large rock face capped by a 15-foot roof, or the classic Devil in the White House, a 15-foot low-angled, blocky face with a roof just before the top's ledge. Underneath the main parking lot are higher cliffs at 300 feet. Unfortunately, climbing and rappelling are not permitted on the Big Pinnacle and has been closed to visitors since the late 1970s (for conservation reasons).

Before you start your climb, you must register with the park's office, and you must keep in your possession the rock climbing permit. Refer to the park's climbing guide for designated routes. Note that the Pee Break and Big Gully routes are closed to climbing, hiking and rappelling.

Click for Pilot Mountain Rock Climbing Guide