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Best Outdoor Rock Climbing Sites Near Baltimore

Outdoor rock climbing challenges both the mind and body.  Test your ability and endurance at these popular outdoor rock climbing locations around Baltimore.
Patapsco Valley Bouldering
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

Patapsco Valley Bouldering

Patapsco State Park
Gorsuch Switch Road
Eldersburg, MD 21784
410-461-5005
http://www.dnr.state.md.us

Patapsco State Park offers several remote locations for outdoor rock climbing.  Perhaps the most unique location of Patapsco State Park is Patapsco Valley Bouldering off of Gorsuch Switch Road.  The site does not have many boulders as its name might indicate, but it does have three different rock formations that make for a beautiful pattern.  The climbing site is located five minutes from the railroad tracks and can also be accessed from Morgan Run.  Scale the rocks at one of Baltimore's dearest parks.

Rocks State Park
(credit: dnr.state.md.us)

Rocks State Park

3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
410-557-7994
http://www.dnr.state.md.us

Rocks State Park is home to over 800 acres of forests and massive boulders.  The cliffs of Rocks State park were once a gathering place of the Susquehannock Native Americans. The 190 foot rock outcrop has now become a popular destination for outdoor rock climbers.  Scenic trails lead climbers to cliffs, beginning the climb from the bottom up. Make the climb and be rewarded with a majestic view of the farmlands and hills of Harford County.

Sugarloaf Mountain
(credit: sugarloafmd.com)

Sugarloaf Mountain

7901 Comus Road
Dickerson, MD 20842
301-874-2024
http://www.sugarloafmd.com

Sugarloaf Mountain was once a popular site for generals during the French and Indian War and the Civil War.  Northern and Southern forces posted lookouts on top the summit, and dying soldiers were hospitalized below at the mountain's foot.  Today, Sugarloaf Mountain is scaled by rock climbers that seem to signify the fighting spirit of the mountain's past.  Sugarloaf Mountain has an elevation of over 1,200 feet with breathtaking views of Maryland below.  There are three different hiking trails that lead guests to the top of the summit.

Annapolis Rocks At South Mountain

Washington County, Md.

At 1,700 feet, Annapolis Rocks at South Mountain is one of the better places to rock climb along the Appalachian Trail.  It is a steep journey on the two mile hike to the top, but the view is worth the quest.  Rock climbers will enjoy jagged edges and exciting bulges.  Fans of steep, jam-crack climbing will want to return to Black Rock for more adventure.  Annapolis Rock is a steep cliff that overlooks the Cumberland Valley to the west.  Close to Greenbrier Lake and near the Boonsboro, Md. Washington Monument, there are plenty of reasons to scale the rocks of South Mountain.

Carderock

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park
Billy Goat Trail
Potomac, MD

With a variety of different climbs, Carderock along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal provides hours of outdoor climbing fun.  Located on the Potomac River between Vaso Island and the along the Billy Goat Trail, Carderock ranges from 30 to 50 feet.  Carderock covers 200 yards of overhangs, friction slabs and cracks, giving climbers plenty to of spaces to grip.  Many routes can be climbed using the same anchor, but for spots populated by trees, multiple anchors are recommended.  Carderock is a prime climbing spot for climbers of all skill levels.

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