In an effort to do what I personally can to influence the current deteriorating access conditions to climbing at Harpers Ferry National Historic Park I have chosen to unpublish the content of this blog. If and when the situation improves, all the historical content will be republished.The first post was June 4, 2009 ..read more

Take action – Climber user survey http://bit.ly/harpersferrysurvey  ..read more

UPDATE 20190826: The cliff closure, imposed by the park service after the landslide, has been lifted. The park alert announcing the closure disappeared last week without explanation or any further communication. It seems we can finally enjoy the Heights of Maryland just in time for the best climbing season, Fall. Enjoy! _______________________________________________________________ Take ..read more

The Stinger Arete is a V4 boulder problem in the Highlands area of Elk Ridge, MD. It is a long overhanging problem that follows the right arete of the overhanging wall. Scott on The Stinger Arete There are two main exit options and the grade fluctuates a little between the two. You can easily step off of the problem at any point because the ground mirrors the angle of the wall. The arete has ..read more

The Iron Pickle is a V4- boulder problem on the Throne boulder in the upper Highlands area on Elk Ridge, MD. It is about 25-30 feet tall and involves both slab and roof climbing. The problem has a secret hold that is pretty much invisible from the ground, from the top of the boulder, and from any nearby vantage point you can gain by climbing or walking. The physical crux is probably getting ..read more

The Secret Six (V5) is a bouldering problem in the Tiers area on Elk Ridge, MD. It is found on the overhanging side of the tall skinny block that also hosts John Browns Body and Isaac Smith Arete. It is maybe 50 feet uphill from the road. Drew sitting at the base of the problem preparing for a go. In this photo, you can see the opposing starting vertical sloper features and the right hand ..read more

More bouldering photos have trickled in from this past Saturday, November 12, 2016. These are all compliments of Coco Boan. Thanks to her for taking pictures and sharing them. Jeff spotting Drew on a problem in the Outlying Area.  Click the "read more" link to see more photos... Steve high up on John Browns Body Steve topping out John Browns Body Conrad on Isaac Smith Arete Jeff ..read more

Jeff, Coco, Scott, Conrad, Steve, and Drew. Off doing some rope climbing and not in the photo are Courtney and Greg. The Throne Boulder with The Iron Pickle looms over our heads. Photo Credit: Steve Emswiler Steve E mid-air after going for broke on the Iron Pickle and coming up short; As much of  a source of inspiration as a full blown send. He landed over-rotated but without injury. Photo ..read more

While posting on the subject of eating establishments I might as well list two other places for you to look into. They are both in Brunswick, Maryland and about 5 miles from Elk Ridge. Beans in the Belfry http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/ Facebook Page Beans in the Belfry is located in a century old, historic, restored church building nestled in downtown Brunswick and rewards your visit ..read more

Guide House Grill Facebook Page Guide House Grill website On my way to and from last weekends bouldering excursion on Elk Ridge I noticed the Guide House Grill is the newest establishment in the old Cindy Dee Restaurant location. The Cindy Dee had shut down and was replaced by a family restaurant for about a year. The Guide House Grill has taken up the location and it looks like a great ..read more