Outdoor Rock Climbing Locations
Each of ABC’s outdoor rock climbing destinations is unique in scenery, rock type, rock quality, rock hight and climbing routes. By climbing at different crags, campers are exposed to new challenges and rewards.
Below is a short description of the climbing crags and the general location of the climbing destination.
RALPH STOVER (AKA “HIGH ROCKS” or “Stover”)
We spend the day in a beautiful gorge along a horseshoe bend in the Tohickon Creek in High Rocks State Park near Ralph Stover State Park located in Bucks County, PA. The rock raises 200 ft offering great views of Tohickon Creek and the surrounding forest. The exposed climbing faces rang from 40ft to 100ft high and have over 100 climbing routes of all levels.
General Location: High Rocks State Park, Pipersville, PA, 18947. Bucks County near Doylestown and only 20 minutes from New Hope.
BIRDSBORO
A local climbing crag that was once a quarry, Birdsboro Rock Quarry is now a climbing destination in Berks County, PA with well over 100 routes that range in difficulty and height. The adventure begins right away with 2 shallow crossing of Hay Creek; you can wade the water to cross or traverse a cable bridge. With the creek crossings, the walk to the climbing area takes about 15-20 minutes.
General Location: Birdsboro, PA, 19508. Berks County near Pottstown and French Creek State Park
CHICKIES ROCK
Chickies Rock is a premier climbing crag with cliffs over 100ft overlooking the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA. Geologically, Chickies Rock is the largest exposed Anticline (an arch of stratified rock in which the layers bend downward in opposite directions from the crest) on the east coast. A great spot for climbers of all levels
General Location: Columbia, PA, 17512. Lancaster County near Chickies Rock County Park and York and Ephrata PA.
MICHAUX state forest | POLE STEEPLE
Located along the ridge line, Pole Steeple’s 80 ft. summit is among the most dramatic summits in Pennsylvania. There is a 1/2 mile uphill hike to get to the climbing area, but the solid rock, wilderness setting and world class views are the reward. The climbing crag is along the famous Appalachian Trail corridor.
General Location: Gardners, PA 17324. Pine Grove Furnace State Park. In the northern section of Michaux State Forest and centrally located to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Shippensburg, Chambersburg, Carlisle & Mechanicsburg
MICHAUX state forest | SHAFFER ROCK (AKA “THE HERMITAGE”)
General Location: South Mountain, PA 17261. In the southern section of Michaux State Forest and centrally located to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Chambersburg, Carlisle & Mechanicsburg
WHITE ROCK ACRES
General Location: Just South of Boiling Springs, PA and 30 minutes Southwest from Harrisburg, PA.