Rocky Fork Rock Climbing
Rocky Fork Rock Climbing
Hours of Operation:
Sunrise to sunset.
Climbers must be off the cliff 30 minutes prior to sunset.
Need to Know Before You Go
Natural anchors are necessary to protect ascents; therefore, practicing Leave No Trace techniques is critical to minimize the impact. The placement of any permanent anchor must be approved through a TDEC fixed anchor permit.
Park Staff requests a copy of the permit number be placed on the windshield of any vehicle left in the parking lot.
Rocky Fork does NOT allow:
- Climbing or rappelling on other boulders
- Climbing or rappelling on other cliff faces
Whitehouse Cliffs
The Whitehouse Cliffs Climbers Access Trail is approximately .5 miles up Whitehouse Cliffs Trail.
The Access Trail will lead you to the cliff base. Whitehouse Cliffs are a 200+ foot quartzite cliff. Nearly 50 routes have been established. These include single- and multi-pitch routes with moderate and advanced difficulty ranges (5.5-5.12), with a big concentration in the 5.10 and 5.11 range. Whitehouse faces south and west and can be climbed year-round.
White House Cliffs does NOT allow:
- Top rope climbing
- Topping out
- Sport rappelling
Black Stacks
The Black Stacks are accessed off the Rocky Fork Trail and are located on the opposite side of the creek as the trail.
Approach time is between five and seven minutes. The north-facing Black Stacks offer shady routes from 5.6-5.11, with the greatest concentration in the 5.8- 5.9 range.
Park Policies
It is park policy that all individuals planning to climb must register online before the activity. In addition, please comply with the following:
Protect the Surroundings. Stay Safe.
It is illegal to damage plants or natural features.
Due to sensitive clifftop vegetation, NO topping out, sport rappelling, or any other activity that requires access to the top ledge of cliffs is permitted. All climbers shall utilize a rope, helmet, standard rack, and a belay. Established climbs shall have a fixed anchor below the clifftop edge. Due to sensitive clifftop vegetation, top-roping is only allowed if following a lead climber’s lead.
Rules of Engagement
What’s Permitted, What’s Not
Failure to obey any rules, regulations or laws can result in being ticketed and/or denial of future climbs.
- Climbing and rappelling are only permitted at Whitehouse and Black Stacks.
- Climbing and rappelling on any other natural rock feature in Rocky Fork State Park is NOT permitted.
- Ropes may NOT be set up across hiking trails or in any way interfere with other visitors’ enjoyment of the park. Areas should be avoided when activities may cause danger to park visitors.
- Protection devices, such as pitons, bolts, cables, or any other fixed anchor, should NOT be installed without a TDEC fixed anchor permit.
- Beware of loose flakes, fellow climbers/belayers.
- Beware of people below you.
- Helmets required.
Discover More at Rocky Fork
No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.
