While there are many bouldering spots in the Damascus area, the Grayson Highlands State Park has some of the best spots around. From V0s to V9s, Grayson's got it all. With a main road making all of the boulders easily accessible, it's no wonder some of the region's best climbers come here for some challenging bouldering.
The Spots With three main areas and many side trail boulders, Grayson offers plenty of opportunities to find a secluded area and avoid the weekend crowds.
- The Listening Rock Trail offers a wide range of boulders to climb, from V0s to V7s. Drive through the park's entrance and up the hill until you come to a parking lot on your left; park there and hike across the street to the picnic and scenic overlook area. The Listening Rock Trail winds in and out of the park's boulders and provides fantastic views.
- The Highland Bouldering Area has some of the park's best lowball powerhouse and classic highball problems, as well as some of the best views. To get here, simply stay on the main road through the park's entrance and continue on until you reach some parking lots on the right-hand side and a sign that says "Rhododendron Gap Parking Area." Hike through the gate and take your pick from three clusters of rock outcroppings.
- The Boneyard/AVP Area has some of the park's strongest climbs, consisting mostly of large, powerful overhangs. The boulders themselves are not actually within the park's entrance, but are located on park property a short ways down the road. Turn right out of the park's entrance and look for a small shoulder on the left-hand side of the road in the bend in the road. It is past the first (and only) house on your left, so be on the lookout for that. Once you've parked, cross the road and hop the fence that marks the park's boundary. Up the hill on the left and over another fence (old park boundary) and you're at the AVP boulder.
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