Stony Bald Boulders (Blue Ridge Parkway): The Stony Bald Boulders are on the south face of Stony Bald, NC at over 4000′ and up the hill from the Shut-in Ridge trail. The area is somewhat developed for bouldering, but still has opportunities for further development with a few projects located on some of the various boulders. Generally, the area features overhanging rock with positive, incut holds and slopey top-outs. The highest concentration of problems are in the V0 to V4 range with a few fun climbs with pretty good landings to be found with some effort. While the area makes a great winter-time bouldering spot due to the warm, south facing orientation, frequent closures of the Blue Ridge Parkway necessitate checking ahead to make sure access is possible by way of the Parwkay. If the Parkway is closed, it’s possible to access the boulders by taking Highway 151 out of Canton. While we haven’t encountered any Rattle Snakes at the boulders, it does appear to be a likely habitat area for snakes, so use caution when climbing outside of deep winter.
Directions from Asheville: Head south to the Blue Ridge Parkway and travel south to around MilePost 402 on the Parkway. Park on the corner of 151 and the Blue Ridge Parkway cross the parkway and turn left onto the Mountain to Sea Trail and follow the MST blazes, a white circle, and walk along the trail about a half mile. The boulders will be on your left. There are two sets of obvious boulders along the trail. The best climbs are found in your second set of boulders.
