Some of the High Country’s best rock lies just below Grandfather Mountain on US 221. Over 20 different bouldering areas and crags offer everything from fun, moderate boulder problems like West Texas (v2) to rarely repeated climbs like Ishmael (5.13c). For bouldering, we like parking at Fight Rock, the large graffiti boulder that overhangs the road. Various areas including The Dungeon, Boulder’s Boulder, Carjacker, The Iceberg and M1 are all easily accessible with a short walk. From Fight Rock, head up the Viaduct access road behind the boulder for 1/2 mile and veer right to find boulders. M1 + The Dungeon are located on the downhill side of 221.
Directions from Boone: Take 105 S for 17 miles to Linville and turn left onto US 221. Pass Grandfather Mountain and head toward Blowing Rock on the curvy mountain road for about 5 miles to Fight Rock on the left.
