Alexander County, NC – The 5th Annual Rocky Face Rock Climbing Festival will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Four sessions of beginner rock-climbing classes (60 spots) will be offered, as well as a variety of rock-climbing competitions for the more experienced climbers. The popular food truck Wingz on Wheelz will be selling chicken wings and chicken strips to spectators and climbers.
The four sessions of beginner rock-climbing classes (15 students per session) will be held from: 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., and 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. Registration for the free classes is available online only at www.rockyfacepark.com/climbing-festival.
Rock Dimensions, an experienced guide company from Boone, will be teaching the rock-climbing classes, and will provide all gear such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, etc. All safety/climbing equipment must be worn. Two liability waivers must be signed — one for Rocky Face Park and one for Rock Dimensions. If a participant is under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must be present and must sign for them. Climbers must be at least age 6. There is no weight limit. Please arrive about 30 minutes early to complete the paperwork and get fitted for climbing.
Rock-climbing competitions will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with prizes for the winners. There is no preregistration for the competitions, as registration will be only on event day. Competition climbers must bring their own gear. Competitors may climb as many routes as possible at their own leisure. Routes are grouped and points are given for certain routes climbed. Routes must be climbed clean. Climbers with the most points win prizes. For the speed climbing competitions, three routes have been selected. Speed competitions will be held on certain routes at certain times. Climbers with the fastest times on each of the routes win prizes.
For more information about the 5th Annual Rocky Face Rock Climbing Festival, visit www.rockyfacepark.com/climbing-festival.
The 3rd Annual Run for the Dogs Trail Race begins at 8:30 a.m. at the multipurpose building (3645 Rocky Face Church Road, Hiddenite). For more information, visit www.rockyfacepark.com/run-for-the-dogs.
About Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area
Rocky Face Mountain is located in the northern part of Alexander County and is considered to be the southern edge of the Brushy Mountains. Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is approximately 318 acres in size, with six miles of hiking trails leading to the mountain summit. In addition, there is a one-third-mile paved walking trail located in the former quarry area along with 60 rock climbing routes. The site also features a picnic shelter and restroom facilities along with a park office, and a recently added visitor center. The park project was made possible by a $477,000 grant from the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (NCPARTF). In addition, to assist with the grant, the land was donated to the county by the Carolina Land and Lakes Resource Conservation and Development District. Additional assistance related to the land donation and to acquiring additional land was provided from the Felburn Foundation. In addition to its scenic beauty, Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is on the North Carolina Registry of Natural Heritage Areas. The park is open 360 days per year (weather permitting) and will close a total of five days during New Years, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For more info., visit www.rockyfacepark.com.
