BSA TOWER TO ROCK

 

 

 

The Tower-to-Rock Climbing Merit Badge program utilizes two sites in a full day program. Scouts learn the basics in a more controlled environment (our outdoor climbing structure), and then proceed to a nearby rock climbing area for climbing and rappelling in a natural setting.

Locations

Tower

Ground School is conducted at the climbing tower located in the courtyard behind
Footsloggers Outdoor & Travel Outfitters in downtown Boone, NC.

 

Rock

The rock site is a natural granite cliff band below Grandfather Mountain, located on Blue Ridge Parkway land.
Rock Dimensions operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the National Park Service for guiding in areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

Ground School at Footsloggers Climbing Tower

  • Proper fitting of a harness, helmet, and climbing shoes.
  • Tying the required Climbing Merit Badge Knots
  • Learning to belay and backup belay.
  • Practicing verbal signals between belayer and climber.
  • Climbing 1-2 routes on the climbing tower.

 

Climbing and Rapelling at the Rock Site

  • Troop will follow Rock Dimensions guides to the climbing site (15-20 minutes travel by car).
    One guide will hike in ahead of the Troop to set up the climbs, and the other guides(s) will hike to the climbing site with the Troop (5-10 minutes).
  • Safety Talk, Classification system, Equipment care
  • Top-roping on 2-3 climbs, ranging from beginner to intermediate
  • Belaying and backup belaying
  • Rappel instruction: equipment, fireman’s backup belay, techniques
  • Low angle, vertical and/or overhanging rappels

 

Group Size

Group size is limited to 15 people at a specific area. Larger troops can split into two smaller groups and go to different rock sites after ground school at the climbing tower. Another option is to span the tower-to-rock program over two days if the group size is large. Group size is limited to reduce impact concerns and to allow for maximum participation.

 

Equipment

Rock Dimensions provides all climbing equipment: Harnesses, Helmets, Climbing Shoes, Ropes, Belay devices, Anchoring equipment, etc. Troop or individual participants provide camping gear, food, water, and transportation for the troop.

 

Cost

$95/person (10 or more participants)

It is customary to tip guides if you enjoy your experience.

Camping

Julian Price Park and Linville Falls Campground are both located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, at milepost 297 and milepost 316, respectively. Cost is $12 per site. Drinking water and comfort stations available, but no showers. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Group reservations may be made on-line or possibly by phone. Call the ranger station at 828-295-6308 or the Linn Cove visitor center at 828-733-1354 for more info.

Grandfather Mountain Campground is located close to Boone, on Hwy. 105 in the Foscoe area.
There are group and individual sites, with bathhouses and laundry facilities. Call or visit their website for current pricing and to make reservations. 828-963-7275 / www.grandfatherrv.com.

Honey Bear Campground is privately owned, located in Boone. Hot showers and laundry facilities are a few of the amenities. Tent sites and cabins available. Call or visit their website for current pricing and to make reservations. 828-963-4586 / www.honeybearcampground.com

Appalachian Advent Christian Campground and Conference Center is located 5 miles west of the town of Blowing Rock. Facilities include youth dorms, lodging options with kitchens, or tent camping. 828-295-3525 or 828-728-8220 for information and to make reservations.
www.appalachianaccamp.org