National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior 2/2018 Climbing Guidelines

Overview People are drawn to Shenandoah National Park Rock climbing is a unique experience that for many different reasons; some want to take creates a special bond between the climber and in the beautiful scenery along , the rock face. To have a great experience and others want to enjoy nature and the feelings of ensure that those after you do as well, follow solitude and renewal that wilderness brings. the guidelines and recommendations below.

Why Guidelines? The Shenandoah Climbing Management These guidelines will allow us to: Guidelines have been developed to protect • Manage recreational use. Shenandoah’s natural resources, while also • Protect natural resources. providing visitors opportunities for rock • Provide climbing opportunities in the Park. climbing, , and ice climbing within • Protect the backcountry and wilderness the Park. experiences of other Park visitors.

Rules & Regulations Prohibited Activities: Fixed Anchors (including belay/rappel • Using motorized equipment to place bolts, stations): anchors or climbing equipment Fixed anchors are prohibited in all locations • Chipping or gluing. where temporary, removable protection can be • Removing vegetation to “clean” or improve a used. The installation of fixed anchors should route, or access to a route. be rare parkwide, especially in wilderness areas. • Leaving fixed ropes or other equipment for longer than 24 hours. Group Size Limits: • Using non-climbing specific hardware (i.e., Groups may contain a maximum of 12 people. concrete anchors, home-made equipment).

Emergency 1-800-732-0911 • Information 540-999-3500 • Online www.nps.gov/shen Rules & Regulations If forced to install a fixed belay and/or Trees as Anchors: (continued) rappel station, follow these rules: Do not cause physical damage to trees or plants. Keep bark, lichen, and branches intact • Do not install within view of an overlook and unharmed. or trail. • Construct using modern equipment. • Trees are allowed as anchors only if they are • Do not exceed three bolts when placing. not obstructing Park trails. Do not extend • Keep chains to a minimal length to avoid rope or webbing across a trail, whether visual impacts. elevated or not. • Do not use webbing and accessory cord • Tree anchor use is prohibited directly on or fixed stations. around Little Stony Man.

Climbing Closures Permanent Closures: Temporary Closures: • Little Stony Man Cliffs Certain areas frequented by peregrines for All off-trail areas on Little Stony Man breeding and nesting are temporarily closed Little Stony Man located south of a line placed 28.3 yards each year. These closures typically run from (35 meters) north of the Chute Trail (Figure February-July. 1) are closed to visitor use. The large boulders on the northernmost end of Little Additional Information Stony Man cliffs between the A.T. and For current peregrine closure information, call Passamaquoddy Trail are also closed. 540-999-3500 ext.3291. View closure at: View Little Stony Man Closure Map Watch Sites Fragile and ecologically important sites within • the Park have been showing signs of climbing

MM 39.1 The summit area and cliff faces are closed to impact. These sites are being monitored and all climbing activity. A portion of the northern could face temporary or permanent climbing and northwest face of the mountain is also closures in the future: closed to visitor use. • North Marshall Mountain View Hawksbill Closure Map • Marys Rock Figure 1. • Old Rag Western Summit The red portion of the above • Western Summit diagram and all points on Little The crown of the western summit is closed to for 158.6 Additional Information yards (145 meters) south of the red all visitor use. For more information, call 540-999-3500 dashed line are closed to all off-trail View Old Rag Closure Map uses. ext.3720

Photos Courtesy of Andy Nichols