Big Run Cliffs

This cliff was right around the corner from the other I climbed in the Big Run area. I actually climbed this one first and discovered the other while searching for a safe descent (warning—this is wilderness, not a trail destination, and you will have to negotiate dense mountain laurel, thorns, and other shrubs as you seek the best walk-off descent). The rock on this cliff was better than it was on its neighbor around the corner, but it was still pretty loose, and I’d rather trust myself than ropes and fixed protection here. The climbing was mostly Class 4 with some low Class 5 (no worse than 5.2) sprinkled in. Shenandoah National Park, VA