HANGING ROCK STATE PARK
ROCK CLIMBING MANAGEMENT PLAN
NC STATE PARK ROCK CLIMBING MANAGEMENT PLAN
Rock climbing and rappelling will be allowed in the North Carolina State Park System in
areas where the activity will minimally influence the natural resources and can be carried
out without undue risk to the climber or other visitors. While aware of the fact that it is
impossible to ensure the safety of visitors involved in the climbing activity, division
managers will take management actions to remove and/or make known where hazards
exist to the climber or where climbing activity endangers the safety of other visitors.
Rock climbing and rappelling are inherently dangerous recreational activities.
Participants are responsible for their own personal safety including securing proper
training, equipment, and adhering to safe practices.
HANGING ROCK STATE PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
In addition, the following standards/conditions are established as follows:
STANDARDS

Maximum limit of 20 climbers per group

No more than two groups or an aggregate total of 20 people involved in group
climbing registered per day.

The Superintendent and or his/her designee can set maximum numbers of
reservations by specific groups and can determine a maximum time a reservation
for group climbing can be made in advance.

All commercial and or guided climbing groups must apply for a special activity
permit in addition to the provided climbing permit to be approved by the park
superintendent prior to climbing

All climbers/rappellers must register by fully completing the registration form
provided by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. The registration
boxes are located at the Moore’s Wall Climbing Access, Moore’s Wall trail
access at the lake, Moore’s Wall trail access in the campground, and at the Visitor
Center.

Place the white copy of form in registration box and retain the yellow copy on
your person during your climb.

Climbing and rappelling is allowed in DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY. This
encompasses the northwest face of Moore’s Wall, the southern face of Cook’s
Wall, and the associated boulders. SEE MAP

Climbing is allowed during normal posted operating hours. The Moore’s Wall
Climbing Access Area closes approximately 30 minutes prior to this time. Park
Hours are posted on the information board at Moore’s Wall Climbing Access.
Climbers should allow ample time in exiting climbing /rappelling areas before
park closing hour.

Free solo (unroped) climbing is strictly prohibited.

The use of permanent or fixed anchors is limited to those already in place. These
anchors are neither installed nor maintained by the NC Division of Parks and
Recreation. The Division makes no claims as to their reliability and climbers are
solely responsible for any decision to rely on any anchor.

The replacement of any anchors on established routes may only occur after
approval by park staff and the natural resources section.

Climbers/rappellers need to exercise extreme caution when climbing and be aware
of weather changes and the dangers associated with lightning in exposed high
elevations.

Climbers/rappellers must refrain from climbing on wet or ice covered rock.

It is advised that all climbers/rappellers have a partner and not climb/rappel alone.

Please utilize existing bolted anchor points or protection around ropes (i.e. cloth,
split fire hose, carpet, etc.) in contact with trees to minimize adverse impact on
the tree’s protective bark layer.

A copy of climbing policy/standards will be continually posted on the information
board at Moore’s Wall Climbing Access.
SAFETY/EDUCATION

Park Staff members are on duty during normal operating hours. If assistance is
needed please contact staff at the park office. If a staff person is not immediately
available, please call (911) by cell phone or at the pay phone located at the park
office for assistance.

Law Enforcement Staff members should attend/successfully complete Levels 1 &
2 of the Department of Insurance Training Course in Mountain Rescue.
SAFETY/EDUCATION CON’T:

The North Carolina Department of Insurance sponsors an annual mountain
rescue/climbing training school at both Stone Mountain and Pilot Mountain State
Parks. Beginning/Lower levels are offered at Stone Mountain and
Intermediate/Advanced levels are offered at Pilot Mountain. Contact Stone
Mountain (336-957-8185) or Pilot Mountain (336-325-2355) Park Offices for
details.

A local climbing organization (e.g. Carolina Climbers’ Coalition) has set a goal
“Promoting the Use of Safe Climbing Equipment and Techniques in order to
minimize the inherent dangers of these sports to climbers and other people.”
These group sponsored activities are available to all interested climbers.
NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Hanging Rock State Park is home to important and rare species. In order to
protect the nesting and roosting sites of falcons, ravens, and vultures, the north
end of Moore’s Wall may be closed by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The presence of rare species and high quality natural areas along with intense
visitor usage/impact requires constant evaluation/monitoring on the natural
communities by Park Staff and Natural Heritage/Natural Resource Staff.
A climbing organization (e.g. Carolina Climbers’ Coalition) has set as a goal(s):
1) Preserving the existing environments of our regions rock, cliff and mountain
areas.
2) Supporting public and private agencies in their efforts to protect, and if possible,
reestablish native rare and endangered plant and animal species whose existence
is dependent upon the rock and mountain environments of the Carolinas.
3) Educating rock, ice, and mountain climbing communities to practice their sports
in ways that minimize disturbance to the rocks, soil, plants, and animals of the
Carolinas.
The local members of this group support the Park’s natural resource goals/objectives and
are dedicated to helping preserve the natural resources at Hanging Rock State Park by
providing continual assistance in trails maintenance/erosion control and policing sites of
trash. The park shall continue to utilize this resource and other groups advocating similar
goals.
REVIEW/UPDATE

The Park Management Plan may include future use limits, seasonal closures,
weather related closures, group site limits, access restrictions or any other actions
deemed necessary by Park Staff in conjunction with Natural Resource/Natural
Heritage Personnel to protect the resources and promote safety.

Climbing policy and park management plans will incorporate citizen input
through periodic review with representatives of the climbing community and/or
the Hanging Rock State Park Advisory Committee.
ENFORCEMENT

Violators of climbing and/or other regulations and laws on park property are
subject to prosecution resulting in fines and/or imprisonment in accordance with
G.S. 113-23, 113-34, 113-35, 143 B-276, NC Administrative Code 15-A Chapter
12-B. (15A NCAC 12B .0204 ROCK OR CLIFF CLIMBING AND
RAPPELLING
“A person shall not engage in rock or cliff climbing or rappelling in any park area
except at designated areas in designated parks and only after obtaining a special
use permit from a park official. Application for permits may be made as provided
by Rule .0104 of this Subchapter.
History Note: Authority G.S. 113-35;
Eff. January 1, 1983;


Amended Eff. October 1, 1984.”
All Guided and Commercial Climbing groups or Individuals shall require us of a
Special Activity Permit to be approved by the Park Superintendent or his/her
designee. The Permittee shall use said premises only for authorized recreational
purposes, and shall not operate, or
permit to be operated, any concession or profit making enterprise which involves
the sale of goods,
food, merchandise or other article or commodity to the general public, unless
authorized by the permit.
The site Park Superintendent, Division Chief of Operations, or their designated
representative shall have authority to revoke this permit and require removal of
any equipment upon failure of the permittee to comply with the terms and/or
conditions of the permit. In the event a permit is revoked the fee is nonrefundable.
15A NCAC 12B .0204
ROCK OR CLIFF CLIMBING AND RAPPELLING
(a) Rock climbing, bouldering, cliff climbing or rappelling is prohibited except in
designated areas.
A climbing, rappelling and bouldering permit is required.
Application for a climbing, rappelling and bouldering permit shall be made as provided
by Rule .0104 of this Subchapter.
(b) The installation of permanent or fixed rock climbing anchors, such as pitons and
expansion bolts, is prohibited in any climbing area unless the Park Superintendent has
determined the installation may be made safely and without affecting park resources or
facilities.
(c) The superintendent may designate a daily capacity limit for specific climbing
routes and areas based on natural resource protection and public safety.
(d) Organized private, commercial or non-profit groups shall obtain a special
activity permit prior to the activity. Application for a special activity permit shall be
made as provided by Rule .0104 and .1101 of this Subchapter.
(e) Violation of the terms and conditions of a permit issued in accordance with this
Section is prohibited and shall result in the revocation of the climbing, rappelling
and bouldering permit.