Appalachian Climbing School

10/20/2026

Off trail travel is so fun with the right attitude and a pair of gloves.

10/20/2026

🤯🤯🤯🤯

10/19/2026

We guided the Linville Crusher again last week. That’s the 4th time in the last 2 years and makes ACS the guide service that has guided it more than anyone else, anyone. There’s more to be said about the Crusher than could possibly be conveyed in a single post, but suffice it to say it’s an incredible and transformative experience. It takes months of preparation and effort to be ready for the challenges of the day. You must be able to climb at the 5.10 level, hike on rugged terrain, monitor your energy levels when you’re tired and keep going when everything in your body says stop. Along the way you’ll be rewarded with hard earned views scenery that makes post cards jealous. We guide the Crusher in the Spring and the Fall when conditions are favorable. If you’re interested in the Linville Crusher with us now is the time to start the conversation.

10/09/2026

10/06/2026

Climbing history: sometimes the most valuable piece of gear tells the story of the climbers that came before us. This #4 chouinard hex was left during the FA of Hole In the Wall Gang. I was lucky enough to retrieve it on a recent ascent in April, 2026. The fact that it still remained on the wall 40 years after the First ascent is attributed to the fact this route is hard to find and demanding to climb. I would estimate less than a dozen ascents. Thomas Kelley Tom Howard

09/28/2026

Brian Groves, Adrian Movrin, Laura Shinn, Wes Calkins, Drew Hellams, Neil Wisenbaker. (Not pictured Jason Bryant)
Sentinel Buttress base site retaining wall project. The next trail day for this project will be November 1st.

09/27/2026

The first nice weekend of the Fall. Just a reminder for folks to park like you’re not the only one in the lot, carpool if you can, and be respectful of your local parks.

09/17/2026

The Roadless rule is in danger of being repealed. It was first adopted in the early 2000’s with support from 95% percent of commenters at that time. It not only disallows roads in protected areas but also protects natural areas from timber harvesting. One of the biggest laces that are in danger of timber harvesting is the Wilson Creek drainage and the buffer zones surrounding the Linville Gorge. The comment period has been extended to October but we need everyone to get involved and submit comments to preserve the roadless rule.

09/16/2026

Marc is the recipient of the Carolina Climbers Coalition Mosaic Climbing Leadership scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support climbers who face systemic barriers to professional climbing instruction. Part of Marc’s story is really his daughter’s story. His daughter Noel was adopted by Marc and his wife several years ago and is Deaf. Noel found climbing through access at the local YMCA and has developed a passion for climbing that Marc is trying to convert to outdoor climbing for her. Neither Marc or Noel have ever climbed outside so we began our training with some basic anchor building. We spent the day learning some basics of toproping. Learning how to access the cliff top safely and setting a rope for top rope climbing. We also want to give a special thanks to BlueWater Ropes for providing a rope to Marc and his family for their future adventures.

09/16/2026

If you haven’t noticed we’ve been chasing waterfalls all summer, literally! The Canyoneering season officially ended with our last class happening this past Saturday. We still have limited availability for private trips until things just get too cold, but for now we want to recognize all the hard work of our guides and thank all of our guests for a fun and memorable summer. Ryan Mallon and Brittany Parham are the backbone of the ACS canyoneering program. What started with a simple conversation has turned into a full grown program offering professional level instruction for Canyoneering in the Southeast. We also want to thank all of our guests that have joined us over the Summer as we have really had a great time with you all. Send us a DM if you still want to get out this fall, wetsuit required, otherwise we will be out with the schedule for next year in the Spring.