The Tiers - Elk Ridge - 2 Routes - Information

On the HFC Web Guide The Tiers information only includes boulder problems. There are two routes to be mentioned as well. I've updated the Harpers Ferry Mountain Project pages to include The Tiers and the two routes.

Link to the Mountain Project page
http://mountainproject.com/v/the-tiers/107997241

I do not have photos at this time. Please feel free to contribute to the Mountain Project page.

School Bus Turnaround parking spots

Some climbers have reported receiving parking tickets for parking at the school bus turnaround at the western end of Sandy Hook, MD. I had posted prior to these tickets being issued HERE & HERE with instructions on how to park. People received tickets after these posts so I thought I'd look a little closer at the signs.

This spot is used to access Elk Ridge climbing (Balcony Rock, Balcony Jr., Outlying Area, all of the bouldering, etc.). Carpooling is required because there are only 2 spots at this location.

I examined the signs at the turnaround. There is the central sign saying no parking in the turnaround and on both sides of the semicircle are directional parking signs. They indicate, with arrows, that parking inside of these signs is not allowed. The spots that appear to be legal are outside the No Parking zone and are not in the actual turnaround. If the two spots are full you must find somewhere else to park. Please adhere to the rules for parking in this area and keep this issue "off the radar". Parking is already very limited and to lose these prime spots for accessing all of Elk Ridge would be a huge loss.

If you are at this parking area and see other people parking illegally then please, using your own judgment, consider educating them on the fines that have been issued and work to maintain this access point.

See the Parking page of the HFC Web Guide or the HFC Google map for more parking options and information.

Thanks

Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival - June 15, 2013

More information to share. I picked up this bit of information from my discussion with Kandee of River & Trail Outfitters.  I've seen but never participated in the Tim Gavin Race. I believe this festival is an expansion of the race and it looks like fun. I noticed the festival planners include climbers in their list of

Dining Establishments - Update

I stopped in at River & Trail Outfitters to explore for potential solutions to what seems an inevitable access crisis (ie parking) for climbers visiting HF. While there I spoke with a very knowledgeable employee by the name of Kandee.  She turned me on to all kinds of information including two dining establishments you may want to visit while in HF. I had mentioned I

Balcony Rock, Route Update

I revised the Balcony Rock section of Mountain Project to include a "new" route. We have climbed it for years but the top anchor setup is now easier so you may want to place the route on your to-do list. Advanced notice, the rating could be off a little.
"Train Song"

Thanks

Ancient Tools

@ Balcony Jr.
Just sharing for fun. Looks like the signs of the hammer glancing off the piton and hitting the rock wall are still visible.
Thanks, Enjoy

Ice is Nice

(edited 2/7/13)

It's winter and some of you are searching for ice to climb. It doesn't seem to be an abundant resource in our area and it takes special conditions for it to form. I wanted to share some possibilities for those who are on the hunt.

First, recall a previous post and possibly the best ice, though access issues exist, in Harpers Ferry [ HERE ].

I stopped in at a waterfall in Harpers Ferry this past weekend to see if it might be frozen. Since it had rained

Maryland Limestone

I've posted here before on limestone climbing in Maryland near Shepherdstown, WV [ HERE and HERE ] and wanted to revisit the topic after a recent excursion to these cliffs.

See below for a topo/beta photo

My experience with limestone has always included