ROCK
CLIMBING
For experienced climbers, the place to go in Pennsylvania is McConnell's
Mill State Park, nestled amidst the deep gorge of Slippery Rock
Creek about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. Designated as a National Natural
Landmark, McConnell's Mill State Park is a great place for rock climbing and
bouldering with two climbing and rappelling areas, Rim Road Climbing Area
and Breakneck Ridge, a more advanced technical option for properly
equipped and experienced climbers. Great climbing can also be found in
nearby West Virginia. The New
River Gorge National River area, located about 2 hours south of Pittsburgh in WV, covers 63,000 acres with over 1,400 established rock climbs. Fast becoming one of the most popular climbing areas in the country, most of the routes in the gorge favor the advanced and expert climber.
Cooper's Rock State
Forest, located 13 miles east of Morgantown, offers climbing for everyone from the beginner to the hardman, boulderer
to lead climber.
For those looking for lessons on proper climbing and safety, Pennsylvania
has several indoor climbing gyms throughout the state. One such facility is The
Climbing Wall located on Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh. They offer a
6-week Climbing 101 course for beginners, as well as more advanced classes.
Over 7000 sq. ft. of climbing surface ensures plenty of variety for safe
practice and fun.
For More Information:
Climbing Areas, Techniques and Organizations
SPELUNKING
Want
to escape the summer heat? Cool off underground in one of Western
Pennsylvania's two commercial caves - each with a number of distinctly
unusual features. The unique catacombs of Laurel
Caverns in Farmington are just part of a 430 acre geological wonder.
Explore the largest cave in Pennsylvania with experienced guides or let your
adventurous side take reign in the several miles of cave which are open to
caving and rappelling. The famed Coral
Caverns of Bedford County is visited by thousands each year hoping
to see the fossilized remains of sea-creatures exposed in the walls. These
fossils were left behind over 400 million years ago by an ancient inland sea
(yes, a sea where the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania now stand). If
you're up to traveling just a bit further, take a drive out to beautiful
Huntingdon County where you can explore more fascinating underground
attractions at Indian Caverns,
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper
Rocks.
For More Information:
Caves and Caving of Western PA
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