Climb Hidden Rocks

Amazing rock climbing can be found just outside Harrisonburg, VA at a series of crags hiding in the beautiful landscape of GW National Forest. Hidden Rocks offers amazing climbing and bouldering for intermediate level or well-guided beginners.

Near the end of Hone Quarry Road is a small, self-pay campground with a handful of well established campsites and restrooms. No showers or potable water, but it's only five bucks for the night and there's a gas station/convenience store at the last turn. As a bonus, there's a local fellow that chops firewood across the street at that same intersection. He hooked us up with a night's wood for free just for a plug, so here it is: buy his wood.

To get to the rocks, park in the small gravel lot on the NE side of Hone Quarry Road and follow the yellow blaze trail up, down, around and over several stream beds for 30 minutes or so before the final uphill approach to the rocks. Although they're called Hidden Rocks, if you follow the trail (def stay on the trail) they're hard to miss. There are 4 separate areas of the rocks to climb on: Lower Hidden, Hidden Cracks, Upper Hidden & Hidden Hilltop.

You'll need gear for leading, top-roping and building anchors. including cordelette, locking carabiners and long slings for extending anchors over the edge of the cliff. I also recommend Rock Climbing Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland by Eric J. Horst. It has great beta on the routes as well as general info about the area and its history. It was my first time visiting the area and I found it invaluable.

From Richmond, take 64 West to 81 North Stauton/Winchester and take exit 235 for VA-256. GPS Coordinates: 38 26.886'N, 79 07.315'W