Prettyboy Reservoir Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Prettyboy Reservoir

Bonus Wall, The 6 / 0 / 8 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8

Reservoir Wall, The 9 / 0 / 6 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 9

Upper Gunpowder Wall, The 1 / 0 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1

Elevation:	519 ft
GPS:	39.62071, -76.71076 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,704 total · 259/month
Shared By:	Jim Borton on May 22, 2021
Admins:	Frances Fierst Page Updates (admin only)

Description

Located in northwest Baltimore County, the Prettyboy Reservoir serves Baltimore City. The land is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Management Area and spans 7380 acres. Hunting, fishing, and hiking. No known climbing until 2021. The rock is known as Prettyboy Schist and similar to that found in the Hereford area of Big Gunpowder Falls. Trad climbing and top roping in a beautiful, remote setting. Lots of potential.

Note: There is a reference to Prettyboy Reservoir in the Baltimore City Watershed section, which also includes Loch Raven Reservoir. This subsection mentions a wall just below the dam that is off limits to climbing. Because Prettboy and Loch Raven are so far apart it seemed useful to give Prettyboy Reservoir its own section.

Getting There

The Prettyboy Reservoir is a large area so "getting there" depends on where you are going.

The Reservoir Wall was the first area discovered in Prettyboy Reservoir. It's located in the southeastern section of the reservoir. Take Mount Carmel Road west to Prettyboy Dam Road. Park in the lot on the north side of the dam. Walk up the open grassy area to a pull-out (parking not permitted) where the road curves to the right. The trail should be right in front of you; though, obscured by overgrowth. (Don't take the more obvious trail to the left.) The trail heads directly down to the water’s edge.

Follow the trail to the right. It takes you around the little cove. When you get to the opposite side, more or less, cut to your right directly uphill. Look for cairns. As you top out you'll come to an odd and unexpected open area. Go straight ahead. After about 100 feet look to your left, and you'll see a ravine heading down the water. The Reservoir Wall is on the northwest side of the ravine, close to the water. You are there. Check the photos on this page for a map. It’s about 15 minutes from the parking area.

The Bonus Wall was the second area discovered. The approach is nearly the same, just 5 more minutes of hiking. Pass the Reservoir Wall ravine. You can continue on the faint fire road