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Sign Wall Rock Climbing
Routes in Sign Wall
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'D' Route T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a |
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'D' Slab Direct (DoubleD) T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b R |
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Black Powder T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c |
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C T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c |
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Daniel's Variation T 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R |
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Great Escape, The T 5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a |
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Hard Up T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c |
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Hard Up Direct T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c |
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Hard Way Up, The TR 5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b |
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Hard-On T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c |
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Sign Route T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b R |
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Space Walk T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a |
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| Elevation: | 563 ft |
| GPS: |
39.3247, -77.7258 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 34,148 total · 244/month |
| Shared By: | John Kelbel on Sep 9, 2011 |
| Admins: | Frances Fierst |
Access Issue: 2022 Peregrine Closure Lifted July 29, 2022. Closed to climbing, VA crags, Jefferson rock, and all rocks along Shenandoah Street. Note: All parking is closed along Sandy Hook rd.
Details
2022 Peregrine Closures-Lifter July 29, 2022.
Website: nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/…
After raising the first successful fledgling at Harpers Ferry in 70 years, a pair of peregrine falcons have returned once again to nest on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
To provide the peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service (NPS) will close portions of Maryland Heights from Feb. 16 to July 29, 2022. The closures include several rock outcroppings near the overlook and the following climbing areas:
The Gully
Sign Wall
ABC Ramps
Train Tunnel Wall
Confederate Walls
All trails on Maryland Heights and the Union Walls climbing area will remain open. Closed areas will be clearly marked with signs and fencing.
Peregrine falcons are a sensitive species and had not successfully hatched chicks at Maryland Heights in several decades prior to last year’s success. In spring 2021, the peregrine couple produced three hatchlings, but only one chick survived the vulnerable newborn phase and successfully fledged (developed feathers that enabled it to fly). Human interference, especially during the nesting phase, can drive off mature falcons, cause abandonment of the nest and result in the loss of eggs or death to fledglings. NPS staff asks that people respect closures to give the peregrine falcons a safe habitat to breed and nest.
For more information about peregrine falcons at the park, visit go.nps.gov/HFfalcons.
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MD Heights Registration
Registration is required prior to climbing on Maryland Heights. To register for climbing on MD Heights visit the Lower Town Information Center (however not required during Covid)
Cliffs that are closed to climbing and bouldering are Jefferson Rock, and the various quarry sites and small rock outcrops along Shenandoah Street. Virginia Rock Climbing is close which is basically the Virginia Cliff.
Parking Restrictions
All Parking is closed on Sandy Hook Rd by the County Department of Highways including the trail head for Maryland Heights.
Website: nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/…
After raising the first successful fledgling at Harpers Ferry in 70 years, a pair of peregrine falcons have returned once again to nest on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
To provide the peregrine falcons adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service (NPS) will close portions of Maryland Heights from Feb. 16 to July 29, 2022. The closures include several rock outcroppings near the overlook and the following climbing areas:
The Gully
Sign Wall
ABC Ramps
Train Tunnel Wall
Confederate Walls
All trails on Maryland Heights and the Union Walls climbing area will remain open. Closed areas will be clearly marked with signs and fencing.
Peregrine falcons are a sensitive species and had not successfully hatched chicks at Maryland Heights in several decades prior to last year’s success. In spring 2021, the peregrine couple produced three hatchlings, but only one chick survived the vulnerable newborn phase and successfully fledged (developed feathers that enabled it to fly). Human interference, especially during the nesting phase, can drive off mature falcons, cause abandonment of the nest and result in the loss of eggs or death to fledglings. NPS staff asks that people respect closures to give the peregrine falcons a safe habitat to breed and nest.
For more information about peregrine falcons at the park, visit go.nps.gov/HFfalcons.
________________________
MD Heights Registration
Registration is required prior to climbing on Maryland Heights. To register for climbing on MD Heights visit the Lower Town Information Center (however not required during Covid)
Cliffs that are closed to climbing and bouldering are Jefferson Rock, and the various quarry sites and small rock outcrops along Shenandoah Street. Virginia Rock Climbing is close which is basically the Virginia Cliff.
Parking Restrictions
All Parking is closed on Sandy Hook Rd by the County Department of Highways including the trail head for Maryland Heights.
Description
The Sign Wall is one of the more popular areas of Maryland Heights and the home of the classic route Hard Up. The unique and fading sign in the center of the wall was painted around 1903-06 and reads Mennens Borate Talcum Toilet Powder. Click this link for a Historical picture of the sign.
Rock Quality
Most of the rock in this area is excellent however areas to be cautious in are to the right side of the painted sign. Also at the top right side of the sign above the cave / alcove the rock here has razor sharp edges and is broken and loose.
Rappel Location
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Yellow Arrows are the main Rappel A single 60m rope is needed, be careful not to rappel off the ends of the rope. descends along the left side of the sign as viewed from the town and is setup for 2 rappels with a single 60m rope.
From the top of the cliff there are two main overlook areas the upper one has a park info sign the other is a little lower and on the left when viewing the town. From this overlook locate a 6 foot wide chimney a little lower and around on the left side of the overlook. Scramble down the base of the chimney all the way to the exposed main face and a tree. The rappel bolts are still out of sight until you step down to the base of the tree and look back into the chimney under an overhang on the right side of the chimney wall.
A 60 meter rope is essential for reaching the second rappel. On the first rappel watch where you lay the rope when exiting the chimney there is a spot with a V notch in the crack system that sometimes will snag a rope. There is a large smooth protruding horn near the 2nd tree it is about waist high and makes for an excellent place to lay the rappel line keeping it out of the crack system. Also watch that you dont rappel off the end of your rope as this long rappel will take you to the end of your rope. Then next rappel will take you to the base of the crag and Hard Up Direct
Rock Quality
Most of the rock in this area is excellent however areas to be cautious in are to the right side of the painted sign. Also at the top right side of the sign above the cave / alcove the rock here has razor sharp edges and is broken and loose.
Rappel Location
The
From the top of the cliff there are two main overlook areas the upper one has a park info sign the other is a little lower and on the left when viewing the town. From this overlook locate a 6 foot wide chimney a little lower and around on the left side of the overlook. Scramble down the base of the chimney all the way to the exposed main face and a tree. The rappel bolts are still out of sight until you step down to the base of the tree and look back into the chimney under an overhang on the right side of the chimney wall.
A 60 meter rope is essential for reaching the second rappel. On the first rappel watch where you lay the rope when exiting the chimney there is a spot with a V notch in the crack system that sometimes will snag a rope. There is a large smooth protruding horn near the 2nd tree it is about waist high and makes for an excellent place to lay the rappel line keeping it out of the crack system. Also watch that you dont rappel off the end of your rope as this long rappel will take you to the end of your rope. Then next rappel will take you to the base of the crag and Hard Up Direct
Getting There
The direction on the main page Maryland Heights will get you to the base of the cliff on Sandy hook road. Take the trail on the right side of the white stone building and follow it straight up underneath the sign.
Classic Climbing Routes at Sign Wall
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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