Franklin Gorge Explained

Franklin Gorge
Photo Width:180
Map:USA West Virginia
Location:Pendleton County, West Virginia
Nearest City:Franklin, West Virginia
Coordinates:38.6631°N -79.321°W
Climbing Type:sport climbing crag with mostly face climbing
Height:80 feet
Pitches:1
Ratings:majority of climbs are in 5.9-5.13 range
Grades:I
Rock Type:sandstone and limestone
Quantity:weeks worth
Development:partially developed
Aspect:west facing
Season:spring to fall
Ownership:private with multiple owners
Camping:paid at Franklin, West Virginia
Classic Climbs:
  • Blood, Sweat, and Chalk (5.9)
  • Aqualung (5.10a)
  • Super Amazing Sea Monkeys (5.10c)
  • Barnacle Bill (5.11a)
Stars:3

Franklin Gorge or just Franklin[1] or Cranklin Gorge is a small sport climbing area near Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area located near Franklin, WV. This rock climbing spot was first discovered and developed by John Burcham and friends during the early-mid 90s. The site contains mostly sport and top rope climbing as well as some traditional climbing, and is located on private land. The rock is layered sandstone and some limestone which create horizontals, and the site has pockets and huecos for the majority of the holds. This site is the first place many Mid-Atlantic climbers cut their teeth on bolted rock climbing routes before going on to challenge the New River Gorge.

Guidebooks

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Horst, Eric J.. Rock Climbing Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, 2nd. 2013. FalconGuides. 0762784342.