There has been a buzz in the climbing community for some time now that Rumbling Bald was open. I received numerous e-mails concerning this area and telling me that I needed to update Yseesee. I would like to thank all of you that sent me e-mail concerning Rumbling Bald. However, I was a little reluctant to post "Rumbling Bald Now Open" until I received some sort of official correspondence. I simply did not want to tell everyone in the world that this are was open. Perhaps, this innovation I received was not 100% true. Taking that into consideration, I did not want to spoil any efforts in getting it opened. Well, here it is straight from our Regional Coordinator!
RUMBLING BALD is now opened to climbing with the blessing of the owners, thanks to the efforts of the Access Fund and the Carolina Climbers Coalition. It is vital however that anyone who goes there realize that climbing there is a privilege and not a right. This wonderful place is privately owned and it could be closed again by the work of just one or two jerks who abuse the land by littering, building fires, cutting down trees, rampant bolting or any number of other actions. For the time being, until details are worked out with the owners, I would discourage camping and driving past the parking area just inside the trees. If everyone is cool and follows the golden rule we should have no problems. Encourage people to pick up other 's litter and if you see someone abusing the land give them hell! If you have any questions please feel free to call the North Carolina Regional Coordinator Sean Cobourn at 1-800-366-9945 or in the evenings at 864-472-5678.
Liability seems to be the main concern at most privately owned areas. The North Carolina Recreational Users Statute is a good source for land owners that have Liability concerns.
Now, there are probably a few of you wondering. Where can I get some good route information about Rumbling Bald? Was I right? Well, for those of you fortunate enough to still have a copy of the second edition of Thomas Kelly's "The Climbers Guide to North Carolina" simply turn to page 97 and get all the information you want about the 120 plus great climbs! Rumbling Bald is not in the current issue of this climbing guide. Now, for the people that don't have a copy of this no longer published guide book. Find one! Yenzo...
