Hidden Valley – 10-5-2017
After recently purchasing a climbing rope and some rappelling gear, my son Tyler and I were very anxious to find somewhere to begin practicing to use it. Although we did get over an hour of free professional instruction from the fine folks over at Rock Dimensions in Boone, NC when we bought the gear, all while using their awesome climbing tower, we knew we would need many more hours of practice to be able to do this safely and correctly. During the training session it was all while ‘on belay’ so we wanted to do a single rope rappel since most of our rope events will require that method at least until one person gets down to the bottom etc. I had heard of some cliffs that were only known within certain climbing communities that were in the Hidden Valley area and having seen some nice rocky outcroppings on top of those mountains from the highway below for many years, I have always wanted to explore that area. The location was brought to my attention again on Dec. 20, 2015 when a climber accidentally fell 50 feet to her death there while rappelling. I have numerous mutual friends that were close friends with her although I only recall meeting her once myself as she was a Linville Gorge Wilderness Ranger for Wild South, an Asheville based conservation group. Such a sad and tragic loss of a wonderful person. We decided it was time to visit this area.
View from the top of the Hidden Valley Cliffs
We left early as usual and drove to the Hidden Valley area in Virginia and had no issues finding the trail-head although, it seems we did not take the correct trail for the climbers area at the base of the hidden cliffs as there are no signs for such. No complaints there as I am all for keeping things ‘hidden’ in order to protect them from the masses. There was however, a sign for the Brumley Mountain Trail which led steeply up the hill. Assuming this would lead to the top of the cliffs we headed in that direction ! After a good heart rate increasing climb, we reached the top of the ridge where we did find our first rocky overlook. The views were incredible and I knew then where I was in relation to the many views of this mountain I had seen from the highway below.
Approaching the first overlook at the top of the mountain
Tyler checking out the vertical drop to see if its clear enough at the base for rappelling. It was a bit overgrown down there.
View from this first cliff overlook we found
Killer view from the first overlook.
View from the first overlook
Tyler checks out a Geocache we found at the first overlook
Realizing this was not the climbing area we continued out the ridge for a ways where there were a lot of rock formations and cliffs but, nothing like what we were looking for. It was still early and it was a nice ridge to be on so, we pressed on. The trail we were following was a high ridge trail that ran above and parallel to the Brumley Mtn. Trail that after a dozen or so miles would eventually lead to The great Channels of Va. Just when we were about to turn around (realizing that the climbing cliffs were not up here) we met an older fellow sitting in the woods. After a short conversation with him we realized he was a local and knew the area fairly well. He did enlighten us on where we were and where the climbing cliffs actually were and after talking to us about religion he did advise that we continue on just a short ways farther to where this nice high ridge trail would end at a very nice rocky cliff overlook. This was much appreciated as it turned out to be an awesome cliff that is the main one on the top of this mountain. The views were breathtaking and once I seen the highway far below us I knew that I had looked up at this many times wishing I could stand upon it ! Wish now granted !
There are many rock formations along the top of this ridge many of which are hidden among the trees and do not have views but, very fun nonetheless
Bottle Gentian found along the ridge trail
Shaggy bark tree I assume is a Shag Hickory Tree ?
Looking up the shaggy bark tree
Tyler checks out this huge rock formation at the entrance to the largest cliff overlook found on this far end of the ridge.
Exploring this large labyrinth of rock layers
Very colorful and large cracks to explore
rock stacks
Colorful fungus
Rock layers are always fun to check out
I am sure these rocks would speak volumes to a geologist !
Tyler had no trouble getting to the top of this pile of rock layers !
Hey son, why don`t you go down into that little room and sit under that 40 ton rock that`s held up but a tiny leaning stack of rocks ? Sure dad !
An incredible amount of weight being supported by a small amount of stack rocks. It`s leaning too !!
This was a nice set of cliffs that go for quite a ways across this end of the ridge. Lots of cracks and rooms to explore etc and it also affords amazing views on its point.
Looking the other way along this small cliff system
Tyler climbing up to the overlook part of these cliffs.
Tyler is letting me know there is an amazing view from up there !
Looking back at the channel we came through to get to the overlook
On my way to join Tyler for an amazing view
Tyler checking out the view
Tyler on this killer cliff
The bright sun was very intense, almost blinding.
I did not bring my larger camera or a tripod as we were packing climbing gear so I did my best to get some shots with my pocket cam.
Looking down the point of this overlook. This series of drops are just over head high so i did make my way down to the lowest one before we left.
Our killer view from this overlook.
i can see for miles and miles and miles and,,,,,, yeah once you get the blinding sun out of your eyes !!
Some nice colors starting up here. We had figured out by this time that those few cliff tops sticking up in the distance were most likely where we needed to be but, finding this overlook was well worth the trouble.
The views from here are breathtaking.
The view but, i was actually trying to capture the big black bird that is flying in this image if you look closely you`ll see it.
Do you see the bird now ?
View panning farther right
View farther right,,,
looking slightly more to the right,,
panning even farther right
Stack of rocks just behind us
I did go down and play on these
making our way farther around the top of these cliffs. Lots to explore here.
This cliff system continues all across this ridge but, much is hidden by trees etc. just like the much larger climbing cliffs are almost completely hidden from view from anywhere but their base.
Checking out more of this awesome cliff system / overlook
Found this huge ‘crawl-way’ that led all the way through the cliff !
Looking back
Going into the crawl space. what state is that ? Oklahoma ? lol
Colorado ? lol
Trying to show the depth and size of this gnomular crack
The reds were really popping
Looking back across the face of the overlook as we make our way farther across the cliff system
Side view of the overlook
Looking up at Tyler as I climb back up from the lower rocks below the overlook
Although some of the drops were over my head, the stair stepped nature of the rocks and their affordable hand and footholds made it easy to descend and ascend without a rope.
Lots of covered ledges many of which obscured by growth
One of many rock shelter type spots along this cliff system. These are great places to get out of the sun.
Tyler and I were glad we found a different rout off the overlook as we came across this amazing tree that had grown around the roof of this huge rock shelter and was seemingly holding it up !!!
I am betting it took a long time for this grow around this rock
You can see another tree growing out around this rock that might one day join the other tree in holding it up !
View of the trees from the other side
After spending some time there checking out some of the many cracks and crevices and various levels of the cliffs, we made our way back the way we had came as we now knew we had to basically go back down the mountain to the vehicle and start over again on a different trail in order to find the right cliffs. Already being at the highest point meant it would be level for a ways and then all downhill thus it did not take very long to accomplish that.
Someone got so excited here they lost their bloomers !
Looking back at the rocks and their ’emotional support trees’ !
Lots of stacked rocks like this across the ridge top.
Tyler finding us a way through the large rock stacks as we make our way back to the ridge trail so we can get back to where we started in order to take the other trail to the actual climbing cliffs.
Once back at the trail head we knew exactly which way to go and after a short ways we saw the other main entrance to this trail that we had driven right by ! They have a new parking lot there just for climbers that the main trail now starts from. It only took a few minutes to go around the corner to where the cliffs begin. They are definitely hidden which is amazing how something that large could be so well hidden by the trees around them. The trail follows the base of the completely vertical cliffs for at least a mile or more and the farther you go the higher they get. There are literally hundreds of climbing routes and thousands of anchors as far as the eye can see. There are no beginner routes here however, and finding a way to the top was looking doubtful as everything we were seeing would require technical freestyle climbing with the use of lanyards to anchor yourself on the way up. We`re talking climbing shoes, chalk bags and all that which is just not for us ! We would need something we could access the top of to attach a top rope that we could rappel from. So far we were not seeing it. We would realize by days end that there was only one way to the top from this side otherwise, it would require a nasty bushwhack down from the top ridge we were on previously.
Finally on the right trail we find the beginning of the climbing cliffs.
The first rock cliff was the smallest but, was very nice. it put me in mind of some in the Little Stony Creek area of Virginia.
Looking up at the first set of cliffs. This was the start of a very long series of cliffs that kept getting taller
Looking back at the start of the cliff system I marveled at the rock layers. These rocks are very old.
The next formation along the route
From this point on we knew we had hit the jackpot !
With each corner turned we could see the cliff system kept going on and on getting higher and higher as we went.
Hiking along the base of these cliffs is phenomenal. Looking up you can see literally hundreds of climbing routes, anchors, etc.
The rock formations here are amazing
Every corner led to another beautiful rock cliff
Some of these rocks are very large with a vertical wall of over 100 feet above them
The trees along the base of the cliffs are well over 100 feet tall and they do not come anywhere near the top of these vertical cliffs.
Lots of cracks and crevices to explore
Lots of overhanging rocks. I can see why it is a climbers paradise.
Tyler pointing up, most likely at some of the numerous anchors and chains etc.
This is what Tyler was pointing up at !
This is one of those places you just can`t stop looking up at !
Looking back from where we had just passed by
Tyler adding some scale to the size of these enormous cliffs
The cracks and climbing routes here are infinite
Looking up you are not seeing the top. it goes a long way up past where you can see in most places
You can still see Tyler at the base of some of the tallest part of these cliffs
Looking up at the multiple climbing routes we quickly figured out there was not an easy way to the top of these cliffs to attach a top rope. It would require lanyards, a chalk bag, fancy climbing shoes etc, things we do not have and that are above our pay grade !
Looking up at these awesome cliffs
Continuing on along the base as the cliffs seem to go on forever
We were like kids on a playground !
Zoomed shot of one climbing anchor. There are thousands of these here.
Tyler checking out a huge crack we found that is very climbable even for us regular hiker trash and gnomes etc.
As soon as I seen this crack I pictured our Gnome friend John Forbes climbing it.
Another vertical wall with a huge overhanging rock.
Well over 100 feet high and nice colors seen in this frame. The top is way above what you see here
Looking back and up
Continuing to follow the base of the cliffs. We were nowhere near the end !
Looking farther up
Looking up you can see some anchors if you look closely. I love watching people freestyle climb to those !
There are some chains hanging in some places. I assume this is because in order to get around the overhanging obstacle you must be able to swing out some which would be harder using a stationary anchor ?
Tyler checking out those chain anchors and of course we were still looking for a way to mount our rope so that we could rappel. So far getting to the top anchors required freestyle climbing etc. = not for us !
Hiking along the base of the cliffs and looking up at the magnificent rock formations and colors with all its overhangs and some fall colors around it was very enjoyable. The sheer height of these cliffs is also mind blowing. I am happy that the climbing coalition was able to get this area opened back up for access and even happier that it is kept on the down low within only the climbing community. We eventually found a wide opening in the system near the end of it that we were able to climb up where a small rope was found enabling us to get on top of the cliffs but, we realized that our rope might not be long enough to reach the bottom ! That being said, we ended up coming back down and going farther to near the end of the cliff system where we found something that would suit our needs.
when we rounded yet another corner and I spied that pointy rock sitting on top of that cliff, I knew I had to be up there on it ! We found a way up there just beyond it but, did not have time to get all the way to it. I will be back for this !
The colors and stains were very interesting
Looking up as we pass under.
I wondered what the black rocks were made of
zoomed shot of a very long chain anchor way up above us
close up of the long chain anchor. I assume its safe,,,
Looking back
Another view looking back and farther up
Looking up as we are now standing directly under the pointy rock I wanted to sit upon
This is also where the long chain is if you look closely
Another zoomed shot of some various types of anchors used to get around an overhanging rock
I was fascinated by this long hanging chain. I am still picturing someone swinging from this !
It is obvious that there IS falling rock from time to time. We need to invest in some helmets.
All this rock and nowhere to rappel !!!! And dang, it`s getting late !!
Looking back along the base of the section we had just came by
Looking up at the cliffs and Fall colors
after finally finding a gap that was steep yet, climbable, this was my view looking farther along the cliff system that seemed would never end.
Climbing up the only gap we could find
We knew this was a way to the top when we found this permanent rope at the top of the gap !
Top of the gap which is much steeper than it appears in this picture hence why the rope is there.
Tyler climbs the rope to check out the top of the cliffs above
Tyler making the climb look easy
Tyler made it without issue. he continued up and over to the top of the main cliffs where the pointy rock was I wanted to sit upon. He determined our rope was not long enough to rappel from up there !!!!
My view from the rope. We were pretty high up
My view looking up the rope !
Tyler coming back down the rope. You do not want to slip here as it is a LONG way down to the bottom from where I am standing ! It is very steep and solid rock.
Again Tyler making it look easy
here you can see how steep it is and it’s a long way down to the base of the cliffs from here
My view looking the other way from the rope
back down at the base we continued on in search of a place to rappel or the end of the cliffs, which ever came first !
Awesome rock layers
Something about rock layers. Of course that one stack is man made.
I am sure there is a lot of information to be learned by those layers and striations
Looking up I spied another pointy rock on top !!
Looking back at the very cool ‘Ledge of Layers’ !
Looking back at the ledge of layers. it goes for quite a ways
The ledge of layers ended here. There was a huge almost vertical drop to the left there that we would have used for rappelling as it would have been perfect only, we did not trust the only anchor that was there !
Looking up from the end of the ledge of layers
This is the old rusty anchor we did not trust !! It was the only one and we prefer having two, esp when one looks like this ! although this would probly never break, it`s a mental thing lol
beautiful pink striped rocks !
Tyler at the end of the ledge of layers where the rusty anchor was. To his left is a 50 foot not quite vertical drop that would have been perfect to rappel had we found just one more anchor point.
Looking back you can see just how amazing this cliff system is. It is nearly a mile long.
Looking down from the end of the ledge of Layers. Would have been perfect for rappelling if only there was another anchor ! Oh well, moving onward,,,
This is looking up at a prominent corner we were going around. We expected the cliffs to end here. They didn`t !!
The cliffs kept going and going,,,,
They did not get any smaller and the overhanging rock was still just as large
Oddly shaped pink rock at the base of the cliffs
Huge pile of Hen of the Woods. I should have taken this home to eat !!
Continuing to follow the never ending cliffs we could always look up and see awesome rock formations and some early fall colors against the postcard blue sky
Colorful overhanging rock
A quick look back
Another look back and up
After seeing how far the cliffs went we came back a short distance to a place where we could do what we came for. Tyler climbed way up above the chosen rock and anchored our rope and brought it down. We then put on our harnesses and proceeded to check, double check and triple check every process and piece of equipment before Tyler (who went first) began his rappel down. It went smoothly for him and then it was my turn. Again more checking and double checking and my descent also went smoothly with the exception of me not looking as good doing it since I am so overweight right now ! We took turns using different devices until the sun began to set at which time we knew we had to pack up and head out.
We dropped our packs and got out our climbing gear.
I looked up and seen this thing that was way too close for comfort ! Closer inspection revealed there were no bees !
The way this tree grew curved around the cliffs was very unique.
Crazy tall curly tree !
Between the curly tree and the Fall colors, this was a beautiful spot to be rappelling at
I could not stop checking out that crazy tree !
Tyler on the first rappel down the single rope.
Tyler getting a feel for being on a single line with no belay
Tyler on rope trying out one of his devices (either the atc or the figure 8)
Tyler descending the rope
Tyler on rope
Testing the equipment !
Everything working fine !
almost down,,,
It was now my turn on the rope. Of course I am using my Gri Gri and Tyler is concerned about where the rope is touching the rock. We ended up putting a pack under it to prevent damaging the rope. BTW, this is one reason I got a Gri Gri so i could lock it down and be hands free in order to take pictures !
Tyler about to start his second rappel. My view from the bottom looking up !
Tyler coming down the rope, trying out a different device this time. You can see that ‘crazy tree’ in the distance !!
Tyler on the rope
This is exactly what we needed. A short rappel where we could practice using the new gear and get comfortable with it in a place where if we did make a mistake we would not die !!!
A pack now protects the rope from being cut by the rock (esp when my fat butt is on it) lol
A fat RAT begins his descent
That first step backwards off the edge putting all your trust in the gear and your ability is the hardest !
Using my ATC this time I realize that with my weight I need more resistance. For now I can add a loop but, in the future I might buy a ‘rescue ATC’ which provides more friction !
Me continuing to come down the rock and try out the equipment
Lots of fun and everything working like it should
RAT on a rope !
Reaching the bottom comes too soon. This had been a successful day and the next step will be a higher and more vertical rappel.
Tyler going down again.
This was a great practice rock !
Hanging out !
Going faster , taking bigger jumps down the rock.
On our way out we finally ran into some people. I thought this was odd with only an hour or so until dark. The first was three young girls and a large German Shepard that seemed friendly at first but, then had to be called off Tyler when he barked and lunged at him at the last moment. Obviously climbers who were there to climb some before dark. The second group was three guys and a young boy who were already on the wall. They were very friendly and were kind enough to answer several climbing related questions Tyler and I had. The one guy had free styled to the top of this huge vertical cliff to attach the ropes so that the others could climb on belay. The small boy had his own little climbing shoes and miniature chalk bag and was chomping at the bit to start up this huge wall.
On our way out as the sun was getting low.
The cliffs looked different under the less intense lighting
Following the cliff base back the way we had came
We were both happy with our accomplishments for the day. I think Tyler was happy to still be alive after the girl`s German Shepard that nearly ate him just before this was taken !
The less intense light was better for pics of the cliffs. I love the rock colors here. Is that some one on the rock face up ahead ??
Why yes, there is someone climbing the rock face ahead !!
We came across these nice folks climbing on our way out. The small kid was the most impressive of the bunch !
Very friendly and helpful folks here. The one closest to me is the one who freestyled to the top of this super high vertical rock face and threaded the anchors to put the ropes in at the top for them ! Very impressive.
The small boy had his gear on, his climbing shoes and little chalk bag and was making a beeline for the wall !!!
Almost back to where the cliffs begin.
We did not stay long since the light was fading and we did not want to impose on their climbing time plus it is not polite nor safe to talk to someone who is belaying someone else so, we moved on and was soon back at the car. The sunset was looking good from our high vantage point as we made our way off the mountain. It had been another very fruitful day in Nature and we accomplished what we came to do and then some. We were already talking about our next adventure and yes, it would definitely involve more climbing and rappelling ! Until next time,,,
What a day it had been ! The setting sun was lighting up the early Fall colors on the trees with the majestic blue ridge mountains of Virginia in the distance. It doesn`t get much better than this.
My name is 'RAT' and I love the mountains and waterfalls of the East TN. area where I live and I hope you enjoy this blog about my outdoor adventures.
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