Details

Shaffer Rocks and White Rocks (Pondbank) are two of the better small crags in the Michaux State Forest in Southern Pennsylvania. They are roughly 90 minutes drive from Washington DC. Parking is limited at both crags so try to share rides and/or carpool.

Shaffer Rocks

Shaffer Rocks is predominantly a top-roping crag although there are a few routes that can be led on gear. The crag is easily accessible and has 30+ routes around 60ft in height from 5.3 to 5.11+.

The rock is a good quality Weverton quartzite that dries quickly despite being a north facing wall….a good summer destination. The Mountain Project guide to the climbing with directions to the crag is here.

Schaffer Rocks is on the Appalachian Trail and there is a very nice cabin less than 100 yards from the base. The cabin is The Hermitage, can be rented and more information can be found on the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club’s Website. Camping is also possible at the nearby Caledonia State Park.

Pond Bank

Pond Bank has two main areas, Brown Rocks and White Rocks. Brown Rocks is smaller and the routes are shorter.  Both crags face west and get afternoon sun.

Most visits to Pondbank go to White Rocks, which is predominantly a trad crag with 60+ routes from 5.3 to 5.11+. The approach is a ten minute flat walk to the base of the climbs on a signed path opposite the parking area (around six cars). The climbs are one pitch up to 125ft in height with either a rappel descent or an easy walk-off. Some routes have one or two bolts but there are no sport climbs. Some of the routes need large cams.

The Mountain Project guide to the climbing and directions to White Rocks is here and there is also a Pennsylvania Guidebook .