Being located here in the Boone and Western North Carolina region, we as lovers of all things climbing are a thankful bunch. Within an hour radius we have at our doorstep enough quality climbing to keep us busy for years and years. Within two hours - more than enough for a lifetime. Here at Center 45 our staff has a wealth of knowledge and local beta. Our hangout/study area is loaded with maps, Southeastern guidebooks and training references, all of which will get you out on some stone and up your project. The immediate Boone region has very limited published information concerning specific boulder field guidebooks. This ethic has helped preserve access and prevent bouldering area closures. If you are looking for some local beta, feel free to swing by and ask! You can no doubt find friendly local climbers with a wealth of information, or a knowledgeable crew to get outside and session with.


​​Boone Blocks:  
Feel free to call or stop by for beta about some of the Southeast's finest boulders. Listed below are some overviews of just a handful of the most popular bouldering destinations within an hour radius of Center 45 Climbing.  

Lost Cove

Lost Cove is a smaller, concentrated, south-facing boulder field and a favorite Boone-area wintertime destination. Slopers & crimps, steep faces to vertical terrain, low and highball options. The approach is easy and downhill on the hike in, and short but steep hiking out. Lost Cove houses some of the highest quality stone in the Boone Area with V0-V13 grades to choose from. This area drys quickly in the winter and has a plethora of High Country classics!

Buckeye & The Barn

Fantastic boulders located just outside of Boone. Comprised of 2 main areas, upper Buckeye Knob boulders and the lower Barn boulders. Buckeye Knob is more of a back country experience, with a 30 minute approach and solitary feel. The Barn boulders are close to the road and concentrated in a small, circuit-friendly area. High quality bouldering with problems ranging from V0 to V13. Slabs, overhangs, aretes, cracks, this area has it all. There are a number of classic lines and a concentration of high-quality problems in the Barn boulders and more spread out and occasionally highball lines on the Knob. This boulderfield was purchased and protected by the CCC, becoming Boone's first officially protected boulderfield. Click here for more info and t become a member of the CCC today!

Grandmother

Grandmother Mountain is arguably the most renowned bouldering area in the Boone region. Being at a higher elevation than most Southeastern areas  it's a perfect place to climb well into the warmer months. The approach is easy to moderate depending on how far you plan to hike in (boulders are strewn across the face of the mountain from the parking lot upward). With a V0-V14 grade range there is something for everyone to enjoy. This historic and popular destination is loaded with beautiful boulders to suit any climber.

Grayson Highlands

Grayson Highlands State Park is just over the state line in Southwestern Virginia. About one hour from downtown Boone, GHSP offers well over 1,000 boulder problems from V0-V13. The approaches are largely all roadside, the majority of the bouldering is steep and crimpy, and the views go on for miles. This is the highest elevation bouldering in the Southeast, most of which is near or above 5,000 feet in elevation. GHSP Bouldering is great during the warm months, and the park offers fantastic camping, fishing, hiking, and more. Park staff are very welcoming to climbers, and you can find the full color GHSP Bouldering Guidebook here.

Blowing Rock

A short drive from Center 45, this area is both nearby and loaded with amazing regional test pieces from the V0-V13 grade. Blowing Rock is very close to Boone and easily accessed for a full afternoon session. The approach is easy to moderate depending on how many pads you have strapped to your back. BR is climbable from fall, winter and spring and generally requires about one day to dry after a rain. Don't miss visiting the Blowing Rock Boulderfield!

Linville Gorge

Linville Gorge is a wonderland of rock and a deep wilderness gorge only an hour away (to most of the parking areas) from downtown Boone. Some of the best route climbing on the East Coast can be found all along the gorge, and some of North Carolina's best adventure bouldering can be found all along the riverbed. Reference Joey Henson's map (order here) or hike down with an experienced friend. There are multitudes of river smoothed, house sized boulders to climb, of every grade up to V13. The approach on some of the easier trails are still quite steep, so plan ahead, but its very much worth the hike. Swimming, gorgeous views, and stellar climbing await!