Rappelling involves the act of descending a steep slope, with the use of a rope as well as other equipment to control the descent. These slopes are too steep to descend without the use of specialized equipment. Such slopes can be natural formations, like cliffs and mountainsides, or man-made structures. In Maryland, you'll find a variety of places to challenge your skills.
Indoor Climbing Facilities
Maryland has a variety of indoor climbing facilities located around the state, which gives climbers an opportunity to rappel no matter what the weather outside. Earth Treks offers three facilities, in Columbia, Rockville and Timonium. Each facility offers more than 16,000 square feet of climbing and rappelling, with faces for beginners and experienced climbers. These include 23-foot slabs, 50-foot overhangs and bouldering caves.
Parks
State parks and historic parks in Maryland offer a variety of rappelling adventures. At Rocks State Park, north of Bel Air, visitors will find climbs and rappels ranging from eight feet to 115 feet in height. At Carderock, which is part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, climbs and rappels range from 30 to 50 feet in height. There are hazards present at these sites not found at indoor, man-made facilities. Copperheads and bee nests can be found at Rocks State Park. In addition, loose and falling rock is a hazard. Climbers should carry their own water, and at Rocks State Park climbers must register at the park office.
Caves
There are at least 53 caves to explore in Maryland. Most of these are located in the western part of the state. Some of these caves have large entries that offer opportunities for rappelling. Devil's Hole Cave in Allegany County has a 12-foot shaft, located in the bottom of a sinkhole, that marks its entrance. The cave includes a 100-foot descent that is made up of a series of small cascades and waterfalls.
Maryland Heights
Maryland Heights offers visitors 26 climbs and rappelling opportunities. Several of the climbs begin with walking up the ravine that begins at the tunnel and two train bridges. Climb B begins with a 90-foot ascent along the vegetated corner. It then rises another 70 feet along a finger crack in the overhang. Climb A ascends to the corner until the climber reaches a tree with several rappel scars, at about 90 feet. From there, the climber continues along a chimney. Each of these climbs offers excellent rappelling.
Organized Tours
One of the best ways to get to know the rappelling areas in Maryland is through an organized tour. There are several outdoor outfitters that will arrange guided trips for climbers of all levels. River and Trail Outfitters, located in Knoxville, Maryland, has been arranging guided climbing tours for more than three decades. This family-run organization, licensed by the Department of Natural Resources, offers trips not only in Maryland, but all across the tri-state area.
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