 General
Florida Climbing Information
Introduction:
Despite a lack of any decent climbable rock anywhere in the State,
Florida supports a fair number of rock climbers (see Southeast
Climber's Registry - Florida). Some are spawned from the many
climbing gyms that have sprung up in our larger cities. Others are
immigrants who bring their climbing hobbies with them. This guide
is written for those who may be planning a visit to the Sunshine
State as well as those locals who sit up at night wondering where
that one piece of climbable rock is to be found in this huge state.
For many years I've looked for that secret climbing spot within
our borders. I have yet to find it. Truth is there IS climbable
rock in Florida. However, it is so rare and insignificant it is
not worth the effort to get to it.
State high point: Britton Hill 345
feet
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 Geology:
Florida has the distinction of being the flattest
of all 50 states with a mean elevation of 100 feet. Geologically
it is a broad peninsula of limestone formed during periods
of sea level fluctuation.. This platform was covered with sands
and clays eroded from the Appalachian Mountains which flowed down
the coast. In the lower portions of the state ocean currents carried
most of the sand away leaving a broad flat area barely above sea
level. There are few instances where the underlying limestone is
exposed from the covering sands. Where it is exposed, it is found
in low outcroppings subject to weathering.
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Quarries:
Some naturally occurring limestone exposures and outcroppings occur around the
Gainesville area near to where I live. The crest of the Hawthorn Ridge formation is found
west of the city. Mining of this near-surface limestone occurs in many small and large
quarries throughout the region, and has been practiced since the 1800's. Abandoned
quarries can be located which appear to offer excellent sheer walls ideal for top-roping
and free climbing. Closer inspection finds the quality of the rock too poor and crumbly to
climb.
The limestone mined in Florida is more commonly called lime-rock.
It is extracted by strip mining to be crushed for use in roads and
as a component of cement. Explosives are frequently used to fragment
the rock for extraction. The pits left behind are devoid of any
truly solid rock. Hand and foot holds break off easily or crumble
with pressure. The rock gets slick and soft when wet. Most of these
pit mines were dug below the water table and now have deep pools
beneath the cliffs making access from the bottom impossible. In
case you are still tempted, it is illegal to trespass in these old
mine pits, a law that is enthusiastically enforced. It's just not
worth the risk and effort. Honestly, if there were any climbable
rock in the quarries around this area, we probably would have bought
one years ago.
Large view of quarry
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 Peaks:
Britton Hill
The highest point in the state is Britton Hill in Lakewood Park
near the Alabama border. Soaring to 345 feet above sea level, this
high point is the lowest of the 50 states. Only rarely is it snowcapped.
It is the only state highest point comprised of sand.
Trip
Report from Britton Hill
Larger view from summit
of Britton Hill
Sugarloaf Mountain
A recent controversy over Florida's highest point has been raised by
a grassroots organization in Central Florida. Claims have been made
that Britton Hill doesn't represent peninsular Florida, that the
true Florida highest point is 312 foot Sugarloaf Mountain near Orlando.
Threatened by encroaching development, governor Bush has appointed
a mountain climbing judge to settle the mater. Visit
http://www.savesugarloaf.com/
Larger view from summit
Sugarloaf Mountain
In South Florida, the highest point to be found is at The South Dade Solid Waste
Disposal Facility known locally as “Mt. Trashmore.” It’s basically a large
mound of garbage covered with dirt with an amazing elevation of 149 feet.
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Karst Formations:
As the sea levels rose and fell, so did the freshwater tables of Florida
which flow through the limestone base rock. The soft limestone is
prone to dissolution by waterborne acids creating underground pockets
and tunnels. Sinkholes are formed when a section of roof collapses
into the underground chamber. These depressions sometimes have limestone
walls which again appear to offer climbing potential.
Large view of sinkhole bouldering
There are many places in North Florida where extensive wet and
dry caves can be found. Many of these contain long narrow passages
with few large rooms. Here again, the quality of the rock remains
too soft and chalky for any real climbing. The caves floors tend
to be muddy, it's a pretty messy business and a lot of effort to
go underground in search of climbing opportunities. Again, not worth
the effort.
The is a small state park in the panhandle with a reputation of
having a climbing area. It's reported to be a 20 foot high limestone
face near a cave entrance. I have not wasted my time looking for
it.
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Exposed Stone:
Another common place to find exposed rock is along rivers and streams. Some of the
largest boulders are to be found along the Santa Fe and Suwanee Rivers. This rock is
characteristically brittle and soft. Same old story.
 Larger
view of Suwanee River
A small band of sandstone is exposed in several areas in the panhandle,
a characteristic example of it to be found in Torreya
State Park. It is soft enough to carve your name in it with
a finger and barely 6 feet in height.
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Recommendations:
In Florida, go to a climbing gym.
There is no quality rock climbing in the state.
Florida Climbing Gyms
Know of other places to climb in Florida? Send photos and a description
and I'll add your information to this page. Thanks. - Wayne
Climbing
the Highest Point in Peninsular Florida (Bok Sanctuary)
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Florida Trip Reports
7/27/00 - Bouldering
in Florida? Here's Proof! Submitted by Mike Tennant - Mike and
some buddies boulder at a sinkhole after some cave diving.
5/28/00 Southern
Highpoints (FL & Al ) May 27 - 28, 2000 - Submitted by Machimoodus
- A visit to the highpoints in Alabama and Florida on a Memorial
Day road trip
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