Trip Reports - 3/27/99 - Sandrock Hoe-down, Sandrock Alabama

Enlarge group shot photo

Sandrock is part of the last vestiges of the Cumberland Plateau's southwest thrust into Alabama.  The exposure of rocks lie along a ridge top, overlooking Wiess Lake and the town of Leesburg.  It is a very rural and sparsely populated area, though the climbing is easily accessible. That fact is both the boon and bane of Sandrock.

The Hoe-down was a lot of fun. It is regular event in the Southeast, a gathering of climbers to share our efforts to maintain a worthy climbing area. It is organized by the Southeastern Climbers Coalition to periodically clean up the detritus left behind by some of the more ignorant, inconsiderate, and less socially evolved visitors to this unique area. There is also a bouldering contest, a gear raffle, free stuff, food, drinks, and displays by sponsors.

Show larger version of Jackie

By noon time, the large gathering had combed the area clean of trash, filling the dumpster to the limits of capacity. The bouldering competition was started. It had drawn in some big guns, and 100 routes challenged everyone from novice to master. While the competition raged on the surrounding boulders, I rigged a rope on the best of areas on the Jaws Block to let our group of vertical virgins get a first taste of stone.

Enlarge photo of Maureen on Jaws Block problem

For more information about climbing at Sandrock, Alabama, visit theWe spent most of the afternoon climbing around the Jaws Block. Later in the afternoon, I took the group on an exploratory tour of the rest of the major climbing areas. We scrambled through caves and dark passages, climbed over and under huge boulders.

See larger version of Maria on her first day climbing

We returned in time to catch the end of the day raffle. Brad McCleod distributed ropes, climbing gear, clothing, packs, and all kinds of prizes to lucky ticket holders. Everyone had a good time at the Hoe-down.

Enlarge image of Shane

We spent the night camping nearby. Like cockroaches and vermin, as the sun went down the night came alive with noisy ATV's, racing pickup trucks, blaring radios, and all the things that make wilderness camping so attractive. By morning the area had a fresh dusting of beer cans and bottles, abandoned trash fires smoldered, and the slow de-evolution of Sandrock began the cycle again. We cleaned up what we could, then spent another day enjoying the superb climbing. Thanks to everyone at the Sandrock Hoe-down for a job well done.

See large view of the raffle

Sandrock Climbing area page

Top of Page