Franklin Gorge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin Gorge |
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 Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Pendleton County, West Virginia |
| Nearest city | Franklin, West Virginia |
| Coordinates | 38°39′47.26″N 79°19′15.59″W / 38.6631278°N 79.3209972°W |
| Climbing type | sport climbing crag with mostly face climbing |
| Height | 80 feet |
| Pitches | 1 |
| Ratings | majority of climbs are in 5.9-5.13 range |
| Grades | I |
| Rock type | sandstone and limestone |
| Quantity of rock | weeks worth |
| Development | partially developed |
| Cliff aspect | west facing |
| Season | spring to fall |
| Ownership | private with multiple owners |
| Camping | paid at Franklin, West Virginia |
| Classic climbs |
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| Stars |   |
Franklin Gorge, also known as Franklin or Cranklin Gorge, is a popular spot for rock climbing in West Virginia. It is a smaller climbing area located near Franklin, WV. This place is also close to the beautiful Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.
Climbers first discovered and developed Franklin Gorge in the 1990s. A climber named John Burcham and his friends helped create many of the climbing routes here. The climbing area is on private land, so it's important to respect the owners and follow any rules.
Contents
What Kind of Climbing Can You Do?
Franklin Gorge is mainly known for sport climbing. In sport climbing, ropes are attached to bolts already drilled into the rock. This makes it a safer way to climb. The area also offers some top rope climbing. With top roping, the rope goes through an anchor at the top of the climb. This means you are always supported from above. There are also a few traditional climbing routes. Traditional climbing involves placing your own temporary safety gear as you go up.
The Rocks at Franklin Gorge
The rocks at Franklin Gorge are mostly made of sandstone and some limestone. These types of rock often form layers. This creates horizontal cracks and ledges. The rock also has many natural features like pockets and huecos. Pockets are small holes you can grab onto. Huecos are larger, scooped-out areas that are easy to hold. These features make for fun and interesting climbs.
A Great Place to Learn
Franklin Gorge is a special place for many climbers. It's often where climbers from the Mid-Atlantic region first learn about bolted rock climbing routes. These are routes where the safety bolts are already in place. After gaining experience here, many climbers move on to bigger challenges. A popular next step is often the famous New River Gorge.
Classic Climbs to Try
Franklin Gorge has several well-known climbing routes. These are often called "classic climbs" because they are popular and enjoyable. Some of these include:
- Blood, Sweat, and Chalk (rated 5.9)
- Aqualung (rated 5.10a)
- Super Amazing Sea Monkeys (rated 5.10c)
- Barnacle Bill (rated 5.11a)
The numbers like "5.9" or "5.10a" are part of a rating system. They tell climbers how difficult a route is. A higher number means a harder climb.
Images for kids
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A view of the rock face at Franklin Gorge, a popular climbing spot.
