North Carolina · Rock climbing · Lake Lure

The Wall of Solitude

7-route climbing area in North Carolina with mixed and trad climbing.

7 routes
5.8+ – 5.12b/c
Mixed · Trad

Best time to visit The Wall of Solitude

Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    50° / 28°

    9 wet

  2. Feb

    55° / 30°

    8 wet

  3. Mar

    62° / 36°

    9 wet

  4. Apr

    72° / 44°

    9 wet

  5. May

    78° / 54°

    10 wet

  6. Jun

    85° / 63°

    11 wet

  7. Jul

    88° / 67°

    11 wet

  8. Aug

    87° / 66°

    10 wet

  9. Sep

    81° / 59°

    8 wet

  10. Oct

    72° / 47°

    7 wet

  11. Nov

    63° / 36°

    7 wet

  12. Dec

    53° / 30°

    8 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Lure 2, NC, 2.5 mi away at 1,040 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

The Wall of Solitude is a climbing area in North Carolina, about a mile from the town of Quail Ridge. It sits among a cluster of climbing spots, with Lakeview Area and Rumbling Bald just 0.1 mile away, and Hickory Nutcracker Area at the same distance. The area is known for its mixed and trad routes, with grades ranging from 5.8+ to 5.12b/c. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically spring and fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lake Lure show October highs around 72°F with lows near 47°F, and April is similar at about 72°F by day and 44°F at night. That station sits roughly 576 feet lower than the Wall of Solitude, so temperatures on the rock run a little cooler. Seven routes are listed, including Mohito, a trad climb at 5.8+, and Solitude, a mixed route at 5.11d. Orange Peel, a mixed climb at 5.12b/c, is the hardest of the bunch.

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