Climbing and Caving

With all the changes in elevation and accessible Blue Ridge Mountains, there are numerous options for finding spots to go on a climbing adventure as part of your Blue Ridge Day. Smith Mountain Lake caving and rock climbing while staying at Mariners Landing Resort is just one of many outdoor things to do near the lake.

Whether you’re looking for traditional rock climbing in the outdoors, the growing activity of bouldering, or an incredible climbing gym, all those activities are available in the Roanoke Valley. Smith Mountain Lake caving is a unique program Roanoke Parks and Recreation offers that takes participants into wild caves, anytime of the year.

If adventure is on your mind, here are some natural rock climbing spots like Barney’s Wall, Bozoo, Dragon’s Tooth, Fools Face, Hanging Rock, Iron Gate, Tinker cliffs, and Tunstall’s Tooth. They all provide incredible challenges and jaw-dropping views. Fools Face is located in the McCoy area outside of Blacksburg, while trails like Tinker cliffs can be found along the Appalachian Trail. Dragon’s Tooth is located on nearby Cove Mountain. Both Tinker Cliffs and Dragon’s Tooth are extremely popular trails that are best hiked during the weekdays if you want to avoid crowds and park your car in a designated area where you won’t be towed.
​
Caving and spelunking are best enjoyed at places like Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing just outside of Roanoke, Dixie Caverns in Salem, or natural Bridge Caverns near Red Mills. Natural Bridge Caverns, in particular, includes cool features like the Colossal Dome room, Mirror Lake, the WellRoom, and the Canyon Room’s magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. All in a day’s drive from Mariners Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake!