Laurel Knob

Land Manger: CCC

Guides and Info : 

PDF iconLaurel Knob Climbing Management Plan

Area rep: Matt Chrestman mchrestman@carolinaclimbers.org

The tallest cliff in the Eastern U.S., Laurel Knob was the first acquisition in the CCC's history. Big and wild, Laurel is home to fantastic slab and water groove climbing. Laurel's remote location and height make for a truly unique experience and it's likely you will be the only party on the cliff, or at least it can feel that way. The approach is long, but it's well worth the walk.

If you like classic traditional NC climbing and haven't yet been to Laurel, you need to get out there at least once.

What to expect 

Slab and water groove climbing, often with runouts on easier terrain (below 5.7/5.8). You should be very comfortable on multipitch routes and route finding as well as climbing above your gear. There are no sport climbs at Laurel, all routes require at least a few pieces of gear although there may be bolts. Be prepared for a long day, the hike in is around 1 - 1/2 hours. ALWAYS AT LEAST BRING TWO 60M ROPES! 

Camping

Free, dispersed camping is available on the approach throughout Panthertown Valley on Forest Service land. Please do not camp at Laurel Knob itself. Note that due to bear activity in the area, the Forest Service recommends storing your food in bear-resistant containers to avoid incidents.

Want an easier approach?

Current annual CCC members receive 10-15% off Hyland Cabins, which are a ~1 mile walk to the base of Laurel Knob. Info Here. 

Access notes

Parking and access are via Panthertown Valley at the Salt Rock Trailhead.  Do not hike in from Dillard Canyon, it is private property.  Please help us keep our good relations with the local landowners by approaching from Panthertown Valley only.

Walk Off Path

As of November 2025, we have incredible news and approvals for a Walk Off Path. Big thanks to Highlands-Cashier Land Trust who own a part of the Path and worked with us on approving it. This is a huge benefit for climbers completing a full length route at Laurel Knob. Instead of losing 800 feet of elevation on the hike-in, climbing 1000+ feet up, rapping 1000+ feet down, then walking back up the 800 feet of elevation gain, climbers can now hike down, climb up, and walk laterally to re-meet our trail. See map for specifics. Considerations and rules for the Walk Off Path: 

  • Per land owners, if you plan to take this walk off path, you must be a current CCC member. Not a CCC member? Join here.
  • The Walk Off Path is NOT A HIKING TRAIL and potentially requires a rope in exposed 4th class sections. Bring clippers for briars and a headlamp. It is flagged but may be hard to follow in some areas. Bring navigational devices to ensure you know where you are going and not trespassing.
  • Always climb with at least two 60 meter ropes at Laurel Knob, even if planning to use the Walk Off Path.
  • The tops of all routes may not line up ideally with the Walk Off Path.
  • Climb at your own risk and use the Walk Off Path at your own risk.
  • Be mindful of other private property.

 

Peregrine Closure

Routes in the Dillard Canyon are closed due to a nesting pair of peregrine falcons from Feb 1 to August 15 every year until otherwise posted. There is an active and successful peregrine eyrie. Let's give this special species some privacy to do their thing and reer their young. This eyrie was formerly on Fathom but it has now moved. Fathom and routes surrounding are now open year-round.