Chief Block

January 2022 Access update for bouldering at Catoctin

Due to the existence of sensitive species of importance to the Park's conservation efforts that occur in these areas. The Park requests that the following boulders be effectively closed to climbing:Hog Rock trail area: Warfare/Knifewall and Chief Block/Gateway Fin, Thurmont Vista area: Sudden/Smelted Chimney Rock (only the Chimney Rock area itself – the Pyramid Boulder is outside the area of concern)Mid Atlantic Climbers asks that the local climbing community respects this request in order to protect overall access to bouldering in the Park. See more info here.Chief Block boulder is a separated block approximately 50 feet north of Jabba the Hutt in the Cunningham Falls area of Catoctin Mountain Park. With a textured side and sharp aretes razoring up the secondary face, the Chief Block features some fun, shorter routes with technical crimps and challenging topouts. The chimney between the block and the main wall offers some opportunity for practicing narrow chimney ascension.The Chief Block gets its name from the face closest to the chimney - can you find it?