Winter in North Carolina opens up a world of snowy, cold-weather recreational opportunities. There’s skiing, snow tubing, skating, sledding, and of course building ice forts right in the front yard and then declaring a snowball war on anyone willing to respond likewise. But there’s another fun, albeit unusual, activity that’s only available in extremely cold weather: ice climbing in North Carolina.

We'll use a spot right in the middle of the highlands as an example here. Boone (shown) typically sees its coldest temperatures in the month of January with lows riding at an average of 28 degrees.
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But what about cold snaps? And what about extended periods of cold weather (brrrr!) that cause the area's waterfalls to freeze over??
Seen here in a photo from a previous year, Linville Falls is so frozen that ice climbers are scaling it's frigid face.
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It's likely much more difficult than it looks! And probably way more fun that even the photos capture.
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Pictured here is Winding Stair Gap on North Carolina's famed Highway 64 near Franklin. When things freeze, the special ice tools come out and these adventurous souls get to climbing!
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But what if... what if you could try it too?
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You can! Well, as long as the rock faces have ice or the waterfalls are frozen over in North Carolina this year.
Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School has expertly trained guides to take you on your first ice climbing adventure.
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Ice climbing this far south can be a fickle thing to plan but this crew keeps their Facebook page updated with ice conditions and lets folks know the minute the ice comes in so you're always in the know about upcoming climbs.

Ever been ice climbing in North Carolina? We’d love to hear your feedback and see some photos posted to our North Carolina Nature Lovers group!

Learn more at Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School and follow on Facebook to keep up with icy conditions in the Tar Heel State!

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