Lower Ghost Town: Ours to Protect

Access Secured.

Lower Ghost Town — once North Carolina’s most sought-after climbing area — has been protected at last.

Thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition, Access Fund, Great State Trails Coalition, and community partners, 16.5 acres of Lower Ghost Town cliffs are now conserved. The next steps: pay off the land loan, build the trail and open it for all. Please note, this acquisition includes only a 25% portion of the cliff and 100% of the boulders. NC State Parks owns the remaining 75% of the cliff and climbing access on State Park land is a continued question mark to be determined at a later date. Your donation helps make that possible.

A Community Rebuilding Together

Hurricane Helene devastated Chimney Rock Village in 2024. This access win will support the recovery of this region through sustainable outdoor recreation.

By opening Lower Ghost Town, we’re bringing climbers and visitors back to support local businesses. The Lower Ghost Town parcel lies in the heart of the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail, making Ghost Town a win for climbers, hikers, and conservationists alike!

Why Your Support Matters

Your donation funds:

Trail construction and stewardship
CCC's land loan pay off
Conserving critical habitat
Sustainable public climbing access
Increased economic recovery for Hickory Nut Gorge community

We are awaiting final details from our funding partners, which will clarify the total scope of our fundraising goal. In the meantime, we know with certainty that Phase 1 of this project will require us to raise $125,000.

Every dollar ensures Lower Ghost Town stays protected for generations to come.

Join the Effort

Donate – Fund the opening of Lower Ghost Town

Volunteer – Join a work day and help build the climbers access trail

Share – Spread the word and tag @carolinaclimberscoalition.

Together, We’re Opening Lower Ghost Town

Help write the next chapter in North Carolina climbing history!