RATTLESNAKE ROCKS

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Property Ownership: State Game Lands No. 51
Nearest Town: Dunbar, PA
Rating: 2 out of 4
Photos:
Photo #1

Overview:
This may be one of those difficult areas to find. I happened to find these rocks while driving around in the winter just looking at the hillsides. From a distance it looked much larger than it is. This area has a wide range of climbs. Everything from 5.easy to 5.hard. It houses some nice looking bouldering and would be worthwhile day to just visit with a crash pad and shoes. After talking to Ray Burnsworth a Southwestern Pennsylvania pioneer, he told me that he and Rob Goodman climbed this area before. It has a trail that leads to the rocks and some white paint blazes to distinguish the places to access the top of the rocks. They are about 35' tall at their highest point.

BEWARE: There is a large Rattlesnake den at the top of the rocks. Be very cautious around these rocks. Please don't harm the snakes. Leave them to enjoy their secluded home. If you fear snakes this is not the area for you.

Getting There:
From Route 119 light, Turn left into Dunbar, Follow signs along Dunbar Creek towards Ohiopyle. At Apprx. 3 miles you will start a steep climb up the hillside, 1/2 way up the hill there is a sharp 180 degree right turn in the road. At this turn make a left onto Kingham Hill Rd. At 1.8 miles, the hard top road turns to dirt. At 2.5 miles the road goes down a steep pitch. Near the bottom of this hill there is a road to the right with a sign that says CAMP CARMEL with an arrow to the right. (That way takes you to Krahlick). Instead of taking the right, continue downhill to where you drive through a stream. Cross through the stream. A short distance up the hill you will pass a road to your right that is blocked off by large boulders. Continue pass this road to the 2nd right (which is a gravel road) Drive back this road about 3/10ths of a mile to a tall grass field on your right. Park here. Hike about 30yds. through the tall grass field to an open logging road. Go left on the logging road and follow that. It will start uphill and into the woods. From the point you leave the car its about a 1/4mile. The road will start to traverses the hillside (The rocks are up on the hill to your right). You will see a trail maked with white paint blazes. The rocks are uphill about 100yds. When you get to the rocks traverse the bottom - right to the highest points.

Season:
Climbing is possible here all year round, Winter, early spring and late fall being the best due to the Rattlesnakes.
Camping:
Camping is illegal on State Gamelands property.