The Meadow River is the largest tributary to the world-famous white water river, the Gauley River. For 10 miles from the town of Nallen to the confluence with the Gauley, the Meadow River is a boulder-choked riverbed wonderland. The amount of developed and undeveloped boulders in the Meadow River Gorge is staggering, but because of current access issues, only 2 areas have been published. NRAC (the New River Alliance of Climbers) is currently making great strides to improve access on the Meadow, so more bouldering can become accessible.
Lower Meadow Boulders are situated beneath the Toxic Hueco Area of the Lower Meadow cliff line. It is a tightly packed area with several big, impressive highballs. The V6 "A Certain Shade" (image above) is arguably the most aesthetic highball face in the region and is not to be missed; the hard climbing is in the bottom half. "Jesco White" V4 is an incredible steep prow with great movement. For those looking for a safer challenge, check out the fantastic "Whirlygig" V8 and everything on the Robot Ninja Boulder. Lower Meadow and Meadow Top are a 10 minute walk from one another and together make an extremely stacked bouldering zone!
🚶♂️ Approach summary - Slightly rugged. 12 to 15 minutes down a hill. The return is longer regaining the elevation.
💎 Notable problems - "Maman Brigitte" V2, "Baba-Yaga" V3, "Jesco White" V4, "Crazy Bones" V4, "Bumba" V5, "A Certain Shade" V6, "White Lightning SDS" V7, "Whirlygig" V8, "White Lies" V8
💧 Dry time - 1 day.
🍂❄️🍃 Seasonal Beta - Best fall to spring but this area is well shaded and manageable over the summer.
🚗 Drive from downtown Fayetteville - 17 minutes
🚗 Drive from Summersville - 16 minutes
🚽 Bathrooms - There are no bathrooms.
📶 Cell phone service - 3/5, Spotty.
🐶 Dogs - Dogs are allowed.
