Boxcar Rocks Climbing area
Boxcar Rocks Central, PA
Boxcar Rocks, also known as the Chinese Wall, is a striking geological formation located in State Game Lands 211 near Jonestown, Pennsylvania. This impressive ridge is part of the Sharp Mountain escarpment and features a series of stacked, blocky conglomerate boulders that resemble a line of boxcars or a fortress wall. The rock is primarily composed of conglomerate sandstone with embedded quartzite pebbles, providing excellent holds for climbers. The ridge extends nearly a quarter mile, with walls rising up to 80 feet, offering a variety of climbing routes, including traditional and some sport climbs. The area is also popular for bouldering, though many landings are poor, and trails may be patchy further east of the main wall .
ACCESS To Boxcar
Accessing Boxcar Rocks requires a short hike from a parking area on Gold Mine Road. The trailhead is unmarked, so it’s advisable to use GPS coordinates (40.544541, -76.535690) to locate the entrance. The trail is relatively easy, suitable for hikers of various skill levels, and leads directly to the formation in about 10 minutes. Climbers should exercise caution, as the rock can be loose, and pebbles may break off unexpectedly.
Given its location within state game lands, visitors should be aware of hunting seasons and adhere to all regulations, including wearing blaze orange during hunting periods. There are no facilities at the site, so climbers should practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. Boxcar Rocks is a hidden gem for those seeking a unique climbing experience in central Pennsylvania.
Area classics
CRAG
The Whale
Another area classic
Located next to The Whale feature are several warmups. The cliffband and some small boulders are perched along a mountain offering shade and a few fun lines. There isn’t a ton of hard stuff here but there are a handful of moderates on excellent quality rock.
Massive pebbles; PA’s Maple Canyon
Boxcar Rocks is known for its striking conglomerate sandstone, which features large, embedded quartzite pebbles that make it a unique and exciting climbing destination. These pebbles, ranging from golf ball to softball size, are cemented tightly into the rock matrix, creating an abundance of natural holds and features. This texture not only gives the wall a visually dramatic, chunky appearance but also offers excellent grip and varied handholds that appeal to climbers of all levels. The main wall rises up to 80 feet, and the variety of cracks, ledges, and pebble-studded faces allow for a diverse mix of trad routes, some sport climbs, and bouldering problems. Despite its somewhat remote location, Boxcar Rocks has gained a reputation as a hidden gem in Pennsylvania’s climbing scene—offering a combination of adventure, challenge, and geological beauty.
CRAG
Sport, Trad, Bouldering
The Guidebook
The
Guide
Download the Next Ascent app for the complete guidebook for the Boxcar Rocks it includes sport, trad, and bouldering. Find theGuidebook in our app. It has beta on this area and lists all the routes.
