Memorial Day Weekend Sending Social

Spring has sprung, and it's time to kick off the AAC DC Section's climbing season with our first Sending Social of 2025 this Memorial Day weekend!

Date: Saturday 5/24 (Rain date: Sunday 5/25 or Monday 5/26)

Time: 9am to 1pm

Location:

We will meet at the Great Falls climbers’ parking lot (first right turn immediately after the park’s entry booth). After meeting in the climbers’ lot, we will hike to the climbing area. Cellular phone service in the park is spotty, so please arrive promptly.

Cost: FREE

There is a fee to enter Great Falls National Park. Day passes are available at the entrance booth and annual passes (such as the annual “America the Beautiful” National Park & Federal Lands Pass) may be used.

Participants

Open to current and prospective members of the American Alpine Club who are 18 years and older.

Experience

We will be top roping, so all participants should be able to belay a top rope climber. Outdoor climbing experience is not required; however, you should be comfortable scrambling and downclimbing on fourth class terrain. Additionally, you should be comfortable belaying from ledges next to the Potomac River. (Please note, this location on the river contains rapids and a strong undertow so swimming and wading are both dangerous and illegal.)

Gear

All participants must have their own shoes, harness, and belay device (either a tube-style ATC or an assisted braking device such as a Petzl Grigri). Climbing helmets are recommended.

Event organizers will be setting several top ropes, so you don't need to have your own climbing rope and anchor; however, you are more than welcome to bring your rope and add to the available routes!

Waiver

All participants are required to fill out the AAC DC Section 2025 waiver (even if you climbed with us last year). Complete your waiver prior to the event using the link below and please keep in mind: no waiver, no climbing.

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/prLGVMYJaeuWhdvSYXqDDe/

Your safety is our number one priority but just keep in mind, climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.

Cover photo by Court Zabel

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in McLean, Sports events in McLean.