... could never interest anyone in these - but it seems like a few "younger folks" I've run into are a little more open minded these days (maybe not) - anyway - here they are....
... the 'Way Cool Piers' - located a few hundred yards up-river from the South Connellsville Dam (do I have to draw a map?) - some pretty decent climbing on these things, especially on a hot summer day - just as good as the old 'White Rocks' climbing area near Fairchance, Pa (my opinion) - about a two minute walk from the nearest parking if only packing an innertube - about a 1/2 mile float downriver from the 'South Connellsville Beach' or 1/4 mile from 'Turtle Rock' if paddling...
... a bit exciting un-roped climbing on these things - although, they take pretty good gear (medium/small nuts and cams - very good practice) - we also had a route or two protected by 'railroad spikes', easily obtained from the nearby rail-line (disclaimer: lying about on the ground - don't pull 'em from the rail-ties) that we nailed into the construction joints as "fixed lines" - just climb and girth hitch 'em. I've noticed that they've come and gone over the years. Descend by rappel (toss a rope over the top from one side to the other, anchored by gear or RR spikes, or 'simule) or 'BASE Jump" (no 'chute' required)... lots of fun with cool "summit" to hang out on...
... unfortunately, don't have any good "action photos" - did most of this stuff way before the "photog" days - was more interested in learning how to climb at that moment - above is a photo with some "hot chicks" thrown in for scale - the piers are maybe 40ft tall - the best routes are the 'aretes' - the identified 'Way Cool Arete' on the east abutment wall is the best - the builders cut the stones at an acute angle (60 degrees?) forming a cool bomber layback (however, don't get too cocky in your abilities, especially at low water - popped off the very top once - the water isn't as deep as you would think - luckily the bottom is mud) - that whole wall needs some serious gardening each year, is solid poison ivy - got a near "death-case" there once...
...hey... how cool would it be to rig a 'tylorean' between these things?...
... for those of you who only heard "hot chicks"....
... update..... was searchin' the archives.... no action photos as thought - found this though......
... some old 'vertical rope' practice along the nearby 'railroad trestle' - at the time - is now the 'Yough River Trail' trestle spanning 'Wheeler Bottom' and 'Dunbar Creek'...
... update again... got to lookin' at this (last) photo - through my "real job" I know a bit about building bridges - WOW!! - look at those giant, rivited sectional bridge beams that grandpa' built - !!!!...
....REAL MEN!!!!.....
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