Almost every climbing area in WNC offers excellent free climbing. Since these areas were built with a strong ground-up ethic, all climbers should be prepared for whatever the rock has to offer. This means traditional climbing. Bolts are used only when absolutely needed. So an abundance of gear is required to safely climb most of the routes. An array of cams, nuts, hexes, and tricams are critical for free climbing in this state. This can make it hard for the aspiring lead climber. Since traditional climbing is such a committing activity, practice is recommended.

Bouldering has taken this area by storm. It is attempting hard climbing moves on boulders that are low to the ground. The low initial cost, and the low stress environment of this type of climbing is a turn on for many people. Grandmother Mountain and Rumbling Bald are the best areas to boulder due to their array of boulders ranging in size and difficulty. The essentials for bouldering are climbing shoes and a chalk bag. Crash pads soften the landing tremendously.

Aid climbing is a gear intensive activity, which is done primarily at Whiteside Mountain and Looking Glass Rock. This type of climbing requires a few specialty tools such as etriers, angles, and hooks. Due to the amount of work required and the extensive knowledge needed, aid climbing is the least popular of the disciplines. Aid climbers, however, will argue that the more work you put in to a climb, the more rewarding the climb.