CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Most public parks are known for hiking or walking. But there is one park in North Carolina that takes these outdoor activities to a whole new level.

What You Need To Know

Rocky Face Park is known for its long span of rock climbing routes

The park is free to use, but climbers need to sign a waiver beforehand

The park was formerly a rock quarry

Sasha Timkovich has been rock climbing for 10 years. He enjoys the challenge of reaching new heights, even if there is a fear factor involved. The best part is when he reaches the top.

“If it is a route I have never done before, it can be very exciting,” Timkovich said. “I recently climbed the hardest route I’ve ever done outside, and it was exciting to know I accomplished that."

One of his favorite places to climb in North Carolina is Rocky Face Park, also known as Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. He leads group sessions a few times a year.

“It’s a great place to train people,” Timkovich said. “It’s an outdoor climbing gym.”

Timkovich says the park is great for beginners because they have so many levels of climbing. In December he led a Boy Scout troop. He showed them how to properly tie a knot in the rope and belay others. Boy Scout Jake Bush said he really enjoyed it.

“There are a bunch of different levels you can do,” Bush said. “There are the easy ones and there are hard ones on the other side of the cliff.”

The outdoor rock wall was a rock quarry in the 1920s into the 1940s. Then, in 1975 the U.S. Army used the rocks for rappel training. About 40 years later, thanks to a grant and help from local climbers, the park officially opened to the public in 2012.

“Rocky Face is a wonderful location,” Timkovich said. “It can be a great view and an inspirational place to climb.”

Timkovich calls it a true gem unlike any other.

Rocky Face Park is located in Alexander County about 40 minutes from Hickory. It’s open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Climbing is free to the public, but participants must sign a waiver. Group classes require a permit. For more information visit its website.