2026 Governor Dick Park (Mount Gretna) Competition

Come hang with us at Troegs in Hershey the night before the first event, Friday, November 13th from 5pm-8pm, to kick off the series. You can pick up swag bags/Gretna shirts and scorecards-save time on the morning of the comp by not having to check in!

We will have our own space in the Barrel Room with food and non-alcoholic beverages provided by SCPC (alcohol available for purchase for those 21+).

This is a FREE event that is open to all pre-registrants for either the Double Down or the GDP/Gretna single event. Please sign up here if you plan to come out (sign up is not required but is highly encouraged to help with our planning purposes).

DIRECTIONS to Troegs

Temps can range from lows in the 30s to highs in the low 50s or above.

Remember to click here to check the weather closer to the comp.

If the forecast calls for rain/snow, we will make the final call to bump the comp 24 hours in advance of the event. We will post it on our website and social media platforms.

Save gas and the environment- CARPOOL if possible!

We will have volunteers directing parking on the day of the event. Due to the high number of pre-registrants this year, we will need to use an auxiliary lot when the main lots fill up.  When this happens, you will be instructed to drop off your gear at a designated area at the main lot and then given directions for where to park and catch the shuttle.

We suggest arriving early and can’t emphasize carpooling enough.

Please DRIVE SLOWLY, follow signs, keep an eye out for pedestrians, and do not drive on the grass unless instructed to do so.

If you picked up your score card/swag the night before, no need to come to the registration table. Feel free to check out the vendors before you head out to the boulders! Climbing begins at 8am.

If you did not pick up your score card/swag, please come to the registration table starting at 8am BEFORE you head out to the boulders. Follow the sidewalk towards the main doors of the Nature Center and form A SINGLE LINE. We will ask for your last name and then send you to the appropriate section for instructions and to pick up your swag/scorecard.

For single event pre-registrants: if you are not able to make the event, please ask a friend to pick up your swag for you. We will only hold onto your t-shirt and burrito until 3:30pm on comp day. After that time, the items you pre-ordered will be offered up to the day of registration people. Bags and shirts for Double Down pre-registrants will be held for GS.

Please note day of registration is subject to availability. If you are planning to register day of, we suggest arriving early.

If you did not pre-register for the event, you must come to the registration table (on the left side of the Nature Center, next to the water fountain) when you arrive.

Please print and complete the SCPC event waiver and bring it with you.

Day of registration is $60 and DOES NOT include a shirt, burrito, or raffle tickets. There will be raffle tickets available for purchase.

If there are any unclaimed shirts or burritos from pre-registrants, they will be offered to day of registrants starting at 3:30pm. We will go in order of registration so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting a shirt/burrito!

Be sure to show some support for our sponsors who helped make this event super rad- we couldn’t do it without them!

Check back closer to the event for more details.

Please remember to bring cash as this may be the only payment form accepted by some vendors.

Click here for the PHONE VERSION of the 2025 Governor Dick Park Mini Guide

Click here for the PRINT VERSION of the 2025 Governor Dick Park Mini Guide (formatted to print as a booklet on regular letter paper; fold the stack in half after printing)

We will NOT have print copies in order to help reduce our carbon footprint.

The full Governor Dick Park high quality print guidebook is available for purchase at the Nature Center on the day of the event. $30 Cash or PayPal ONLY.

All of the boulders will be tagged for reference.

Star Chaser Who can rack up the most stars?! This category is for those who prioritize quality over difficulty and are looking to climb as many problems as possible.

Speed Racer This category is timed; at Gretna, it is the fastest to do one climb per area. To compete in this category, you must: check in at the registration table between 8am and 10:30 am, get your card signed by two witnesses at each climb (we know some of the areas at Gretna are remote; if there is nobody to sign your card, take a photo of the start tag for the problem you climbed), and carry a crash pad (for your safety and to wipe your shoes off before climbing; can be any size). Your time will be recorded when you return to the registration table.

Women's Beginner (V0 to V2)

Women's Intermediate (V3 to V4)

Women's Advanced (V5 to V6)

Women's Open (V7 and up)

Men's Beginner (V0 to V2)

Men's Intermediate (V3 to V5)

Men's Advanced (V6 to V8)

Men's Open (V9 and up)

Non-Binary (Open Category)

Youth (12 years and under)

Women's Masters (40 years and up)

Men's Masters (40 years and up)

Women's Stone Masters (50 years and up)

Men's Stone Masters (50 years and up)

Ancient Hard Person (60 years and up)

Best practice for choosing a category is to consider whether you think you could climb two previously unclimbed problems of that grade in one day. 

If you’re new to outdoor climbing, something to keep in mind is that the grading of diabase climbs can feel a bit more difficult than the grading at indoor gyms, at least until you become familiar with the style of climbing.

Remember, grades are subjective and the most important thing is to have fun!

First and foremost, this competition is intended to be a fundraiser, friendly, and fun!

You will be given a scorecard, labeled with your name and registration information, to record your climbs. Your top 7 will be counted for your final score- please remember to circle them and record the total on the front of your card! As a reminder, you need 7 climbs to qualify for award placement. For Beginner-Open, at least ONE (not all) of your climbs must be in the listed grade range.

Record everything you climb! In the event of a tie, we will use additional climbs as the tie breaker.

To count it as a send, you must climb the problem from start to finish. You must have two witnesses sign each climb.

If you complete a project, you must have a judge or volunteer witness it OR provide us with uncut video footage.

Scorecards must be turned in at 3:30pm sharp. If you turn your card in past the deadline, you will not be considered for competitor prizes- your card will be put in the raffle bin.

Your scorecard is your ticket for your burrito AND for the prize table raffle (once the top 3 in each category receive their prizes, we will draw scorecards to give out the rest). This will help streamline the process for picking up burritos. When you turn your card in, please let us know if you want to change your category, otherwise you will be entered in the one that is printed on your card.  Any who are 'undecided' will go in the raffle bin if no category is specified.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 competitors in each category.

To qualify for a top place, you must have 7 climbs on your scorecard. For Beginner-Open, you must climb at least ONE problem in the listed grade range. If you do not qualify, your card will be placed in the raffle bin.

We will have awards for competitors with the top combined event scores (GDP + GS) in each category. These will be awarded after the GS event. To qualify, you must complete 7 climbs at each event AND enter in the same category for both events.

Judges reserve the right to bump competitors to an appropriate category at their discretion.

Once the awards are complete for the top competitors, we will begin drawing score cards to give out any remaining prizes.

Additionally, Double Down and single event pre-registrants will receive raffle tickets with their scorecard that can be used for door prizes. Additional tickets will be available by donation on the day of the event.

Dress warm and in layers! It’s a good idea to bring gloves, a beanie, and/or a scarf to stay warm when resting between climbs.

This area can get muddy so boots are a great choice.

Here is a suggestion of items that climbers find helpful to have on hand:

• Crash pad(s)

• Tarp (to put under pad in case it’s muddy)

• Climbing shoes

• Chalk/chalk bag

• Brushes (see ‘outdoor climbing etiquette’ for details)

• Hand warmers (these are great to throw in your chalk bag or keep shoes warm!)

• Finger block or bands for warming up

• Small fan to dry holds (do NOT use torches)

• Pen/pencil for your scorecard

• Water (Ideally a refillable water bottle or hydration pack- GDP has a water refill station!)

• Snacks

• Something to pack out your trash

• Cash/venmo/credit card for vendors (please note some may only accept cash)

• Positive vibes for a great day celebrating climbing with our community!

Spectators are permitted at no charge, but we ask that you don’t climb if you did not register.

We welcome any donations given that these events are first and foremost fundraisers to preserve access to our beloved climbing areas. Donations will be accepted in cash at the registration table or via the website.

Please be respectful of the environment and minimize your impact by staying on trails, packing out what you brought in, refraining from excessively chalking holds, being mindful of pad placement, use the portable toilets when possible, and doing your best to not leave a negative impact on the environment.

Please refrain from using excessive tick marks and remember to brush them off when you are finished. For those who are new to outdoor climbing, some climbers use chalk to make what we call “tick marks” or “ticks” to indicate where holds are on the rock.

Boars hair or nylon brushes are the best type of brush to use. Please do not use wire brushes on the rock unless you are cleaning a new or overgrown line and know what you are doing. Excessive brushing with wire brushes can remove texture and polish holds.

Remember to wipe any dirt/mud off your climbing shoes before getting on the rock; it can polish the rock over time.

Do not perform major trail work or cut new trails. If you notice any work that needs to be done, please notify a judge or volunteer, taking a picture if possible.