Ed Maggart Climbing Instructor

Ed Maggart

Ed Maggart has been climbing for three decades in North Carolina and beyond.  Besides being an experienced climber, Ed is quick with a joke and lots of fun to be hanging out with on the cliff.  Ed’s easy going attitude combined with his great enthusiasm for outdoor adventure makes for a perfect climbing partner.  He is an enjoyable rock climbing guide; it is always a good time when you are climbing with Ed.

Ed has a variety of educational experiences that he brings to your climbing experience.  He is a graduate of the University of South Sewanee, UNCA, and has a MA from Prescott College in Adventure Education.  He is a certified AMGA TRSM since 2003 and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) since 1998.  For the past 26 years, he has been the Director of the Asheville School Mountaineering Program, which includes running and organizing kayaking trips, backpacking trips, ice climbing, skiing, and of course, rock climbing trips.  He has led trips in North Carolina, but also as far away as Patagonia.  Ed’s leadership skills extend to all ranges and situations.  He has organized and implemented corporate teambuilding seminars, as well as worked with kids at camps and ropes courses.  It is easy to see Ed’s experience when he walks up and shakes your hand, with a calm, cool and relaxed demeanor.

WNC rock climbing romps have resulted in Ed leading some of the classic routes like Shredded Wheat at

Ed climbing in Nepal

Rumbling Bald, The Nose at Looking Glass and What’s Up Doc at Table Rock.  Beyond NC rock climbing, his adventures have led him to South America and a first ascent in the Apolabamaba Region in the Bolivian Andes, Peru.  Other climbing destinations include the Bugaboo’s in Canada, as well as Africa and Nepal.  Beyond rock climbing, Ed is an avid kayaker, ice climber, alpinist and backpacker. Ask Ed about some of his trips; he will get a smile on his face and be happy to thrill you with one of his stories.

Ed lives in Asheville with his wife, Sue and self adopted dog Max. His daughter Jess is enjoying the trials of college life. When he is not leading a trip, you will find him roaming the woods or cliffs with friends or spending some quality time with his family.