Climbing in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga is to rock climbing what Vail is to a skiing and snowboarding. The amount of sandstone in this region is not only vast but of stellar quality and often compared to the world class climbing destination of Fontainebleau in France. Climbers from all over the world make Chattanooga a destination solely based on this fact.

Stone Fort (Little Rock City) is just a short drive from Chattanooga up Highway 27 and could be called the after-work climbers' destination. Access is a breeze to this highly concentrated boulder field located on Mowbray Mountain. Just a few steps off the Montlake Golf Course and into the woods sits a plethora of great warm ups in the Front Area. Though this area has great rock everywhere you turn, do not get too caught up here. Instead, venture back to try out some of the not to miss classics like Super Mario (V4), The Sternum (V5), and Tennessee Thong (V7) along with many, many more. The fantastic rock at Stone Fort is sure to have you coming back again and again.

For a full day of bouldering, head south into Georgia and toward Pigeon Mountain. Boasting over 500 established problems, Rocktown can certainly keep you busy for days. While the area is quite large and requires a fair amount of hiking, it will all be worth it. Be sure to look for classics at the very recognizable Orb Area and later tick off high-star problems like Soap on a Rope (V4) and Golden Harvest (V10) along with many others. Rocktown is mainly a fall and winter destination when sending temperatures are crisp and the friction optimal. There is plenty of parking, a little creek to freshen up in by the parking lot, and designated camping as well.

Just a little further from home, Foster Falls is a beautiful state park west of Chattanooga. The cliff line here is all sport climbing and offers several moderate classics like Mammy (5.9) and Narcissism (5.10b). Not to miss are the many routes inside the so-called “bunkers,” with fun over-hanging jug hauls that will let you keep climbing even on a rainy day.

Last but not least, Tennessee Wall is as traditional as it gets. This fiery orange cliff line requires a full rack of cams and fresh digits. With over 400 established routes this entire crag has become a southern classic and an absolute must for traditional climbers. Like most other crags in the Southeast, T-wall’s season has winter written all over it. Let the sun beat down on you while the rock stays cool and crisp enough to send your projects.