 General
Tennessee Climbing Information
General description
Though it shares a mountainous border with North
Carolina, there is surprisingly little climbing in these highest
places in Tennessee. Most is found out on the Cumberland Plateau
in the chasms and gorges cut by rivers and streams or along the
edges of the plateau as it steps down into the low lands. The rivers
excavations have left exposed bands of cliffs comprised of layered
sandstones of excellent quality. Cliff heights average shy of 100
feet. Few multi-pitch routes will be found. This yellow, orange,
brown and white rock occurs in blocky bands with vertical and overhanging
faces. Many excellent cracks, aretes and corners find the way through
the roofs.
 Historically,
the cradle of climbing in Tennessee is Chattanooga. Here, the Tennessee
River oxbows around the tip of 80 mile long Lookout Mountain on
its descent from the dam at Nickajack Lake. Sunset Rock is found
on the north side of the tip of the mountain within an historic
urban park. The Tennessee Wall is found upstream a few miles on
the opposite shore. Chattanooga provides places to stay, good food,
and a plethora of tourist based diversions.
45 minutes north of the city, Little Gizzard Creek has exposed
the superb sandstone at Foster Falls. The character of the rock
here led to the development of the first true sport climbing area
in the deep south. To the north, a second major sport climbing destination
has developed in the National Park at the confluence of the Obed
and Clear Creek rivers.
State High Point: Clingmans
Dome 6643 feet
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Climbing areas sorted by type of climbing
available
Areas are recommended as follows:
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