 Tennessee
- Stone Door
 Location
Stone Door is found in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area about
1 1/2 hours northwest of Chattanooga and 2 1/2 hours southeast of
Nashville.
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 Description
Stone Door describes a geologic feature found in the South Cumberland
State Recreation Area. This larger area is formed by the action
of several big creeks and eons of time carving a five mile canyon
through the Cumberland Plateau. Cliffs line portions of the rims
of the canyons appearing sporadically but dramatically. The Stone
Door is a narrow passageway leading from the cliff tops to their
base, one of the few easy ways to gain entry to the gorge below
in this area. Climbing is not permitted within the narrow slot of
Stone Door, but is found on the surrounding cliffs.
Stone door offers just a handful of routes of varying difficulty.
There are one or two routes almost anyone can climb. Most are short
enough to be top roped.
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Stone Door
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Directions
Approaching from the south on I -24 (from Chattanooga) - Get off
at the Monteagle Exit and take 41 towards Tracey City. Turn left
at the light to follow 56 / 108 to Altamont. From Altamont, 56 leads
to Beersheba Springs. Drive through the town, watch for signs to
Savage Gulf and Stone Door on right..
Approaching from the north on I- 24 (from Nashville) - Exit on
50 towards Pellham (east) . Continue on 50 (Elkhead Road) to Altamont.
From Altamont, 56 leads to Beersheba Springs. Drive through the
town, watch for signs to Savage Gulf and Stone Door on right.
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Yahoo map of stone door
Beersheba Springs, TN
 Topo
map (TopoZone.com link)
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 Cliff
Access
On emerging from Stone Door, the low cliff face on the right is
sometimes rigged for top roping. If you turn to the left (north),
you can follow a trail that leads out along the side of the cliffs.
This wall is known as the Vanderbuilt Wall and holds a handful of
moderately rated routes. If you continue out on the trail, it will
round the corner and run a series of small open caves and coves
with ledges. Below these ledges, particularly in the corner, are
faces that are commonly climbed. Climbing above these coves is to
be avoided. The character of the rock above them changes. It's very
loose and insecure. Climbing is prohibited much father to the north
due to the heavy amount of tourist traffic along the cliffs and
trails.
If you descend to the right as you leave Stone Door, you can walk
quite a way along a cliff line. Surprising few routes present immediately.
The rock is shaded and moist with few cracks or features. Here the
distinction between the upper and lower band of rocks is most easily
seen. A narrow ledge separates them in many areas. This upper area
remains loose and blocky, unsuitable for climbing.
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Jackie climbing
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  Guidebooks
The Dixie Cragger's Atlas by Chris Watford. 1999.
Published by Market Place Press, 425 Market Place, Roswell, GA.
30075.
Southern Rock A Climber's Guide by
Chris Hall. 1985, Published by East Woods Press Books,
Fast & McMillan Publishers Inc. 820 East Boulevard, Charlotte,
NC. Second Printing.
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Routes
Campsite Dihedral 5.5, The last Pin 5.7, Horny Toad 5.6, Vanderbuilt
Wall area.
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Land Manager:
South Cumberland State Recreation Area
Savage Gulf State Natural Area
Stone Door: 931-692-3887
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 Emergency
Information:
Stone Door Ranger Station 931-692-3887. 911, you are in Grundy
County.
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 Gear:
Standard rack, top roping gear.
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 Facilities:
Savage Gulf State Natural Area is a very nice park with trails
leading to scenic canyon views, waterfalls, and out into the wilderness.
There is a campground here and several nearby. The trail leading
to the Stone Door is paved most of the way with several overlooks.
Nearest store / gas is in Beersheba Springs. Big Don's has everything
you need. If he doesn't have it, you don't need it. There is another
market a little further up the road.
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of cliffs
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Seasons:
Can get awfully hot in the summer time, fall is ideal.
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Access Notes
You must register at the ranger office at the trailhead to climb.
Climbers must be out by dark. Primitive campsites are available,
register with rangers.
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Miscellaneous
I came to know Stone Door and Savage Gulf through my friends Spencer
and Diana. Spencer's family has a large historic summer house in
nearby Beersheba Springs.
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Links
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