Climbing opportunities have blossomed in Chattanooga, and you can thank the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) for helping. The SCC focuses on the area’s sandstone cliffs, working hard to preserve climbing areas—and access—not just in Chattanooga, but the entire Southeast.
Here’s a sample of what Chattanooga has to offer climbers—but there’s even more to discover in this interactive guide.
Tennessee Wall
Explore a wide variety of traditional routes
Tennessee Wall is one of the premier traditional climbing crags in the country, with hundreds of single-pitch routes traversing bulletproof sandstone. The south-facing nature of the cliff makes it an ideal winter destination, but show up early in the morning before the sun gets high in the sky and you can climb through summer. Beginners and hardcore senders alike will find something here, with routes from 5.5 to 5.13.
Sunset Rock
Top out to great views
Located inside Chickamauga Chattanooga National Military Park, the sandstone cliff known as Sunset Rock played a role in the Civil War battles that raged around Chattanooga. Today, Sunset Rock plays an important role in the South’s climbing scene, as one of the best destinations for single-pitch trad climbing as well as bouldering. Bonus: The views from the wall of the Tennessee River below are outstanding.
Old Wauhatchie Pike
Find a bouldering problem for every level
The sandstone cliffs that line the Tennessee River Gorge get a lot of attention (for good reason), but pebble wrestlers have plenty of options too. Take your crash pad to the Bouldering Park at Old Wauhatchie Pike, where dozens of sandstone boulders offer more than 80 different problems, from V0 to V8.
Chattanooga Whiskey
Meet for an adventure recap
Every whiskey fan should visit Chattanooga’s first legal distillery in more than 100 years. Chattanooga Whiskey specializes in bourbon and Tennessee High Malt whiskey, and is a great place to savor a post-adventure evening.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dedicated to promoting visitation and showcasing the city’s unique attractions, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures, Chattanooga Tourism Co. works to inspire travel and enhance the visitor experience. For more information and to plan your Chattanooga getaway, please visit visitchattanooga.com.
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