Tennessee Rock Climbing & Rappelling

According to climbing.com, much of the climbing in Tennessee is on the Cumberland Plateau. The Plateau is a 300-mile ridge that stretches into Alabama and Kentucky. The rock is hard, high-quality sandstone, and the terrain can include long crack climbs as well as overhanging jug-fests; the variety is incredible.

Tennessee State Parks offer challenging opportunities for rock climbing.

Rock climbing at the Tennessee Wall; image by Shane Bates

Resources: • Best Rock Climbing Trails in Tennessee • Big South Fork Climbing • Chattanooga Area Bouldering • Complete Guide to Winter Climbing in Chattanooga • Devil's Race Track Climbing • East Tennessee Climbers Coalition • Road It Up • Southeast Tennessee Rock Climbing Guide • Southeastern Climbers Coalition • Tennessee Park Rangers Build Community with Rock Climbing Climbing Services: • Clarksville Rock Climbing - Clarksville has one of the region’s top-rated rock-climbing locations at Kings Bluff park. This recreational area along the Cumberland River is straight up the river bluff, but oh, the views when you make it to the top. • Granite Arches - Granite Arches offers professional rock climbing guiding and instruction year-round in the mountains of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Georgia. • Ijams Nature Center - the Ijams Crag offers outdoor climbing opportunities for both beginner and experienced climbers. The site features a cliff line with moderate grades, solid rock, and reliable access, and is close to downtown Knoxville. • Knox Rocks Climbing Services - Knox Rocks is a full service adventure and experiential education company. They work closely with clients to develop unique, fun and exciting programs designed to engage, educate and inspire. • Mountain Project - Extending almost 150 miles, from Cookeville, Tennessee, southwest to Gadsden, Alabama, the Plateau is characterized by its extensive and diverse topography. Cold water streams and creeks spill down steep canyons; extensive cave systems form in the low-lying limestone layer, while up on the ridges, bands of clean, white sandstone offer some of the best rock climbing anywhere in the United States. • OAR Adventure - O.A.R.'s rock climbing and rappelling classes are a great way for participants to gain self esteem and trust in a team training atmosphere. • Outdoor Chattanooga - Rock climbing is a difficult, but deeply rewarding sport requiring strength, balance, and a keen knowledge of safety systems. Chattanooga is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country. Sandstone boulders and cliffs surround the city and provide climbers with a lifetime of challenging lines. • Outdoor Knoxville - Located in the heart of the Southeastern climbing region, Knoxville is sandwiched within the immense opportunities rising up from Chattanooga, the Red River Gorge in Kentucky (ranked as one of the most popular climbing destination in the country) and the 400 – 1,000 ft. formations of western North Carolina. Knoxville is a perfect hub where climbers will find over 5,000 different routes within a 3-hour drive of Knoxville. • Outland Expeditions - Outland Expeditions offers rock climbing excursions in the Ocoee Recreation Area. This is a beginners class and is open to everyone. Participants meet at the Ocoee River outpost, then travel to Star Mountain, where you will find 30-40 foot bluffs to play on. • Tennessee River Gorge Trust - offers breathtaking views of the Tennessee River Gorge, challenging beginners and the most advanced climbers. • Tennessee State Parks offer challenging opportunities to rock climbing.

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