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Given Tennessee’s prime location amidst the Smoky Mountains, it’s no wonder that the Volunteer State attracts thousands of visitors each year searching for the best rock climbing routes. Rock climbing is more than your typical outdoor activity—it’s a test of endurance, problem solving, and skill, plus there’s always a rewarding view at the top that will make every minute of your climb worthwhile. If you’re looking for challenging yet fun rock climbs, head to these five cool destinations in Tennessee—just don’t look down!
About 45 minutes Northwest of Knoxville lays one of the largest rock climbing locales in the state. The sandstone cliffs offer a beautiful climbing experience, and numerous campsites help climbers turn their experience into a days-long trip. Nearly 350 climbing routes await you, mostly sport climbs but with a few trad and top ropes mixed in. Among the favorites here are Gunslinger, Whippersnapper, and Pocketeer, but in all honesty, you just can’t go wrong.
Just outside of Chattanooga, you’ll find some of the best boulder climbs in the Southeast. The site has hosted the Triple Crown Bouldering competition and offers one of the most versatile climbing areas you’ll find. With nearly 250 total climbing routes, there’s something for every skill level.
If you’re looking for trad climbing, the Tennessee Wall is your go-to destination. Featuring some of the best trad climbs in the Southeast, climbers can journey along beautiful sandstone covered by hundreds of climbing routes. Most of the crag is single-pitch, but parts of the wall are multi-pitch if you’re looking for extra challenges. Due to its southbound face, the winter and fall are your best climbing times to avoid the miserable summer heat.
If you want to add a little extra adventure to your climb, head to Mizell Bluffs on Tellico Lake, where you can access your climbing spot by kayak or by trail. There are only two climbing routes here, both trad, but the area is usually not overcrowded and makes for a more enjoyable climb. Its west-facing wall makes it an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset, a well-deserved treat for completing your climb.
As if the name wasn’t enticing enough, Castle Rock is among the most scenic sport climbing spots in the state. With over 40 total climbing routes (a few trads are sprinkled in here), this large orange bluff is the premier winter climbing destination. Peak climbing season here is November, but the rest of the year is usually fairly quiet.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
