Climb at Foster Falls SP

Foster Falls will suit any climber. A novice climber can find routes here, and an expert can find new and exciting projects. There are a few camping sites near the climbing area. Father Adams which is a primitive spot, and Foster Falls campground which has a shower and toilets (around $16 a night), are a few I know of that are close. The price is fairly nice if you have a big group. Foster Falls campground is a car camping spot as well so you just pull up and go. Which is nice if you are spending a few hard days climbing and hiking. There are a few stores about 10 miles away as well just incase you forget your coffee; not speaking from experience of course.  There is a giant loop that surrounds most of the climbing area. With massive beautiful sandstone walls around every corner. I would recommend buying the Tennessee climbing book “The Tennessee Wall: A Rockclimber's Guide”.  It has about every route there with a nice description of the route and how to locate them while you are hiking around the loop. You will also find grading and helpful tips. I would also download the mountain project app; it has useful tips as well!

It's about a 30-minute hike from either camp to the start of the walls. I would recommend going around the waterfall because carrying loads can be quite exhausting on the steep path down. If you go around the waterfall there is a nice stream that you can filter water out of. The trails are nothing super intensive so just have a nice walk.

Most of the bolts are in great shape but as with any climb remember to check things out; safety first. Some bolts can be a tad on the high side for starting clips, so some people may want to bring aid in getting first clips in.

“Saturated” is a 5.8 route at Foster Falls that tends to be one of the favorites. Either a nice warm up route or a route to help conquer your fear of heights. At 90’ it can be a palm sweater to some.

Get away for a weekend and enjoy some of Tennessee’s amazing climbing. Just remember, you have an ice cold waterfall at the bottom for some relaxing R&R.