Are you planning a weekend (or longer) climbing trip but not sure where to start? Our home in Chattanooga, TN, is the ultimate destination for climbers. From iconic sandstone boulders to cozy cafes and evening hangouts, this city has everything you need for an epic weekend with hardly any time stuck in a car. We’ve created the perfect two to three day diverse climbing itinerary that balances our favorite crags, good grub, and even some downtime to soak all that our river city has to offer. ps - if you're wanting a guide our buddy Trevor at Pinnacle Mountain Guides is rad.
First up – Where to Stay:
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Check into The Crash Pad: An Uncommon Hostel, located in Chattanooga’s Southside district. This climber-focused hostel is designed with adventurers in mind, offering comfortable bunks, private rooms, and a welcoming community vibe. It’s the perfect basecamp for your bouldering weekend and is within walking distance of local restaurants and bars – including Flying Squirrel. (sorry Dan, we know it’s named Earnest Chinese now but it'll always be Squirrel in our hearts)
Day 1: Warm Up & Explore LRC
Morning:
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Assuming you arrived last night and just hit the hay on your first day you should definitely grab a coffee & pastry at Niedlov’s Bakery. The more you eat out in Chattanooga the more you’ll see their bread used on almost every burger, sandwich, etc. in town.
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Pro tip: on your way out – grab one of their sandwiches for lunch because you’re about to lose track of time enjoying an epic afternoon of some world class bouldering, trad & sport climbing. Yes, all three within 20 minutes of town.
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Now that you’re stocked up on food & sending pastries you can start your day at Stone Fort (LRC), one of the Southeast’s most iconic bouldering spots and 1/3 locations of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Known for its high-quality sandstone and diverse problems, this crag offers something for every type of boulderer with over 700 problems. This is now climber owned and will cost you about $10 for a day pass - make sure to check in and support the local!
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Ease into your session by tackling some warm up problems in the Front Area while you’re side eye ogling a classic like “The Wave.” (V6)
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Challenge yourself with a staple like “Super Mario” (V4) – cheers for an upside down no hands knee bar – the extension is epic and totally worth pushing for.
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And if you’re up for a true challenge, take a stab at “The Shield.” (V12) Who knows if you seek out some beta from local crusher Jimmy Webb you might flash it like Daniel Woods almost pulled off during his first go.
Afternoon:
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After a solid morning at Stone Fort, pop by Leda, “a convenient location, easy approach, nice rock, a mix of trad and sport climbs -- what more could you want from a climbing destination?” to quote Mountain Project, a hidden gem on your way down the Mowbray Mountain. With shaded climbs and shorter approaches, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours before heading back into town.
Dinner:
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Wrap up the day with dinner at Basecamp Bar & Restaurant, located super close to your hostel and locally climber owned. This trendy spot offers craft cocktails, shareable plates, and a cool, laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day on the rock.
- If you're jonesing for a nightcap, Boneyard on Station Street is one of the best late night vibes in all of the southeast. A bar we believe Lewis (co-owner) created for himself and everybody in Chattanooga can't help but to love every part of its unique energy. (aka f*cks with it)
Day 2: Quick Drive to Rocktown
Morning:
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Day 2 let’s go! Start your morning with a cup of coffee at Velo Coffee Roasters on Main Street, a beloved spot for caffeine-fueled climbers & cyclists – and walking distance from The Crash Pad. Their craft coffee and minimalist vibe will help you kickstart your day. Conveniently located next door to Synergy Climbing and Ninja if a storm kicks you inside. (also shout out Highpoint Climbing another rad gym super close by as well)
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Make the pretty easy & pretty hour-long drive to Rocktown, another one of the Southeast’s premier bouldering areas. Just an hour away and tucked into the woods of North Georgia, this climbing destination offers more beautiful sandstone boulders with everything from beginner-friendly warm-ups to epic highballs. The drive and the approach are a bit long for the area but welllllll worth it. Must-try problems include “The Orb” (V8) for advanced climbers or “The Scoop” (V4) for intermediate climbers.
Lunch:
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Don’t forget to pack a lunch from one of Chattanooga’s many delis or bakeries (like Milk & Honey) or heck – there’s nothing wrong with a Pub Sub to enjoy at Rocktown. Shady spots along the trails make for great breaks between climbs.
Afternoon:
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With the endless and dense amount of problems you can honestly spend all day here squatting on your project until it goes. But then again, with all that Rocktown has to offer don’t get too silo’d – if this is your first time here you'll definitely be returning again again until you ultimately move here. Chattanooga – a city of transplanted climbers.
- Option two: Scoot on over to Zahnd for some more bouldering super close by or on your way back to town hit up Sunset during that crisp golden hour - but make sure you get out quickly after dark because the cops like to check the parking lot immediately after the sun drops.
Evening:
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Return to Chattanooga for dinner at Main Street Meats, a friendly spot with local quality meat to fill you with protein or La Altena Mexican Restaurant for equal amounts of protein on a smaller budget.
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And if you’re looking for the best local beer in the Chattanooga AND the Southeast, yes we said it – check out Hutton & Smith for their climber flagships: Igneous IPA, Tectonic Session IPA and Basecamp Blonde. Fellow climbers & good people who give a schist. (Cat bar, dogs welcome.)
Conclusion:
With this two-day itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Chattanooga’s bouldering scene, from world-class climbing areas to our vibrant outdoor focused restaurant culture. Whether you’re projecting new probs or just looking to hang at the crag, this weekend adventure will leave you ready to plan your next trip back to the Scenic City. Feel free to check out more about Chattanooga here.
