Foster Falls is one of the best sport climbing crags in the Southeast. Located in Jasper, TN and less than 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Foster Falls boasts the best sport climbing in the area. Featuring high quality sandstone routes between 5.5 and 5.13d, Foster Falls is a major southern climbing destination. The park also offers hiking trails, a beautiful waterfall, and a campground. Be sure to fill out a climbing permit with the Tennessee State Parks before climbing there. Mountain Project has descriptions of most of the climbs in the area.
Climbing at Foster Falls
Foster Falls has a good variety of climbs from slab classics like “ankles away” 5.9 to steep roof climbs up to 5.13 in the bunker areas Foster Falls is an excellent choice for a fun day of sport climbing. If you are a beginner leader be sure not miss classics like “gravity boots” 5.7 and “Jacobs ladder” 5.8 which are both excellent climbs. If you are a more advanced leader, be sure to get on “wristlets” 5.11d and “satisfaction” 5.12a which are both excellent climbs and also happen to be right next to one another.
The prime climbing season is from March to May and from September to November, but due to the shade in the canyon it also is a great summer crag as it tends to stay slightly cooler that many other crags in the area. The rock in the area is sandstone and can take a while to dry after a storm, but the large overhanging roofs at fosters keep some routes dry even in the pouring rain.
Pro Tips For Foster Falls
Beat the Heat: Foster Falls is an excellent summer crag due to the plethora of shade in the area. While sending hard grades will still be tough on hot days, compared to other crags in the area Foster Falls is the place to be
Bring it All: When you leave your car to head to the crag, bring everything you will need for the day, unlike many other southern crags, Foster Falls has a real, and steep approach. Bring everything you will need for the day from your climbing gear, to water and food.
Stick Clip: A stick clip is just always a good idea, but especially here. Many routes are difficult straight off the deck. You ankles will thank you for carrying one down to the crag.
Bring a Swimsuit: Its Foster Falls tradition (especially on hot summer days) to jump in the falls on your way out of the crag. Its the best cool down you can get.
Camp Elsewhere: There isn’t anything wrong with the state parks campground if you end up staying there, but there are better options around. If you are a true dirtbag, there is a field you can camp in just 5 minutes down the road for $5 a night. If you aren’t, camp at the fireside lodge hostel. They have excellent camping and amenities, and even private rooms and a cabin available for rent through AirBnb.
Hire a Guide: If it is your first time to the area, or you have new skills you want to learn to progress as a climber, hiring a guide is an excellent choice to make the most out of your trip. Guides know the area best, and will be able to help you maximize your time at the crag by not wasting time searching for routes, figuring out the best way to protect climbs, and more. They are also sure to have hundreds of other tips for you that will help you out on future trips!
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