Chattanooga

Chattanooga's a new area for me, and one I'm really excited about. I've been looking for a good combination of city social life and spectacular rock, and Chattanooga has crags for days. The main sport climbing crags here seem to be Denny's Cove, starring the gorgeous send hard Buffet Wall, and Foster Falls, featuring a lovely swimming hole and waterfall. But the star of the show is T-Wall, a winter trad climbing mecca. That's right, winter climbing! I've been looking for a good rotation for my nomadic life, and I think Chatt might be the perfect 'winter' paradise. The rock here is interesting, large square Minecraft-esque blocks that are very easy to grip, and offer plenty of hand jam rests between moves. Even the worst holds here are better than the best 'jugs' at the New! Because of that, I find the climbing here easy and enjoyable, and I am never afraid to make big moves.

notable routes

story of my life 5.11b

A two pitch sport route at the popular Jimmywood crag at Foster Falls, of which I dragged a boulder bro up. Although the first pitch is strangely bolted, with a lot of traversing and rope drag, the second pitch is an epic, excellent full value crack. Not a lot of jams, but still a good time and worth the shenanigans it takes to get there.

copperhead road 5.11b

At Denny West. Big moves to solid holds on a blocky overhang, and a fantastic roof that's a joy to pull. Just fun, flowey gymnastic climbing... get on it!

notes

• The Crashpad is a climber hostel in the city, clean and friendly with hot showers, cool rooms, and free crashpads, of course.
• I visited here to attend the Chatt Kiki, a queer climbing festival that takes place every fall.

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