Many rock climbing enthusiasts head out west to Colorado, California, and Oregon for their legendary ascents. However, outdoor lovers in the Southeastern U.S. will be pleased to learn that there are lots of awesome rock climbing opportunities right here in Georgia. From cliff-side rock slabs to challenging boulders and even indoor gyms, here are the top places to go rock climbing in Georgia.
Mount Yonah, Near Cleveland
The mountains of North Georgia are a favorite place for climbers to hang out, and Mount Yonah is a granite dome here worth checking out. This is a great place for beginners to climbing, and the site dates back to the 1960s when it was used for Army training. Today, you’ll find routes that were set up by the military and also civilian climbers. Mount Yonah has both single-pitch and multi-pitch routes. It’s advisable to avoid the Main Face in the summertime because it is south-facing and very hot. However, the Lowers is a section that is shady and more manageable on hot days. Pick up a copy of the Dixie Cragger’s Atlas to find the routes and follow guidebook recommendations. Mount Yonah is near Cleveland, Georgia, which is about an hour and a half from Atlanta.
Currahee Mountain, Near Toccoa
Travel a little more out of the way, and you’ll find Currahee Mountain near the town of Toccoa. The road that leads here isn’t in the best of shape and sadly, there’s some graffiti in the area. But this mountain is a great place to visit if you enjoy friction climbing. The rock is mostly granite slab and bolted. However, it’s a good idea to have trad gear for certain routes. Some of the most popular routes to try are Mikey’s Mantle, Frictionary, and Pigs on the Wing. You can comfortably climb in this area pretty much any time of the year and set up camp along the road that leads up the mountain.
Tallulah Gorge, Near Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Gorge is hailed as one of the most beautiful natural areas in Georgia, with its deep canyon, waterfalls, and amazing views along the rim. This is also the site of some excellent trad climbing if you’re an experienced climber. Beginners are advised to check out other climbing spots on this list instead because Tallulah Gorge is pretty intense. Most of the routes are hard multi-pitch trad on quartzite rock. Since this is a popular park for tourists, sometimes the Gorge is closed to climbers. Therefore, the best time to climb here is in February and March, when the temperatures are cool and the tourist crowds are slimmer. For serious climbers, Tallulah Gorge is a true gem because the climbing spots are rarely crowded and it’s almost never a problem to get a permit from the park office.
Lost Wall, Near Lafayette
The Lost Wall may not get the attention of nearby crags in Tennessee, but it’s still a fun place for climbers to come to. There are some good top rope routes here and also great opportunities to practice your lead climbing. Booze and Broads is a favorite route here, as well as Guzzler, Pipe Full of Fun, and Laurel Lie. The single-pitch routes are between 40 and 120 feet high, and the rock wall is made of sandstone. Head towards Lafayette, Georgia, and Pigeon Mountain to find this climbing spot.
Shaking Rock, Near Athens
While the previously mentioned climbing areas are good for top-roping, lead climbing, and trad, this is a boulder field with some excellent problems to solve. People in the Athens area of Georgia love this bouldering area because of its proximity to the city. You’ll find boulder routes as easy as a V1 rating and as hard as a V10.
Boat Rock, Near Atlanta
Boat Rock is another bouldering area in Georgia, and this spot is closer to Atlanta. The boulders are granite, and the bouldering problems are mostly slab. You’ll also find some crack problems and overhangs to work through. Unfortunately, the size of this bouldering area has decreased because of housing expansion. This means climbers should make sure to avoid the surrounding private properties and stay on trails. Favorite routes are the Keeper of the Boat, Dishes Left, and Yellow Wall Arete.
Rocktown, Near LaFayette
Rocktown is a bouldering area near the Tennessee border and definitely one of the best spots in the Southeast. However, the area is still often uncrowded and has a good parking lot. You can even camp in the parking lot for free to spend a couple of days working out the bouldering problems here. Climbers love getting on the rock here because of the excellent sandstone quality, crimpers, and top outs. This is an easily accessible area from both Atlanta and Chattanooga. And the trail to get from the parking lot to the boulders is easy and takes about 10 minutes to hike.
Stone Summit, Kennesaw
While all of the previous climbing spots on this list have been outdoors, climbers should know that Georgia has some great indoor gyms as well. One of the best is Stone Summit in Kennesaw. This is a great place to practice your top roping and lead climbing skills for upcoming outdoor adventures or to simply get a great workout.
Wall Crawler Rock Club, Atlanta
Wall Crawler Rock Club is another indoor gym that is great for beginners and even has classes for both adults and kids. Located in Atlanta, it offers a fun excursion for climbing fans. Lead climbing classes are offered by experienced instructors, and couches and tables are provided to relax and socialize.
Atlanta Rocks! Intown, Atlanta
Atlanta Rocks! Intown is another indoor climbing gym in Atlanta and one that spans 12,000 square feet. There’s something for all skill levels here and even a youth climbing team. While you’re here, you can also take advantage of cardio equipment, free weights, and locker rooms with showers at no extra charge.
