Backbone Rock  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  36.594, -81.8151 Map Page Views:  1,961. Good page?    Administrators:  saxfiend, Brad "Stonyman" Killough, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  kclark on Sep 6, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 73° | 57° 73° | 57° 84° | 59° 88° | 57° 86° | 63°

BETA PHOTO: The road through Backbone

Description 

Cliff is a rock fin with a tunnel cut through for the road (originally cut by a lumber company to lay train tracks). Area is shady and next to a nice swimming hole. Rock is pretty solid, but can be a bit dirty. Its a day use area right off the road so you may gather some spectators. Top rope is set up by following the trail to the top of the fin and using trees. Your top rope may draw the attention of people up top who may peak over and knock some rocks down, so helmets are a good idea.

Getting There 

Nearest Town: Damascus, VA

From Bristol, VA/TN take exit 19 and turn right on US 58 to Damascus. Follow signs in Damascus to Backbone Rock.

From Marion, VA take exit 29 and turn left on US 91 towards Damascus. Turn right on US 58 in Damascus and follow signs for Backbone Rock.

Take US 133 into TN. You'll drive through the rock and there is a turn out on the left or a parking lot immediately right. You can't miss it.

The Classics

Featured Route For Backbone Rock

Cave 5.10a  TN : Backbone Rock : Across the Street

Start under the overhang and continue to top. Start to the right of the overhang for an easier variation. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in TN