Mountain Project: Climbing Foster Falls

Foster Falls is a major destination for sport climbing in the south. Near the town of Jasper (just west of Chattanooga), it features high-quality sandstone and challenging climbing in a pleasant locale. Though you might want to stay away in the hottest or coldest seasons, Foster's season is pretty much year-round.

If you're just getting started as a leader, you can hone your skills on a few easy routes like Gravity Boots (5.7) or Jacob's Ladder (5.8). But the real fun at Fosters begins at 5.9 with favorites such as Ankles Away or Twist and Shout, and doesn't stop till you get to the ferociously overhung 5.13 routes in the Bunkers sections. There's a little something for everyone at Fosters.

Amenities include camping (fee-based), picnic facilities and bathrooms at the parking lot. There's also hiking trails if you need a break from climbing, and in the summer you can cool off in the pool at the base of the falls.

For routes not covered on MountainProject, the Dixie Cragger's Atlas by Chris Watford is the definitive guidebook for Foster Falls.

Getting There

From Chattanooga, head west on I-24 past Nickajack Lake and get off at exit 155 (about 20 miles). Head north following the signs to the town of Jasper. Passing through the town, follow the signs for TN150/US41 north toward Tracy City. A landmark (at least for now, since its out of business) is the Mountain Mart on the left as you continue on TN150. The entrance to Foster Falls is on the left about three miles past the Mountain Mart.

The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Foster Falls:

Jacob's Ladder 5.8 Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Main Wall

Bear Mountain Picnic 5.8+ Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Main Wall

It's All Good 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet Main Wall

Twist and Shout 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet Main Wall

Ankles Away 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet Main Wall

Fish-eyed Fool 5.10b Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet Main Wall

Narcissism 5.10b Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

Rode Hard, Put Up Wet 5.10d Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

Something's Always Wrong 5.10d Sport, 80 feet Main Wall

Pillsbury 5.11a Sport Main Wall

Standing Room Only 5.11a/b Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet Main Wall

The Aquittal 5.11b Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Wristlets 5.11c/d Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Handcuffed 5.11c/d Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Greed 5.11d Sport, 85 feet Main Wall

Bottled Up Warrior 5.12- Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet Main Wall

Satisfaction 5.12a/b Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Eclipse 5.12c Sport Main Wall

Darkie the Bum Beast 5.12d Sport Main Wall

The Big Empty 5.13 Sport, 1 pitch, 45 feet Main Wall

Comments on Foster Falls

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Comments displayed oldest to newest — Skip Ahead to the Most Recent Dated Mar 6, 2013

By Robert Dominguez
From: Birmingham, AL
Feb 11, 2008

The most beautiful place I've ever climbed--camp @ Father Adamz, have a good time.

By Brad "Stonyman" Killough
Administrator
From: Alabama
Nov 8, 2008

I agree, very nice.

By Michael G
Oct 22, 2009

Hey Everyone,

Just wondering what temps could I expect here in mid-Feb? Just trying to plan a winter climbing trip. It seems like T-Wall would be good to go, and I was wondering if I could squeeze in some sport climbing as well. I'm not expecting t-shirt weather, but I don't want to climb in real cold conditions either (I can do that here at home!). Thanks.

Mike

By DankBird77
From: Fairfax, VA
Dec 21, 2010

Visited mid December and temps were mid 40s and sunny. Climbing was great. Found a couple of routes to be a bit sandbagged but in general had a great time and it was good climbing. Nights were down in the 30s and 20s so went to Chattanooga for dinner each night. Camped at Raccoon Mtn and we were the only campers. Bathrooms at Plot were super nice, as was signage and falls. Congrats to South Cumberland group for doing a great job with this crag~

By Adam Lazaro
From: Hiram, Ga
Feb 21, 2012

Does anybody know if the campground is open. Any info that would be handy to know. We are planning on coming the first weekend in March

By GarrisonH
Sep 18, 2012

I'm passing through Chattanooga September 19, 20 & 21 and looking for a sport climbing partner.

By sam england
Feb 20, 2013

Does anyone know anything about the route to the left of Pillsbury with the orange hangers? I did the route over the weekend and was interested in the name/rating. Thanks.

By Ace Stephenson
Feb 22, 2013

There are two routes down in Dog Boy Village at the end I have no idea about. They start the same and one goes up a right facing corner and then left one goes left out onto the face? What are these routes? The right one is super cool.

By Swamp Cookie
From: da Bayou
Feb 25, 2013

Sam. The route with the orange hangers may be Milk Dudds. 5.9

By sam england
Mar 4, 2013

This felt much harder than 5.9 more like 5.12. I believe Milk Dudds is just right of Pilsbury (also has orange hangers). This was in between Pilsbury and Kids with Guns.

By Swamp Cookie
From: da Bayou
Mar 6, 2013

OK Sam. That one is Crimp Knob 5.12- Sorry for the confusion.

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Foster Falls

Description

Getting There

The Classics