The Zipper

The Zipper formation

Description 

Located in the Chattahoochee River Park in north Atlanta just minutes from the parking lot is a large boulder/small cliff with a 15 foot splitter roof crack. The Zipper was long known as a good place to practice aid climbing, and aid climbing is were it received it's name. The story is someone was aiding the Zipper on all passive gear when a piece popped and started a zipper effect dumping the leader in the dirt. Many free climbers over the years have taken a stab at the Zipper including Chris Watford, Jeff Scully, Phil Fisher, and Robyn Erbesfield who made it to the lip. It didn't see a complete free ascent until 1985 by Rob Robinson.
There is also a traverse and some drop off boulder problems on the left and right of the formation.

Getting There 

Heading East 285 take exit 22. Right at the end of the off ramp, right on Powers Ferry. After crossing the river take a right at the light and another right on Interstate North Parkway.Now you are on the other side of 285. Take a left into the trail head parking lot right before the river. Follow the large jogging trail until you see a pair of pull up bars on the left. The Zipper is just up hill from the pull up bars. (Be aware of one way streets at the Northside drive exit, hence the round about way)

The Classics