What's ya'lls opinions on the best guidebooks for the South? Assuming you wanted the best comprehensive coverage of all the states.

I've found a few that sound good already from the REI website, but I gotta believe there are more out there:

http://www.rei.com/Search.do?&cat=10574096&hist=cat%2C105667>>>>>

(if you don't want to click the link):

-Red River Gorge Rock Climbs, 2nd ed.
-Rock Climbing Virginia, W Virginia, and Maryland (falcon guide)
-NRG, Meadow River, and Summersville Lake Rock Climber's guidebook, 3rd ed
-Selected Climbs in N Carolina (Shull, et. al)

I've heard about the Dixie cragger's atlas, or something like that. Are these still in print, and are they good?

Tennessee is very conspicuously missing from my above list!!

Thanks!

The Cragger is the "bible" as far as Alabama is concerned. There is a new addidtion that's been in print. There's a book just for AL/GA and then there's one that's probably 2.5 times bigger just for Tennessee.

That's plenty good for the deep south. As far as RRG and the others you mentioned, someone else that's more of a local will have to answer. I'm sure Saxfiend would have some good info for you.

And don't forget, there's always Mountain Project: so much beta!

-rob

Hey Mike, I've had the opportunity to go to school and climb out here for the past three years. I'm based out of NC, but make it to the Red and the New River Gorges quite often, as well as the Chattanooga area.
Sounds like you've got the right book for the Red, the Ray Ellington one. You can order it here if you want:
http://www.redriverclimbing.org
This website is also a great online route database. Thousands of routes!

You've got the right one for the New as well. Easy to use, up-to-date, covers the Meadow River and Summersville areas, bolt counts are sometimes wrong but whatever. For a second opinion (and an awesome historical section), check out Rick Thompson's New River Rock, Second Edition: http://www.amazon.com/New-River-Rock-Rick-Thompson/dp/157540>>>>>

For Seneca Rocks, check out Seneca: The Climber's Guide Revised Edition by Tony Barnes:
http://www.amazon.com/New-River-Rock-Rick-Thompson/dp/157540>>>>>

The Shull book is the most current for NC as well, though it's not comprehensive.

And for Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, Robert's right. The Dixie Cragger's Atlas is the way to go. Fortunately, if you're just into checking out the Tennessee Wall, you can get a small, distilled edition specifically for that area. You'll have to find that one once you get out here.

Everything that the previous posts have mentioned are well founded. I would recommend checking out www.drtopo.com its got free guide books to a few southern areas including horse pens 40. (better bring your sloper skillz). There is a new guide book for the NRG and Summersville Lake. But who are we kidding here. GO TO THE RED. DONT LEAVE!!! If you havent seen the recent R&I go buy it! The red is THE place to climb sport/trad in the south (certainly the best sport in the country anyways). best of luck to ya! drink some moonshine and join the RRGCC

Mike, you'll destroy the Tennessee Wall. Really fun stuff. Brian Cabe might have the above guidebooks or be a good resource for your question.

Holler if you want some contact beta for some Chattanooga locals. I think you'll find the stone amazing. Have fun!

Here are my two cents worth on the Southeast and guide books. For NC, you're probably looking at the Select Guide (already mentioned) which by no means comes close to covering all the rock in the Carolinas but it will get you started on some of the classics. The Climbers Guide to NC is scarce but can fill in some of the blanks for the Select book and vice versa.

For TN, GA and AL the Dixie Craggers Atlas, now 2 books, is the only published book out there. Also by no means covers all the routes in those areas but it will get you started as well.

For Kentucky, or at least the Red, go with The Red River Gorge Guide book.

For what is it is worth there is about an equal amount of rock in the SE that is not in any guide book. Ya gotta find a local or some one willing to share.

Those 4 climbing books (Dixie Craggers -2, NC Select and the Red) account for about 4000ish routes...no I haven't counted them...but I am working on climbing them!

Jeff wrote: "For TN, GA and AL the Dixie Craggers Atlas, now 2 books, is the only published book out there. Also by no means covers all the routes in those areas but it will get you started as well."

"...but I am working on climbing them!"


The out of print "Deep South Climbers Companion" will supplement the DCA if you can find a copy on ebay or the like. I feel like it helps with places like Tallulah and Sunset, together they paint a more complete picture. Yet still fall short

Maybe Jeff will come out with an updated book?????

Mike, If you're traveling from out West, don't forget about Southern Illinois. Jackson Falls is truly an amazing crag, and is well worth a day, plus there's free camping in Shawnee national forest. I wouldn't bother buying the guidebook if you're only going for a day or so, but it's available here:

http://www.verticalheartland.com/E-Store.html

and here's the El Cheapo version:

http://www.drtopo.com/guidebooks/usa/illinois/15

Hey Jay, what town is the Jackson Falls area close to?

That's cool. I think I pass near there when I make the big drive from school in NC to home in WY (and vice-versa). I will have to make a stop in May.

Thanks for the beta everyone!

I just had my first day at the T-Wall on Sunday, and it was awesome!

You guys have a great little secret going on down here.

I loved all the variety, and every route I did was ultra-classic. The rock has a great texture, and nothing broke (rare in the places I normally climb). I can't wait to check out some of the other Cumberland crags, esp. Foster Falls....

The locals were very hospitable as well.

Does Shuford's have crack cocaine in it?

The pudding was good.

T-wall may not be a secret in Tennessee, but most of the rest of the country doesn't know about it...they've "heard" about it, but they don't know about it.