Mountain Project: Climbing Foster Falls

Submitted By: saxfiend on Nov 5, 2006
Administrators: saxfiend, Brad Killough IV
Latitude: 35.1105 Longitude: -85.6421
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Description

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:

Afterburner 5.5 Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet Main Wall

Gravity Boots 5.7 Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet Main Wall

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

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

Miss Prissy 5.9 Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

Rolffed 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

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

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

Miss Scarlet 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

Therapist 5.9+ Sport, 1 pitch, 60 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

Diamond Cutter 5.10b/c Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet Main Wall

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

Pillsbury 5.11a Sport Main Wall

The Aquittal 5.11b Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Wristlets 5.11c/d Sport, 60 feet Main Wall

Ethnic Cleansing 5.12b/c Sport Main Wall

Eclipse 5.12c Sport Main Wall

Darkie the Bum Beast 5.12d Sport Main Wall

Featured Route For Foster Falls

Pillsbury 5.11a TN : Foster Falls : Main Wall

Follows a system of seams, then turns to slopers up high. The crux of the route seems to be moving from the clipping stance for the first bolt and establishing yourself on the wall....[more] Browse More Classics in TN

Photos of Foster Falls

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Foster Falls	Micah Gentry on Gas Chamber in the right bunker	Climbing behind the falls
Climbing behind the falls		photo by: mason cook
photo by: mason cook	Interesting flowers @ Fosters, on the backside und...	Climber at the falls
Top of the falls

Comments on Foster Falls

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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 Killough IV
Administrator
From: hartselle, 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

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