Starr Mountain

A good stance gives Denmark an opportunity to cons...

Description 

Off the beaten track and boasting only a small number of routes, Starr Mountain is not as popular or well-known as crags like T-Wall. Of course, this also means it's almost never crowded, and the rock quality and some stellar routes like Lucky Strikes make it worth a visit. And it's south-facing, which is good for winter climbing.

Route development began at Starr Mountain in 1978 with Atlanta climber Bob Ordner. Most of the established trad lines were put up over the next few years by Ordner, Shannon Stegg, Curtis Glass and others. Though it's primarily a trad area, there has been some sport development in recent years on a lower cliffline; this is not well-documented.

Getting There 

From Atlanta, take I-75 north to Hwy. 411 east (exit 293). Continue on 411 into Tennessee and through the town of Benton; a few miles past Benton, you'll cross the Hiwassee River. Continue almost a half mile further and turn right on Spring Creek Road (watch for signs for the Gee Creek Wilderness Area). After about 2.3 miles, park in a pulloff on the left near a culvert pipe next to railroad tracks. Hike across the tracks and find the uphill trail. Continue up the trail to a waterfall, then bear right and continue to the cliffline.