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| Elevation: | 1,752 ft |
| GPS: | 35.182, -85.674 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 266,616 total · 1,911/month |
| Shared By: | saxfiend on Nov 5, 2006 |
| Admins: | saxfiend, Brad "Stonyman" Killough |
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.
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.
Classic Climbing Routes at Foster Falls
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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Photos
24 Comments
More About Foster Falls
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Guidebooks (2)
Birmingham, AL
Alabama
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 Oct 22, 2009
Linden, VA
Hiram, Ga
Seattle, WA
da Bayou
Seattle, WA
da Bayou
on the road
Thanks! Mar 4, 2014
Knoxville, TN
mountainproject.com/v/foste… Mar 16, 2014
Gold Country CA
You can download a FREE Foster Falls Day Guide from Rockery Press by clicking on the following link: rockerypress.com/free-day-g…
Foster Falls Free Guide includes:
- Driving & Approach Beta
- Rules & Recommendations
- Several days of route descriptions and recommendations
Oct 13, 2014Climbing was decent. The concentrated 5.9 climbs in Jimmywood seemed a bit harder climbs for the 5.9 range. I highly recommend doing Saturated in Jimmywood. Was a fun high, 5.8 climb.
Our final day at the crag, we did a fun 4-5 mile out-&-back trail run down past both campsites and climber access points. Then we went down to the swimming hole of Foster Falls (the waterfall was dried up at this time) and swam and bouldered on the rock behind where the water fall is. Sep 19, 2016
youtube.com/watch?v=PwSEHmn… Mar 7, 2017
I will be traveling through the area on weekend of May 12-14, 2017 and am looking for a belay buddy. Anyone know of a group going out that weekend?
Best,
Faith Apr 22, 2017
From the falls trail:
White Wall
So what Area
Crime Buttress
Right Bunker
Left Bunker
The Dihedrals
Whole lot of breakdown and climber access one from the ridge (fiery gizzard) trail
Jimmywoods
Gutbuster Area
Sanford Wall
Rocket Slab
Rehab Slab
Snatch Wall
2nd access from the ridge trail
Red light district
Seasonal waterfall
Music city/5.9
Paradox Wall
Wall of Useless Conflict
Dogboy Village
Hope this helps you and whoever else comes here trying to decipher things. If anything is incorrect or out of date please feel free to correct me... preferably before tomorrow morning before I set out for round two of 'where in foster falls is...?' May 25, 2017
thecrag.com/climbing/united…
Also, a PDF guide is available (not sure how good it is though):
thecrag.com/CIDS/cgi-bin/di… Jul 3, 2017