Georgia Climbing

For a state at the tail end of the Appalachians, Georgia has a surprising variety of good rock climbing. Georgia can't match the tremendous volume of rock and number of destinations held by neighboring North Carolina and Tennessee, but it does have some hidden jewels.

If you want a taste of granite slab but don't feel like making the drive to Stone Mountain, NC, head for Mount Yonah. This granite dome in north Georgia has long been a training ground for Army Rangers, but it's also a prime trad climbing destination. Many new leaders have gotten their first experience placing protection on some of the easier Mount Yonah lines. Currahee Mountain is another good spot for friction climbing.

For trad climbing on Tennessee-style sandstone, Lost Wall is a good choice. Crack and face climbs ranging from five-easy to fearsome can be found here. And further up the mountain from Lost Wall is Rock Town, a great bouldering area with enough problems to keep you busy for years.

If you're ready to up the ante, north Georgia's Tallulah Gorge is the premier trad destination in the state. For serious and exposed multi-pitch climbing in the midst of beautiful scenery, Tallulah is hard to beat.

In addition to Rock Town, Georgia has numerous other bouldering areas. Tops among these is Boat Rock, located in the metro Atlanta area, with loads of high-friction granite to shred fingers and shoes.

To keep yourself in shape when you can't get outside, there are several indoor climbing gyms located in and around Atlanta.