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Sucka Cave

Tennessee
Warning Access Issue: Climbing is located on private property. DetailsDrop down

Description

Located on Suck Creek Road as it descends into Sequatchie Valley, Sucka Cave is a north-facing crag hidden in a small cove. Due to its orientation, most of the routes are constantly shaded and are best climbed in warmer weather and several days after rain. The crag is currently equipped with about 20 sport routes favoring 5.12-5.13 climbers who enjoy overhangs and roofs. However, there are a handful of easier routes between 5.6-5.11 which are good for warm-ups and climbers looking for steep moderates. Most routes are around 30-40 ft. There are also a handful of boulders which tend to have holds and movements that are similar to the sport routes. When visiting keep in mind that the crag is located on private land and the landowners ask that climbers do not top out on the cliffline among other things described at the trail kiosk and SCC website.

Getting There

GPS Coordinates to parking area: 35°11'01.6"N 85°26'39.9"W

To get to Sucka Cave from Chattanooga:
Drive 2.5 miles on US-27 N, then use the right 2 lanes to take the exit toward Signal Mtn N. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Signal Mountain Rd. After 1.7 miles turn left onto TN-27 W/Cherokee Trail/Suck Creek Rd. Follow Suck Creek Rd 10 miles until it begins to descend into a large U-shaped bend in the road. There are two gravel pull-offs for parking in the bend: the main one is in the middle of the bend on the left side next to a white cross and no trespassing sign and the lower one is a few hundred feet downhill on the right side of the road. There is room for about 7 cars so carpool and if the parking is full find another area to climb. Watch for traffic while parking, loading and unloading as this area is basically one big blind turn and people often drive fast through it. The trail is located at the main parking and will bring you to the main cave after a 5 minute hike uphill. The other routes/areas can be found by walking the cliffline for a few hundred yards in either direction.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The bulk of the main cave.
[Hide Photo] The bulk of the main cave.
Looking downhill at the lower pulloff. Be careful while crossing the street.
[Hide Photo] Looking downhill at the lower pulloff. Be careful while crossing the street.
Into the Black v6/7. One of the boulders that makes bringing pads to this crag worth it.
[Hide Photo] Into the Black v6/7. One of the boulders that makes bringing pads to this crag worth it.
Main parking lot. You can see the big white cross nailed to the tree.
[Hide Photo] Main parking lot. You can see the big white cross nailed to the tree.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jeremy Jennings
Chattanooga, TN
[Hide Comment] Does anyone know what the route to the right of invader is? It’s between that and the two 5.8s... Jun 26, 2019
[Hide Comment] Jeremy;
I'm guessing 11b maybe 11c. Good route. Sep 22, 2019
David Myers
Chattanooga, TN
[Hide Comment] Beware of fixed soft-goods here. Many are in poor condition. We had a dog-bone on "Suka for Pain" hold two whips before breaking in half during a boink. This was a pure tension break, no abrasion/cutting. Luckily the climber did not deck.

It was a humbling lesson/reminder:
- Always inspect fixed gear carefully.
- Be critical of any gear that looks suspect
- Remember that boinking is particularly high impact on the top piece. Jan 14, 2021