Chattanooga Beta

Does anyone know if the area to the right of “It’s all good” in Gut Busters area at Fosters Falls is being developed? It looks like some nice trad lines available. Thanks!

I was born, raised, and educated there. I never looked back after I left....if that says anything. 

You're not going to find many multi-pitch adventures like you would in NM, CO, UT, WY, AZ, CA....but you'll have ample single pitch options to choose from. 

The southeast is the place if you're looking to paddle, too many options to list. 

Central NM climate is night/day compared to southeast TN....say good bye to arid days / regular snow, and say hello to bugs, humidity, traffic, wet cold, and people. 

The cost of living there has inflated like a lot of other places, fyi.

 It's worth visiting to give it a thorough consideration, then determine if it is what you want.

Some interesting perspectives here… I’ll give my 2 cents.

I had the fortune of being raised here, did not get into climbing until my 20’s. That makes this place extra special because I consider it home.

The summer time climbing is really not that bad. Almost every crag has shady areas and a lot of good summer crags are next to water, so you can take a dip and cool down. Most of my sport climbing is done in the summer.

Fall is so good, the crux is usually picking what you want to do (sport, trad, boulder).

Winters are amazing for bouldering with a lifetime supply of boulders around the city, not to mention moderate drives to rock town and Alabama. TWall is also a real gem in the winter time with some of the best trad lines anywhere.

I would consider spring the worst season with the rain and beginning growth of brush. It’s also probably the worst season for bugs.

Other incredible areas are only a short drive away, such as the obed and little river.

The only major con, climbing wise, is there is no multipitch. Western North Carolina makes up for that with a plethora of incredible areas.

As far as the culture goes, I’m biased because this has always been my home. I love it and will probably never leave unless my kids relocate when they become adults. Some people may be put off by the big trucks, terrible drivers, and signs telling you to repent.

If you are seriously considering moving, you should do yourself a favor and plan a trip for a week or two and see if this is the place for you. You should have a pretty clear idea after sampling the climbing and the community. 

I appreciate all the replies everyone. I ended up signing a lease for late spring/summer and tore both my labrums the first weekend... Gonna give it another go next year when I'm healed up. Really enjoyed the area and people, the one weekend I did have was great (aside from the injury)

Jarod Swrote:

I moved to Chatt from Denver a year ago. In terms of high quality rock, that’s super accessible, Chatt is as good as it gets. The downsides are that the weather is horrible for 10-12 weeks out of the year and you really have to drive if you’re wanting to climb something other than Sandstone.

Lucky for me, I love sandstone!

What are people's recommendations for guidebooks for the area?  Primarily looking at the guidebooks for sport and trad but I'll take bouldering ones as well.

Chatt steel/chatt trad. If traveling outside the Chattanooga area look into Dixie craggers atlas, though the Tennessee books are out of print/stock the Georgia/Alabama book is still available