Foster Falls Main

Welcome to Trail's Edge Foster Falls
climbing page.

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Introduction:
Foster Falls is located about 40 minutes west of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Foster Falls is primarily characterized by sandstone overhangs, aretes, cracks, roofs, and faces. The climbing area is located on cliffs, which line the far side of the gorge. The "Little Gizzard Creek" is the river, which cut and formed the sandstone relief. There is a very well maintained trail leading from both the campground and the day-use parking lot to a scenic overlook.

You will find the climbs here are well suited for moderate to hard climbers. The routes generally need to be lead to set as top rope, and most routes are above the 5.10+ range. The area is great for sport climbers with well-bolted routes averaging 60 feet high. There are a handful of 5.8's and 5.9's, the abundance o moderate/hard routes creates a lot of traffic for the easier climbs, like the Rocket Slab with it's 2 easy short routes (Afterburner 5.5, and Gravity Boots 5.8). The Falls also offer a picturesque view of the waterfall from below, you can hike right to its base and take a dip in the pool. The waterfall makes this one the most pleasant places to climb, it is beautiful and the falls can be quite refreshing after a long day of pullin hard.

Click HERE For current weather conditions and the five day weather forecast.

Directions & Maps

Regulations

Season
Since the rock is south facing the best time of year for climbing is spring, fall. Winter (late December). Many of the exposed climbs draw enough sun for winter climbing. The summer is hot but the shade and breeze offer relief, not to mention the river being so close. If you are planning a trip mid spring bring bug repellent for Black flies, they are only a problem for a few weeks.

Food
There is the ever-popular Dairy Queen in jasper, and a little pizza place. Kimball is the best bet for food and other supplies.

Outfitters
the nearest outfitters will be in Chattanooga
Rock Creek Outfitters
Suck Creek Cycle

Miscellaneous
Foster Falls park is managed by The TVA, the campground phone number is 423-942-5759. Cell phones do not work at Foster Falls and the park is located in the Central Time Zone

Campground
There is a campground Inside the park (about 30 tent sites), with bathroom/showers, water spigots, tables, trash cans, and a picnic area with a covered pavilion. The campground is open from mid April to October, gates close at 10 P.M. There are a few additional primitive site across the footbridge. Select a campsite, and the manager will find you (they make regular patrols on a cart) to collect fees. Alcohol is prohibited in the campground.

Lodging
go to Kimball for the better selection of hotels and motels.

Emergency
Police Department (Jasper)
(615) 942-5667

Marion County Shariff
(615) 942-2525
(615) 942-2525

South Pittsburgh Hospital
(615) 837-6781

Emergency Only Call 911

Access Notice:
The climbing area at Foster Falls is now CLOSED every MONDAY and TUESDAY. Please respect this closure...Foster Falls has had a very good relationship with the climbing community so let's not ruin it. The falls area and park will continue to be accessable.
DO NOT GO TO THE CLIMBING AREAS ON THESE DAYS

Guidebook:

Sorry Chris's book is now out of print...But he is working on publishing 3 new books to replace this one guidebook. Look for the new books divided up by State Mid-late summer. If you can find a copy of this book, snatch it up...a great resource for souther climbing.

Information can also be found in Sport crags of the East, Steve Cater. King Coal Press,

Click on an image below for the larger picture

Other Nearby Climbing
Sand Rock

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