Chatt in summer?

I've taken a temporary job that will have me in Chattanooga for at least the summer, and possibly back again as a permanent resident next year. What is the region like for climbing and other sports in summer? I figure to get a membership at the local gym, and will be spending every other free moment exploring the area. I'm an experienced mountain biker, intermediate climber, and am dabbling with some whitewater paddling. If anyone has good insight on the area I'd appreciate any info possible.

Thanks :)

You need to take up kayaking. The Ocoee river is just up the road and any number of creeks around town come into their own during the winter. When the Ocoee is turned off (dam controlled) in the fall and the creeks are low, you can bet that the climbing is in. Road biking is fantastic and the mountain biking is top notch as well. Oh yeah it lies right in the center of tag TAG caving area, which has many deep cave pits, some exceeding 500 feet in depth. As compared to the midwest, I can't say enough good things about Chattanooga.

What it lacks is the grandeur of the western mountains, and of course skiing or surfing.

Hot, humid, ticks, and poison ivy....you wouldn't want to be here...

seriously though, tons of climbing, you can find stuff in the shade, LRC is shady as is some of fosters. Obed has a good bit of shady spots. It's the national capital of hang-gliding, and as Bill said "You need to take up kayaking". Caves are great during the summer, they stay at 55 all year round.

climbing in the SE can be a blast...just might need to harden up. Conditions are rarely "sending conditions" whatever that bs may be. Plenty of rock to be had, and the higher elevation crags in NC arent far away.

Sunset is great in the summer. Get there early and climb until lunch in the shade. The humidity stays a little high, but the temps normally are in the 70's while in the shade there.

I have gotten used to the heat and humidity in the SE. You have to around here to climb all year. In my opinion, the Red would be decent, someone already mentioned the OBED. Linville Gorge area and Cashiers are both great areas in NC. So there is a decent selection within a few hours drive.

Mountain biking is excellent. I believe the summer is going to be brutal for climbing outdoors. Bugs and tics will be distressing due to a mild winter. I will be spending a great deal of time at Urban Rocks Gym. Superb place to get strong. The routes and problems stay crisp and up to date. You will meet awesome people there and the temperature is always perfect. Hopefully fall season will come early.

Thanks for all the great replies. I am curious to see about this poison ivy. I used to be so allergic I'd have to go to the hospital, and would even get it in winter (when everything is dormant or dead here in WI). Hopefully I'm getting better with that. Sounds like paddling with be something I explore more and more. If any of you would like to meet up at Urban Rocks, just pm me. I'll be headed there when I first get to town in hopes of starting to meet some people of good heart and mind that like to play hard :) Just got the dates I'll be there. Looks like end of May through the end of August. Sounds hot!!

Probably the "best summer crag" is Deep Creek. It's shady from noon-dark all summer, no holds smaller than a pad and is steep and enduro-based...making it do-able in the summer. Don't expect it to be comfortable at all...luckily there is a creek down the hill from the cliff to swim in and cool off.

I know you asked about Chatty but to elaborate on NC crags I would say Shiprock is great in the Summer because of the elevation and PARTS of Linville can be nice, Specifically Hawksbill (north facing) and maybe the Amphitheater. Shortoff can be nice if you get an early start and finish by midday before the sun hits the wall (west facing). Moores wall is north facing but a lower elevation. depending on the temps it can work though its a long haul from Chatty... but a really great crag.

There are plenty of decent places to climb in summer chattanooga. I would see what direction the crags face and time your trips accordingly. I think deep creek might be good in the summer as well.

Do yourself a favor and head out to the obed. Spend the night at the Lilly Pad. Deep creek, foster falls, and t-wall are great spots too. Leda and sunset are great for days when you can only spare a few hours. IDK what some people are talking about, Chatt is very hippie friendly. Hope to see ya out there!