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Climbing near Memphis, TN

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Trey Fussell · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 0

I know there is some climbing in Arkansas, but I have little experience out there and none in Tennessee. I am eager to escape the City for the weekend to do some great climbing. I was wondering if yall have any suggestions as to what's close and where I should go?

Crack Slabbath · · Chattanooga · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 500

Horseshoe Canyon Ranch or Jamestown Crag in AR will be your closest bet (4.5 hours).

Kings Bluff outside Nashville in Clarksville is only 3.5 hours away but you're better off going the extra hour to HCR.

The Obed is 5.5 hours and definitely worth it for a long weekend.

The Delta is rich in culture but poor in climbing.

Trey Fussell · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 0

Thanks! And you could have not said that last line any better my friend.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

I'll add that Yellow Bluff, near Huntsville, AL, is a mere 3 hours 45 minutes.

kyle howe · · Knoxville, TN · Joined May 2013 · Points: 394

There's climbing in Tishomingo State Park in North Mississippi, which is about 2hrs from Memphis, TN. Never actually climbed there, but there are quite a few routes, mostly top-rope.

mountainproject.com/v/tisho…

rcongo · · Memphis, tn · Joined May 2010 · Points: 0

Jamestown is the shortest drive from greater memphis area. Horseshoe canyon is the next sport area and the closest trad is SAMs throne. They are about the same and it just depends on if you want crowded sport or trad with solitude. Yellow bluff is next closest and Jackson falls is after that.

If you have good all around technique or trad skills the preference is SAMs throne or Jackson falls as the climbing at both of these areas tends to be more aesthetic and technical!

If you are looking to carpool or share a rope give me a call 802-249-9833. Happy to go anywhere for a day or the whole weekend!

Nathan Self · · Louisiana · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 90

Tishomingo is a nice camp, but if you're going for the climbing, you'll probably be disappointed. You're better off going to HCR, Sam's Throne or Jackson Falls.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

This thread would be good material for the "Delta Circuit".

As I read it, and think about the different places, the culture, and the seclusion offered up in AR, MS, and Western TN, I have a hankering for BBQ and a long motorcycle ride.

Tishomingo is good for a diversion. Maybe a half day, in good conditions. You can always swim and shower there too.

Nathan Self · · Louisiana · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 90

In the 90s, the closest climbing to Memphis was a spot near Batesville, Arkansas. I can't remember the name of the place, and I think it was shutdown around 2000. Anybody remember the name of that place? Anybody else ever climb there? Too bad that it's probably still off limits.

Crack Slabbath · · Chattanooga · Joined Jan 2013 · Points: 500

When I lived in Memphis, the best BBQ I had (and at the time, I ate a lot of it)was at a little hole in the wall gas station in Cordova. Ben, if you go you must make a stop.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620
Nathan Self wrote:In the 90s, the closest climbing to Memphis was a spot near Batesville, Arkansas. I can't remember the name of the place, and I think it was shutdown around 2000. Anybody remember the name of that place? Anybody else ever climb there? Too bad that it's probably still off limits.
Nathan, what caused the area to get closed down? I am curious. On my last visit to Arkansas, I saw many backcountry/backwoods crags sticking out of the hillsides.

Chet, I'll check it out.
Nathan Self · · Louisiana · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 90

Ben,

I believe it was private land that changed hands. We climbed there regularly for years and rarely saw other parties, but there were a lot fewer climbers back then.

BirminghamBen · · Birmingham, AL · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 1,620

Thanks for the reply. I figured most of the little crags were locked down.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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