Climbing Near Montgomery, Alabama

Very limited climbing, a few boulders, 1 short cliff, and "the slabs." From Wetumpka: Take US-231 north approx 5 miles to CR-222/Copeland road. Watch for signs that say to Jordan Dam/Swayback Bridge trail. Take a left on CR-222 and go north/west approx 1 mile where you make a slight left onto Jordan Dam road. There will be another Jordan Dam/Swayback Bridge Trail sign at this slight left. Once you pass the parking are for the Swayback Bridge trail, look for a small faded sign on the right that says "Jordan Dam downstream river access" turn left here and follow this road down until you can see the water. You will need to turn left to head to the boat launch area. Park there, and walk downstream about 80 yards.

Cherokee Bluffs is the only sport climbing areas in central Alabama. There has been a lot of progress in making this a better climbing destination for central and lower Alabama in past couple of years. Some of the routes have recently been developed and may need some cleaning.The land was bought by Forever Wild from Alabama Power and climbing is welcomed.Access to the climbing routes is a short hike from the parking lot. Hike the John B. Scott trail or the take the road around the yellow gate south for approx. 800 feet until you come to a post with a climbers logo on it next to wooden steps on your right. Follow the steps up and you are now below Roof-a-lufagus (route #7 on the Topo), currently left side of the cliff line. The rest of the cliff line is on the trail to the right. When you leave please double back to the wooden steps/trail.Please Stay On Trail to Avoid Erosion. Please clean up after yourself. Whatever you take in, be sure to take back out.Please sign the register at the kiosk and write a large C next to your name if you are a climber. Forever Wild would like to know who is coming to enjoy this awesome spot. FROM AUBURN: Its about a 35 min. drive from Auburn. Drive north on N. College St. (AL-174 N) or N Donahue Dr until it runs into county road 72. Take a left on 72 and follow it until it merges with county road 73, follow it for about a quarter of a mile and take a slight right which puts you back on 72. (The turn is next to two large dumpsters). Follow 72 until it merges into hwy 50. Take a left on 50 and follow it until it comes to a large bridge that goes over the Tallapoosa river, right next to Lake Martin dam. After the bridge head up the hill and take your first left on the Gold Mine Rd. Gold Mine Rd. then winds down the hill to a right hand switch back which turns into a dirt road that runs along the river. From here follow the road until you come to the Parking lot. FROM MONTGOMERY: Take I 85 to exit 26 to Tallassee, go through Tallassee take a slight right onto 229 (Kent Rd) and follow it until you come to hwy 50 and take right onto 50 and follow it until you are going down a big hill before the bridge and take a right onto gold mine rd. just before you cross over the river. Gold Mine Rd. then winds down the hill to a right hand switch back which turns into a dirt road that runs along the river. From here follow the road until you come to the Parking lot.

A tall boulder with the hardest problem set in Smith Mountain. Continue down the Fire Tower Boulder trail.