Camping T-Wall, Foster Falls, Leda

Hey all,

I am going to be in the area in few weeks, and I am looking for a good place that I can camp near the above climbing areas. Also, how hot is it in August? Is is unbearable or will I be able to get in a few climbs before succumbing to heat exhaustion. Primitive backpack camping is fine! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

For central camping to The TWall (North and West of Downtown 15 minutes), Fosters (West of Downtown 30 minutes), and Leda (North of Downtown 30 minutes), Raccoon Mountain offers ACd cabins and tent sites for a fee. The camping at The TWall is relatively central, but will be muggy.

As far as temps, The TWall will be miserable if the sun is out. Leda is a bit more shady and will be a little more breezy but may also be uncomfortable. Fosters is shady and has a swimmming hole.

Don't disregard Sunset. You can chase the shade and it is surely the coolest Summer climbing to be had in Chatty temperature wise with arguably equal to or better climbing than The TWall.

Diddo to Ben's praise of Raccoon Mtn. Campground. We stayed there a week in April this year and found it easy to get in and out of (ie. Highway access) and central to a good bit of climbing. They have a pool and all the amenities as well.

Raccoon Mtn. campground is a great place to camp. I am going to camp on the point, "Buzzard Point" that is next week, even with summer heat, the wind blows nice there almost any time.

Hey Adam,
Your best option is Father Adams place at Foster Falls. Its about 10 minutes down the top trail. The sites are primitive but you can hike back to the park for bathroom or water. The weather should be great. It has been between 85 and 90 lately. And if it is hot you can find shade. I wouldn't recommend T-Wall because you would most likely be the only vehicle in parking lot. The rednecks love to break in to cars this time of year and there was one a few weeks ago. Check out Sunset! Its just as great as T-Wall! If you need a local to tag along let me know.

Yeah, it's too hot to climb in TN in the summer, too cold in the winter, too wet in the spring, and the chiggers and ticks must kill hundreds of people every year.

There, that should make it easier to find a parking place at Sunset. (except for the fall, somebody help me out here).

:)

Brad Killough IV wrote:Raccoon Mtn. campground is a great place to camp. I am going to camp on the point, "Buzzard Point" that is next week, even with summer heat, the wind blows nice there almost any time.

While you're talking about Buzzard Point, what's the beta for getting there these days? Is it best to hike in from the Laurel/Snow parking or can you park above near the power lines? I've only hiked up there before and never really had reliable info on how to get to the routes. (I didn't find the DCA description very helpful)

Lookout Mountain Flight Park hanglide.com is acool place. I pretty sure it's got a pool, and camping. they've got cabins and chalets as well.
15-20 minutes to Sunset, 25-30 from Leda. 45 min. to Lost Wall (another decent shady place to climb in the summer.)45 min. to Foster Falls.

Sam Adams wrote: While you're talking about Buzzard Point, what's the beta for getting there these days? Is it best to hike in from the Laurel/Snow parking or can you park above near the power lines? I've only hiked up there before and never really had reliable info on how to get to the routes. (I didn't find the DCA description very helpful)

I have been there since the dca was made. Take hwy 30 up Dayton Mtn. and take the first right at the top, (Rogers Road). ( like the old way to the top of B.P.). Go past the old road to the old camp ground at Snow falls, keep going and you will see the drive in intrance on the right. You can drive in if you dare.Hope this helps, let me know if you have any trouble.