Zahnd
Tucked away in the quiet hills of Menlo, Georgia, the Zahnd Wildlife Management Area is a hidden gem that spans more than 1,600 acres of forest, sandstone, and winding trails. It’s hard to believe such a wild and rugged playground sits just a 45-minute drive south of Chattanooga—close enough for a quick escape, yet remote enough to feel worlds away.
Zahnd has earned a following among climbers for its beautiful sandstone boulders scattered through the woods. The boulder field has twists and turns, so it’s worth downloading Mountain Project or the PDF guidebook before you go—although getting “pleasantly lost” here is part of the fun.
The climbing spans a wide range, from friendly V0 slabs to powerful V10 test pieces, making it the perfect spot for beginner to intermediate climbers easing into the Southeast’s sandstone scene. The rock feels gritty and alive under your fingertips, and on crisp fall mornings, the texture is pure perfection.
From the small gravel parking lot, follow the main trail straight ahead to find local classics like Razorback and Harvest Moon—two must-try problems that perfectly capture Zahnd’s mix of movement, balance, and beauty. Between burns, take a moment to soak in the peaceful hum of the forest or chat with a fellow climber.
Fun fact: Zahnd sits on the edge of Georgia’s Pigeon Mountain region, an area rich in sandstone cliffs and caves, making it a favorite for not just climbers, but hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a little wild Georgia adventure.
PHOTO: @_get.psyched_
Citadel
Just 45 minutes south of Chattanooga, tucked into the rolling hills of Fort Payne, Alabama, lies one of the Southeast’s newest climbing treasures — The Citadel. This area was recently developed by the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) and The Access Fund, transforming it into a top-notch bouldering destination with a bright future.
If you’re heading down from Chattanooga, don’t forget to watch the clock — you’ll cross a time zone on the drive! The Citadel greets visitors with a spacious gravel parking lot, making it a great weekend playground.
The area has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality rock, scenic forest setting, and community-driven spirit — every trail and landing zone reflects the hard work of local volunteers. Whether you’re chasing projects or just exploring something new, The Citadel feels like a fresh chapter in southern sandstone climbing, balancing that perfect mix of adventure, access, and care for the land.
PHOTO: KAYA - The Climber's App
Upper Middle Creek
Perched high atop the iconic Signal Mountain, this bouldering area packs a lot of adventure into a small space. Parking can be a bit tight, being just a few roadside spots, so make sure to come early, especially on nice weather weekends.
A well-worn trail winds gently downhill alongside Middle Creek, guiding you through a lush forest that hums with the sound of running water. Just five minutes into the hike, you’ll stumble upon the first cluster of classic problems, including Bread and Butter (v7), and Rustoleum (v6). From there the boulders seem to stretch endlessly in both directions, flanking the creek as it carves its way down the mountain, eventually ending at Lower Middle Creek, another fantastic roadside climbing spot.
It’s the kind of place that feels both intimate and wild — where sunlight filters through the canopy, crash pads dot the forest floor, and every turn in the trail hints at another line worth trying. Signal Mountain’s mix of history, beauty, and perfectly sculpted sandstone makes it a must-visit for any Southeast boulderer.
PHOTO: @crimp_scampi
South Soddy Creek
Tucked away in Soddy-Daisy, just 30 minutes north of Chattanooga, South Soddy Creek is both a piece of local climbing history and a beloved stop along the Cumberland Trail. Hikers know it for its scenic creeks and lush forest paths, but climbers might recognize it by its more familiar nickname — “Pep Boys.”
To reach the boulders, park at the Mowbray Pike Trailhead, recently paved and ready for visitors, follow the trail as it winds gently downhill for about 15 minutes. The sound of rushing water grows louder as you descend, and soon the forest opens up to reveal a sprawling boulder field that seems to go on forever.
The climbing here has something for everyone — from approachable V0 warm-ups to proud V10 test pieces, all tucked among mossy stones and shaded by tall hardwoods. It’s easy to lose track of time hopping from one problem to the next, with the creek bubbling beside you and the echoes of Chattanooga’s climbing legacy all around.
PHOTO: @_get.psyched_
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is located about 30 minutes from downtown Chattanooga in Jasper, Tenn., on the rim of the Cumberland Plateau. It also features a cliff line facing south, allowing for full sun exposure in the winter. Climbers will enjoy views of the beautiful Sequatchie Valley and the Tennessee River. The sandstone cliff stretches nearly a half mile with most of the bluff lines as tall as 80 to 120 feet offering about 100 sport and trad routes ranging from grades 5.7-5.14, with most of the routes between 5.11-5.12.
Castle Rock was once one of those cliff lines that climbers could only admire from afar since it is located on private property, but through the diligent efforts of the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, this is no longer the case. Castle Rock is home to some of the South’s hardest and most classic sport climbs, and since the Southeastern Climbers Coalition involvement it has added a large number of high-quality, moderate sport climbs that have made Castle Rock a more diverse crag for climbers of all levels.
Climbers will find everything from face climbs, slopers, side pulls, slabs, and overhanging rock. Climbers are asked to pay close attention to signage and specific guidelines when visiting as climbers are guests. The approach takes about 10 minutes.
PHOTO: Mountain Project
Dogwood
The hidden gem of of the southeast, Dogwood, Tennessee is calling your name. Nestled just outside of Chattanooga, in Dayton, TN, Dogwood delivers — for both sport climbing and boulderers alike!
Sport Climbers: Head West
This side of the area is home to most of the sport climbing, with pocketed faces, slopers, and crimps that’ll keep you humble. The best part? Parking here is free. The approach is short, the routes are stellar, and the vibe is chill. Expect friendly faces, plenty of beta sharing, and maybe even a crag dog or two.
Boulderers: Roll East
Now, if your idea of a good time involves a crash pad, chalky fingers, and short-but-savage problems, Dogwood East is your zone. The east side has a larger parking lot—plenty of space for the crowd that inevitably gathers on prime climbing weekends. There’s a small catch: parking here runs $5, but honestly, it’s worth every penny. Not only do you get easy access to some of the best boulders in the area, but you also score front-row seats to what might be the best sunset in Tennessee?
Seriously—just climb up the boulder in the parking lot and watch the sun sink over the hills. Climbers, hikers, and sunset-chasers all gather here, for that perfect mix of accessibility and adventure.
So whether you’re clipping bolts on Dogwood West or topping out classics on Dogwood East, this crag offers the full Tennessee climbing experience: solid rock, a welcoming community, and a view you’ll be dreaming about long after the sun goes down.
Camping:
One final catch! You can camp here for $30 per night to wake up to these fantastic views. The area is well-maintained by Christian LeBlanc and the South-Eastern Climbers Coalition, who acquired it in 2018.
PHOTO: @hoaglandp
