Local Legends: Clay Caragianes
Every Climber has a story about how they found the sport. For some, it starts with a friend, a family member, or an adventure. For Clay Caragianes, it all started with a first date.
What began as an introduction to climbing quickly became a lifelong passion—one that inspired a move to the mountains, a healthier lifestyle, and a deeper appreciation for the people working to protect the places we love to climb.
As an SCC member and volunteer, Clay understands that climbing acces s doesn’t happen by accident. From maintaining trails to protecting access, he knows that every membership helps ensure these climbing areas remain open and cared for for years to come.
Read on to learn more about Clay’s climbing journey and why supporting the SCC has become an important part of it.
What’s your favorite southeastern climbing area?
Clay: “Sunset Rock if I had to pick, but I haven’t found a climbing area I didn’t like yet.”
Choosing just one favorite isn’t easy when the Southeast is home to so many incredible climbing destinations. Sunset Rock may top Clay’s list, but every crag has something unique to offer—and protecting all of these places is part of what makes the climbing community so special.
How did you get started climbing?
Clay: “I went on a date to a climbing gym when I lived in Florida. I fell in love with it, not the girl.”
Sometimes the best adventures begin in unexpected ways.
What started as a first date at a climbing gym turned into a passion that completely changed Clay’s life. While the relationship didn’t last, his love for climbing certainly did.
That passion eventually led him to the mountains, where climbing became much more than a weekend hobby—it became a lifestyle.
How has climbing impacted your life?
Clay: “It made me want to move to the mountains and get outside and enjoy life more. As a software engineer, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer and climbing gave me a reason to go do something fun. Climbing, while amazingly fun, is also a great workout. It has made me a much healthier person both physically and emotionally.”
For Clay, climbing became the perfect balance to life behind a computer screen.
It offers an opportunity to unplug, challenge himself, spend time outdoors, and build meaningful connections with the climbing community. Along the way, it has improved both his physical and emotional well-being and inspired a move closer to the mountains he now calls home.
How has the Southeastern Climbers Coalition impacted your relationship with climbing?
Clay: “It has grown my understanding of how important groups like the SCC are for climbing. My wife and I do trail days with the SCC to help out and can now appreciate how nice the trails are to get to the crags.”
Before getting involved with the SCC, Clay appreciated the trails that led to his favorite climbs. After volunteering, he gained a whole new perspective on what it takes to keep those trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable.
Through Trail Days, he and his wife have spent time giving back to the places they love, helping maintain the very trails that thousands of climbers use each year.
It’s an experience that has deepened his appreciation for the work happening behind the scenes—and for the community that makes it possible.
Every SCC membership helps make this work happen. Memberships directly support trail stewardship, conservation projects, climbing access, and the dedicated staff and volunteers working to protect more than 40 climbing areas across the Southeast. When you become a member, you’re investing in the future of climbing.
What’s your favorite climb you’ve done?
Clay: “The Mummy, The Daddy, and The Prow in one day. From start (car) to get back to the car it was a 12-hour day. Super fun and worthwhile. I’ll go back and do it again in the future.”
Some climbing days are unforgettable.
For Clay, linking together The Mummy, The Daddy, and The Prow in a single day remains one of his favorite adventures. Twelve hours on the trail made for a long day, but it was filled with challenge, incredible climbing, and memories worth repeating.
Become Part of the Story
Local Legends is about more than celebrating great climbers—it’s about celebrating the people who make our climbing community stronger.
Whether you’re volunteering at a Trail Day, introducing a friend to climbing, advocating for access, or becoming an SCC member, every action helps protect the places we all love.
Clay’s story is a reminder that climbing has the power to change lives. By supporting the SCC, you can help ensure future climbers have the same opportunities to discover their own favorite crag, tackle their dream routes, and build lasting connections with the climbing community.
Become an SCC member today and help protect climbing access across the Southeast. Together, we’re keeping our crags open, our trails maintained, and our community thriving.
Become an SCC Member!