Foster Falls
General information
ATTENTION CLIMBERS: Be a voice for climbing in Tennessee, make sure you fill out this climbing pass so that the state of TN knows how many climbers utilize to their state parks. Why this is important: This helps us advocate for climbers with the state parks. Without this data, there isn’t a great way for us to show the state just how many climbers use the land.
Land Manager: South Cumberland State Parks
Native Lands: ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) (from Native-land.ca)
Area Rep: Allison Stowers, allisonstowers@gmail.com
Beta
Foster Falls has become a popular destination for sport climbing in the south. Near the town of Jasper (just west of Chattanooga), it features high-quality sandstone, a gorgeous waterfall and scenic hiking trails. Foster Falls is part of the South Cumberland State Park System and is monitored by SCSP rangers. Amenities include camping (fee-based), picnic facilities and bathrooms at the parking lot. There’s also hiking trails if you need a break from climbing, and in the summer you can cool off in the pool at the base of the falls.
SCSP requires that all climbers register for a free permit every time they enter the park. Please fill out the permit here.
Directions
What to Expect
Foster Falls is predominantly sport climbing, hosting a wide variety of difficulty and style.
New route development and re-bolting are managed through the SCSP Fixed Hardware committee. To learn more about how to submit a new route proposal or become a committee member, click here.
Individual volunteers across Alabama, Georgia & Tennessee do the tough work of developing new routes for everyone to enjoy. SCC does not actively manage or supervise route development. Rather, we provide standards and guidelines that we recommend route developers follow. We also help parks and land managers develop standards and guidelines for route development on their land and act as a liaison between route developers and land managers. Accordingly, SCC assumes no liability for route development; this information is for the convenience of the climbing community only. Climb at your own risk and use your own judgment to evaluate any route and the fixed hardware placed there.
Access notes
- Please stay on established trails.
- Absolutely no drugs or alcohol tolerated in TN State Parks.
- All climbers must be off the trail before dark.
- No rappelling allowed in climbing areas.
- Absolutely no top roping directly off fixed anchors.
- Please do not use chalk excessively.
- Be courteous to others. If other climbers are waiting, please limit your time on routes.
- Do not urinate near climbs or trails. Bury your waste and toilet paper or pack it out.
- Abandoned gear will be confiscated. Please do not “fix” routes or place permanent gear without approval.
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Leave No Trace: Keep this area beautiful and clean. Clean up after yourselves, your peers, and your pets. Lead by example and pick it up on the first pass.
Camping
The Foster Falls campground has 26 rustic campsites ideal for tents or small trailers and some back country sites. Reservations are required.
Guidebook
Dixie Cragger’s Atlas
Chatt Steel