Kings Bluff
General information
Land Manager: Southeastern Climbers Coalition
Native Lands: ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) (from Native-land.ca)
Area Rep: Friends of Kings Bluff, kingsbluff.scc@gmail.com
Beta
Kings Bluff is located in Clarksville, Tennessee and was donated to The Southeastern Climbers Coalition in 2002. The limestone crag is 9.78 acres and has over 160 routes traversing the Cumberland River on 1,673 linear feet of cliff. Primarily a sport climbing area, this area has routes ranging from 5.3 to 5.13 and will put your crimp strength to the test.
Climbing at King’s began in the early 1990s spearheaded mainly by Walt Wilkinson. The resurgence of development in recent years has resulted from the efforts of several individuals including Joey Redman, Doyle Parsons, and Mark Ilgner.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the gate code form.
Directions
What to Expect
King’s Bluff doesn’t have the hardest routes in the southeast but it does have a wide diversity of difficulty (5.3-5.13) to test your mettle. Limestone tends to be more crimpy and power climbing rather than pumpy and endurance climbing. The routes range in height from 30 to 80 feet and are almost exclusively sport. A few routes are mixed.
Public Access is offered in accordance with the Tennessee Recreational Use Statute (Tenn. Code Ann. 70-7-101 et seq.). If you choose to use this area you are voluntarily assuming all risk of injury or death from your use. Numerous hazards exist on the property, some of which may not be obvious or apparent. These hazards include, but not limited to: steep open cliffs; slippery surfaces; steep and natural walkways, trails, and roadways; loose unstable rocks; falling objects; the possible failure of fixed climbing anchors; and the conduct of other users.
Access Notes
- Parking: The entrance to the bluff is through several businesses. Do not park in their spaces. Drive through the gates and park in the cul-de-sac at the trail head.
- Close and lock the gate behind you when you enter and leave
- Dogs are welcome at Kings Bluff
- Do not top out
- Climb only on established routes
- Leave no trace- please clean up after yourself and pick up any trash you may find
- If you see illegal or questionable behavior please call the local police. SCC has a zero tolerance rule for graffiti, littering and other illegal activities. Please help us keep Kings Bluff beautiful by reporting any illegal behavior.
Camping
There is no camping at Kings Bluff
Guidebook
Dixie Cragger’s Atlas