ATTENTION CLIMBERS: Pond Creek is OPEN to the public. This crag is actively undergoing development. Please respect route closures and red tags.

Land Manager: Matt McBride, matt@thecanyonatpondcreek.com

Native Lands: Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) and other ancestral indigenous peoples of this region.

Beta

The SCC collaborated with The Canyon at Pond Creek in 2025 to conserve this gorgeous climbing area and open it to the public for climbing access and passive recreation for generations to come. Pond Creek climbing is located at The Canyon on Pond Creek property, in the Sequatchie Valley, about 50 minutes from Chattanooga and roughly 2 hours from Knoxville and Nashville. 

Access to The Canyon at Pond Creek was secured through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, the SCC, the Access Fund, and landowner Matt McBride. Through his climbing background, Matt McBride recognized the potential of this quiet cove and worked with a team of developers to establish new routes on the bullet-hard sandstone. Today, The Canyon at Pond Creek features roughly 100 routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13 sport, as well as trad climbs. Highlights include steep roofs, a challenging off-width chimney, and striking aretes. Some routes may be sandbagged!

Matt developed his business, The Canyon at Pond Creek, to support access to the climbing area. He offers geodesic glamping domes for visitors, providing a unique way to experience the cliffs and surrounding natural beauty. Book a stay at thecanyonatpondcreek.com 

Please watch for future trail days. These volunteer events help maintain trails, prepare climbing areas for visitors, and protect the natural environment. Participation is a great way to give back to the climbing community. Being a good climber means being a good steward. 

Access is offered in accordance with the Tennessee Recreational Use Statute (Tenn. Code Ann. 70-7-101 et seq.). Visitors enter at their own risk and are encouraged to respect the land, the routes, and the work of those who made access possible.

Gate Code Request Form/ Waiver

Directions

It is best to be prepared with a higher clearance vehicle since the drive includes almost 2 miles of gravel road. The road is maintained, but expect some bumps.

Google Maps

From Chattanooga:

Take US-27 N and TN-111 N to the US-127N exit, follow US-127N for 9 miles to a Dollar General on your left at Brockdell Rd. Follow Brockdell Rd up the mountain for about 6 miles. You will take a LEFT on a gravel road (State Hwy 109/Bowater Rd.) Follow this gravel road for about a mile. You will see signs for The Canyon at Pond Creek on your RIGHT. Take a right down a gravel road. This will be the gate for The Canyon at Pond Creek. The parking lot is about a mile down this road. Follow the posted signs to the parking lot.

Access Notes

  • All visitors should complete the free waiver available on the SCC website.
  • No camping or fires. Glamping is available through The Canyon at Pond Creek.  
  • Park in designated spots only.
  • Brush all tick marks.
  • Climbers: please no topping out passed the anchors, respect paying guests in the Domes.
  • Please stay on marked trails.
  • Leave no trace: Please pack out all trash and gear.
  • Please keep all pets on a leash at all times and ensure no pets in the guest area.
  • Please dispose of human and pet waste properly.
  • Lock the gate behind you.
  • Property closes at sundown.
  • Route development needs to be approved by landowner, Matt McBride: matt@thecanyonatpondcreek.com and by permit only.

Camping

The Canyon at Pond Creek has 6 Glamping Domes available to rent here

Gate Code Request Form/ Waiver

Guidebook

A route list PDF is available as a donation gift! *Please attend to route closures and respect red tagged climbs*