Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Southeastern Bouldering: Great day trips from Nashville
16
items I've been climbing for about 5 years and wish someone would have curated a list for me and my partner on great places to go. After doing a ton of my own research and scouting (some of which didn't go to plan), I'm able to share for you! Most importantly, remember to Leave no Trace, respect the land you are on, and reach out/join the Southeastern Climbing Coalition to stay connected with the outdoor climbing community.
Map
A chill approach leads to a magical jumanji-esque bouldering wonderland. Highly recommend a guidebook. I know it's a preference but no cell service, a nice map of climbs and where they top out at is clutch. There are many problems that you don't actually top out. Ensure that it hasn't rained in at least a week to make sure conditions are supreme. Say hi to Scruggs (the best doggo who's NOT lost, he hangs)!
Lilly Boulders @ Obed
Hands down the best bouldering in Tennessee. Just a quick day trip away from Nashville, Stone Fort is a world class destination. You'll have to make a quick stop in the clubhouse to sign a waiver, pay a fee, and then you're off to the boulder field. They even have a warm up area inside, along with crash pad, guidebooks, and snacks. Situated in the shadows of a golf course, this dense cluster of boulder lends short approaches and problems in all grade ranges. I think you could spend your whole life going JUST to this one spot and be content.
Stone Fort/Little Rock City
Beautiful and picturesque. Enjoy the approach next to the river. It's easy to get lost and not having your bearings so I recommend a scouting/shopping trip to see what you'd like to tackle. There are great climbs right on the river and an amazing roo...
Laurel Snow/Dayton Pocket
A staple on the Triple Crown Bouldering series (check it out! A SE bouldering must do, no matter what grade you climb) that is sure to humble you! Sign your waiver, pay your fee, and get on what's considered some of the best slopers you can get your ...
Horse Pens 40
A smaller boulder field with fragile access. Research before you go. Mountain Project has a link to a pdf guidebook that is used for the Wauhatchie BoulderFest. Check it out and/or get invovled with the Lookout Mountain Conservatory.
St Elmo
A really fun area, a bit further than the rest but quite worth it. Easy approaches and a vast amount of interesting boulders in all grade ranges. Don't skip on Hero, which I consider one of the best V3s ever.
Hospital Boulders
You must buy a permit or fishing/hunting license to climb here. You REALLY don't want to get ticketed. They ARE waiting for you, trust me. The approach, in my opinion, is long and not that friendly but there are some really great boulders and histori...
Rocktown
If you love slab, this is YOUR spot. If you don't love slab, you can still find things that are fun. Either way, you'll be humbled. I had never been on granite prior to and OH WOW, is it humbling. There are some incredible/unusual rocks and problems. Bonus points because Stranger Things even filmed some of their last season here. Additionally, the SCC hosts one of two outdoor bou...
Boat Rock
A newer established/purchased field. I have not checked this out myself just yet but it seems like a lot of fun and is on my list for this upcoming season!
Citadel
I LOVE Pep Boys!! There are many problems that felt like indoor boulder problems, to my surprise. You can't miss the 7/11 roof and the coolest V5 Riverfront, which I've yet to send because i'm a little baby.
Pep Boys
You will need a pass to boulder here. It's quite close to Laurel Snow if you're already in the area or want to make a weekend out of it. Out of the two, I'd personally spend more of my time at Laurel Snow aka Dayton Pocket if I had to make Sophie's c... Something about being next to a babbling brook…
Dogwood
Sandstone climbing and great views. I recommend going with someone who has been OR doing a bunch of research beforehand/purchasing a guidebook. It is SUPER easy to get lost at this one and it's never fun to burn daylight getting oriented (unless you'...
Pot Point
Freshly minted/secured field from the SCC (dang they do great things, make sure to give them a thank you). From my understanding there is still a lot to be developed if you're feeling froggy! Check the SCC website for the run down.
Walden's Ridge
I'm not 100% on this one, folks. The last I heard, access is severely fragile/not recommended but I am hoping there are some talks to revitalize the ability to recreate on this land. Go at your own risk/check or reach out to the SCC for current updat...
Apartment Boulders
On the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain. Feels like a lesser traveled area but there is A LOT to potentially do out here. Make sure you are prepped as it is a very isolated area.
Zahnd
This spot has some VERY cool boulder problems. Located right on signal mountain, you'll be psyched you checked it out!
Upper Middle Creek