Rock Climbing at the
Walnut Wall
The City of Chattanooga’s Walnut Wall overlooks the Tennessee River from a 50′ high limestone pillar of the historic Walnut Street Bridge in Coolidge Park. Located on the north shore of the river, the wall hosts special climbing programs and activities through Outdoor Chattanooga. Throughout the year our experienced rock climbing staff opens the Walnut Wall to give the public and/or private groups the opportunity to try vertical rock climbing. This is top-roped climbing (which requires a harness, rope, and a belayer) with route difficulty varying from beginner to intermediate. We provide all the equipment and instruction for free or a nominal fee so you don’t need prior experience or any gear to participate. These climbing events are geared for the whole family, ages 5+.
Registration is not required to participate. These sessions are designed to be drop-in anytime during the scheduled program. You’ll check-in, complete a waiver, get geared up, and be given the opportunity to climb the wall with some instruction provided. Closed-toe gym shoes and longer shorts or athletic pants are most appropriate for a comfortable harness fit. Lightning or heavy rain will cancel.
Please note, the Walnut Wall Climbing Wall is temporarily closed due to maintenance needs.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the risks and benefits involved in the sport of rock climbing.
- Identify and properly use basic climbing equipment including a harness, a locking carabiner, a belay device, a ground anchor, etc.
- Climbing safety procedures including “buddy checks” and belay commands.
- How climbing routes are graded (to determine the difficulty of a climb)
FAQs
Is there an age or weight limit?
Yes. These climbing events are geared for the whole family, ages 5 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent who can sign the assumption of risk and liability release form. Climbers should not exceed the harness weight limit of 275lbs.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe gym shoes and longer shorts or athletic pants are most appropriate for a comfortable harness fit.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
A fear of heights is common and trying rock climbing in a controlled setting such as this can be a good step towards conquering that fear. This activity is “challenge by choice” which means you get to choose how much you challenge yourself and decide how high you climb. You can get 2ft off the ground or 50ft, our experienced staff will be there to encourage you and keep you safe.
When are these offered?
These open climbs are offered sporadically throughout the year based on staff availability and other conditions. To request a private climbing program for your group or organization, please call 423-643-6888 or email info@outdoorchattanooga.com.
How do I sign up?
Registration is not required to attend. These sessions are designed to be walk-up, firts-come-first-climb, drop-in anytime during the scheduled program. You can call 423-643-6888 or email info@outdoorchattanooga.com to request this climbing experience for your group or organization.
Events
Events
Calendar of Events
|
Sunday
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 event,
-
Join us for a serene and immersive afternoon in nature under the enchanting Snow Moon! As part of our Full Moon Adventure Series, this guided forest bathing experience invites you to slow down, awaken […] |
1 event,
-
Chattanooga Grotto is the caving club of Chattanooga, TN. Meetings are held every first Monday of the month at Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park at 7PM EST. Anyone is welcome […] |
2 events,
-
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […] Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "ADULT only ARCHERY- Aim your Game" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on […] |
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
2 events,
-
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a parent/child focused program highlighting "winter adaptations". Designed especially for toddlers, this class aims to spark a lifelong passion for the natural world and nurture curiosity, […]
-
Embark on a remarkable journey with "Hike Through History," a collaborative effort by the City of Chattanooga and the African American Cemetery Preservation Fund. Join us on a low-impact hike […] |
|
0 events,
|
0 events,
|
3 events,
-
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […]
-
Learn to Ride a Bike Learn how to ride a bicycle in as little as one class, or come see us to refresh your rusty skills. The class consists of […] Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "ADULT only ARCHERY- Aim your Game" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on […] |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Ready to take your adventures farther off the beaten path, but skeptical of the backpacking advice you read online? Have some questions you want answered but don't know who to […] |
1 event,
-
Pin the Arrow on Cupid Join the City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors Department for a playful Valentine’s-themed evening at the Outdoor Chattanooga Building on Friday, February 13! Whether you’re looking to try […] |
1 event,
-
Ditch the crowded restaurants and celebrate your love for nature (and maybe each other!) on a peaceful, guided birding hike with Outdoor Chattanooga! Join us at Harrison Bay State Park […] |
|
1 event,
-
Bushcraft: Fire Building and Camp Cooking Experience the satisfaction of building a fire with your own hands and cooking a meal in the open air! In this half-day, hands-on class, you’ll […] |
1 event,
-
Chattanooga Bicycle Club meets at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center the 3rd MONDAY monthly from 6pm- 7:30 pm.The CBC is a recreational cycling club whose members share the good fortune of […] |
2 events,
-
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […] Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "ADULT only ARCHERY- Aim your Game" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on […] |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
WINTER WORKSHOP SERIES Curious about the animals you might encounter in your own backyard or on the trail? Join us for a classroom-based winter workshop offered in partnership with the […] |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a beautiful and invigorating winter adventure! This Winter Waterfall Hike takes you on a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike to stunning Hemlock Falls in Georgia’s Sitton’s Gulch […] |
|
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Learn more about how to get involved with the club and even more opportunities to get outdoors!https://www.sierraclub.org/tennessee/cherokeeThe Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the […] |
2 events,
-
Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "Try Archery" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on opportunity to learn more […] Take aim at Outdoor Chattanooga's "ADULT only ARCHERY- Aim your Game" class. This free indoor class located at the Philip Grymes Outdoor Chattanooga Center in Coolidge Park offers a hands-on […] |
0 events,
|
1 event,
-
Curious about hunting but not sure where to start? Join Outdoor Chattanooga and experts from the Tennessee Wildlife Federation for Hunting 101, an introductory workshop designed to help new and […] |
1 event,
MEDIC SOLO: Wilderness First Aid is an in-person certification class and an industry standard in the outdoor recreation industry as well as recommended for any outdoor enthusiast. WFA/ SOLO MEDIC […] |
1 event,
|
Did You Know?
Chattanooga is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country. Sandstone boulders and cliffs surround the city and provide climbers with a lifetime of challenging lines. For those who would like to try climbing for the first time, Chattanooga has three climbing gyms as well as local guiding services that can get you started in the sport.