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.
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
Calendar of Events
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Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
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 […]
Full Moon Night Walk – Beaver Moon
Full Moon Night Walk – Beaver Moon
Take a walk under the light of the full moon to observe and listen to the sounds of nature in the change of seasons. This full moon is known as […]
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Toddler Treks
Toddler Treks
Are you ready to embark on a nature-filled adventure with your little explorer? Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a one-of-a-kind parent/child program designed especially for toddlers. This class is designed to ignite […]
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Prodigy~DISC GOLF putting and distance clinic- Free+Beg.Friendly!
Prodigy~DISC GOLF putting and distance clinic- Free+Beg.Friendly!
Join Outdoor Chattanooga in partnership with Prodigy Discs for a free disc golf clinic for players who want to improve their game. Professional disc golfer, Will Schusterick, will lead this […]
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Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
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Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayak/Roll Practice
Rapid Learning Intro to Whitewater Kayak/Roll Practice
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Learn: annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Learn: annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Join us for a free presentation to learn about the tradition and importance of the annual Christmas bird count and how you may get involved in birding in Chattanooga! Dr. […]
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Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour around Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Sandhill Crane Kayak Tour around Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and guest Kevin Calhoon, “Curator of Forests” (and bird expert) for Tennessee Aquarium for a guided and equipped kayak tour at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to view the […]
Learn to Skateboard
Learn to Skateboard
Ready to kick start your skateboarding adventures?Not sure how to get started or what gear to use?Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Skateboard class is for you!Join Outdoor Chattanooga and local skateboard […]
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Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
Learn to Ride a Bicycle Class
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike!Does teaching your child how to ride a bike without training […]
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Beginners Birdwatcher Field Trip with TN Aqua’s Kevin Calhoun
Beginners Birdwatcher Field Trip with TN Aqua’s Kevin Calhoun
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Kevin Calhoon, the Forest Curator for Tennessee Aquarium, for a beginners birdwatching field trip to the Brainerd Levee. It is free to participate and open to […]
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2 events,
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
Chattanooga Bike Club Monthly Meeting
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 […]
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1 event,
2 events,
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
Sierra Club Meeting- Cherokee Chapter of TN
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 […]
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1 event,
1 event,
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2 events,
Chattanooga New Years Eve Celebration Dec 21st
Celebrate December 31st with music, food and fun on Broad Street! More info can be found online closer to the event! https://secure.rec1.com/catalog
2 events,
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
Chattanooga Grotto Meeting
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 […]
1 event,
1 event,
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0 events,
1 event,
New Year Hike~ Waldens Ridge
New Year Hike~ Waldens Ridge
Join Outdoor Chattanooga for a NEW YEARS hike day to walk the hiking trails of the newly opened Waldens Ridge Park. This park encompasses 200-acres of outdoor fun including mountain […]
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.