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Sunset Park contains a long band of cliff that runs almost the entire back ridge of Lookout Mountain in downtown Chattanooga. The views from these cliffs are great, and the area is rich, not only in climbing history, but also in Civil War history. This area draws not only climbers, but also Civil War buffs and tourists and hikers, so don't be surprised to have a small group of spectators if you climb near the overlook.
This area has become more popular lately as the sport of traditional climbing has as well. Just be careful not to park in "one-hour" spots if the lot is full, and don't stay past closing time, as the rangers WILL ticket you for either offense.
The climbing at Sunset Park is extremely varied, as there are less straight cracks, and a bigger variety of other features than at Tennessee Wall or other crags. Here you will find yourself protecting many horizontal cracks, flares, slinging knobs, navigating through disjointed crack systems, and pulling on slopers. The roof cracks here are hard and impressive. The easier lines are great for inexperienced leaders. But the climbing is always fun and never the same from route to route.
This place holds special importance to me because it is here that I first learned to climb. If you road-trip here, you will not be dissapointed. Come during the spring or fall, as winters are brutally cold, and summers are very humid. If you must visit in the winter, go to T-Wall. |
