Park Happenings

Event Details

Tennessee State Parks has two climbing workshops a year at Fall Creek Falls State Park: one in the spring and the other in the fall. Cummins Falls Manager Ray Cutcher will offer instruction in safety, the use of gear, and climbing techniques at this weekend's clinic. 

This workshop is great for beginners. It is also great for those that have climbing experience and want to learn more about a particular aspect of climbing, anchoring or transitioning from the gym to outdoors, or those who want to join in with a group to have an enjoyable weekend climbing with a group of other enthusiasts.

Equipment will be provided; if you have your own and want to use it, that is fine. We will want to take a look at it, so we are comfortable with its use. (There may be limited sizes of climbing shoes if there are a number of folks who wear the same size. We have usually been able to find a pair for each person that will work.)

We will start on Friday evening (indoors) at 7 pm at Fall Creek Falls State Park. Participants will get an overview of the sport and its different disciplines, learn about the equipment used to protect us during falls, learn belaying technique and a few knots, be introduced to anchors, and movement on rock (climbing technique). Saturday and Sunday will be spent mostly outside on the rock faces of Fall Creek Falls, where we will climb and belay each other, and learn to rappel.

What to plan for: Dress appropriately for the weather. You'll want to wear clothes that you can move well in and make high steps, something stretchy or loose. A daypack will come in handy to haul your things to the climbing site - such as water, sports drink, snacks, lunch, gear, jacket, and maybe a rain jacket if the weather looks iffy. Also, we will be close enough to the parking lot if you wish to walk back to your vehicle for lunch.

Children: We don't set an age limit; so, if you have a child under 15 that you think would like to participate, please contact Ray Cutcher at Ray.Cutcher@tn.gov so you can make an informed decision about your child's participation.

Overnight accommodations: There are more than a few options. We have the group facility, The Newton Ford Bunk, which is a group lodge or bunk house with large rooms with bunk beds and a common shower and restroom facilities. A separate floor for male and female participants. For those who wish to stay there. We will need to clean the area before leaving on Sunday.

For those who wish to camp, we have a group campsite at Ely Field.

If you would like other options to explore on your own, Fall Creek Falls State Park has camping in the regular campground, cabins, and rooms available in the new hotel. If you choose to stay at one of these facilities during the Climbing Workshop, you will need to make a reservation. You can find more information here: https://tnstateparks.com/parks/cabins/fall-creek-falls. 

For more information about the workshop and what to expect, visit tnstateparks.com