Cumberland Trail Rock Climbing
Notification Alert

Cumberland Trail Need to Know

Cumberland Trail State Park

Please exercise extreme caution while enjoying creek areas, including waterfalls. Water levels may change suddenly, running high and moving fast in many areas and posing increased safety risk. Check out our interactive map to plan your trip.

All Counties: All caves on lands managed by the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail are closed to the public at this time due to White Nose Syndrome.

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    Silhouette of a rock climber scaling a cliff with a bright sun and tree in the background, conveying determination and adventure.

    Rock Climbing at Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail

    Cumberland Trail State Park offers climbing at Black Mountain, Deep Creek and Laurel Snow.

    Please read all the information prior to your visit. 

    Cumberland Trail State Park works closely with the Southeast Climbers Coalition to provide stewardship and oversight of Black Mountain, Deep Creek, and Laurel Snow climbing areas and or parking areas. 

    Registration

    To help ensure that Tennessee State Parks continue to provide quality areas for recreational climbing, all climbers should register online or with park management prior to climbing in the park. 

    Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with your unique registration number, site rules, and other helpful info. 

    Please keep the registration number with you while climbing. At some locations, you may be asked to leave a piece of paper with your registration number on your car dashboard. 

    For Groups of 10 or more, please call the park before filling out a registration.  

    Register Online

    Download and review Tennessee State Parks Climbing Policy.

    • Rugged grey rock ledge overlooking a vast forested landscape under a clear blue sky; sparse trees cling to cliff edges, evoking a sense of tranquility.

    Black Mountain

    Location 

    Located just outside of Crossville, Black Mountain is one of Cumberland Trail State Park's premier climbing locations. At 2,900 feet, it's known for its spectacular views and offers top-rate top roping and bouldering. The boulder field is a great location for beginners to learn the basics and advanced climbers to hone their skills, especially in the maze area. 

    Directions 

    • From I-40, take the Crab Orchard exit (east of Crossville).
    • Go south approximately two miles to a 4-way intersection (no stop sign).
    • Turn left onto Owls Roost Road and follow it up to Black Mountain.  

    There are two areas to park. The first is at the base of the first radio tower on your right — walk back across the road to find the trail and rocks. The second parking area is at the top of Black Mountain where the road ends — walk around the fence to find the trail that leads to the rocks.

    Know Before You Go

    • Water

      There is no source of water here, so plan accordingly. 

    • Leave No Trace

      Practice Leave No Trace principles. Learn more about the details here.

    • Bolting and Safety

      Bolting of routes and installations of safety equipment is only allowed with permission from park staff. 

    Additional Climbing Locations

    Familiarize yourself with this important information about parking and gate access and detailed information about the range of climbing routes available. 

    • Deep Creek

      Located near Chattanooga, Deep Creek at Cumberland Trail State Park is known for its sport climbing. Routes range from moderate to challenging. 

      The area is unique in that the land, streams, and climbing routes are part of Cumberland Trail State Park. The Southeast Climbers Coalition owns and maintains the parking area and the first two minutes of the approach trail. 

      Respect all rules, other people, and the sensitive environment while visiting this special and unique area. 

    • Laurel Snow

      Buzzard Point, in the Laurel Snow State Natural Area, is managed by the Cumberland Trail. Buzzard Point is only open during daylight hours.  

      The parking area closes at sunset. Vehicles left in gated parking areas after sunset are subject to being towed or locked in.  

      Visitors must be prepared for a long hike in and out to reach the climbing site. Please check the Cumberland Trail website for any trail closures before heading out.  

    • Hell's Kitchen

      Located in Graysville, Hell's Kitchen is an impressive climbing area within Cumberland Trail State Park.

      Accessible since 2018, this remote boulder field features free-standing blocks and short, towering sections of cliff. Quality limestone and varied terrain make this area an excellent place for rock climbing.

      Visitors must hike two miles to approach Hell's Kitchen. Check for alerts of trail closures before heading out.  

    • Dogwood Boulders

      Once accessible only by a six-mile hike, Dogwood Boulders is located in Cumberland Trail State Park north of Graysville, Tennessee. Visitors can now access this climbing tract via an easy-to-moderate hike thanks to acquisitions in 2018 and 2021.

      Dogwood Boulders features large clusters of sandstone boulders along a 1-mile stretch. Dogs are welcome here, but must be kept on leash. Remember to check for alerts of trail closures before heading out.

      The trailhead and parking are located off Bluffview Road. Please practice Leave No Trace principles while climbing at our park.

    Learn More

    Discover More at Cumberland Trail

    Visit the Gift Shop

    Cumberland Trail State Park has several gift shops.

      • Gift shop with Cumberland Trail shirts, plush toys, and brochures.

      Cove Creek Visitor Center Gift Shop

      The Cove Creek Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      220 Park Road, Caryville TN, 37714
      1-423-562-1267

      Hours: 
      Weekdays
      8:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST

      • Old mill by a river with a gentle waterfall, surrounded by hills and grassy banks.

      Head of Sequatchie Visitor Center Gift Shop

      The Head of Sequatchie Visitor Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to pick up a map, learn about the park, or find a souvenir. You’ll find an assortment of apparel and keepsakes to remember your trip to the park.

      Address:
      270 Glyph Parkway, Pikeville TN, 37367
      1-423-533-2928

      Hours: 
      8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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