Nothing screams "adventure" like pushing off a ledge with little more than a rope to slow your fall. But rappelling can be far more than just an adrenaline rush on your way down from a climb. While the rest of Chattanooga rushes to local overlooks and peers cautiously at what's below, climbers have the unique opportunity to dive into that scenery or hang midair to soak in a view others could only dream of.
Leap into tranquility by visiting one of these less-populated climbing spots ideal for rappelling.
Captain Adam Couch descends a sheer rock face while Lt. David Bishop watches from above as members of the Chattanooga Fire Department who are part of Tennessee Task Force 4 practice rappelling at the Eagle's Nest on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Eagles Nest 34.966376,-85.3777669
Though long outshone by more popular Lookout Mountain attractions, those looking for secluded rappelling destinations have always seen this abandoned quarry's value. The forgotten limestone cliff near Ruby Falls boasts a decent view of downtown Chattanooga, and the site's two crumbling, 5-foot eagle statues serve as unique artifacts for the park that could have been.
Drive from downtown: 20 minutes
Height: 50 feet
Climbs: 5-plus routes, up to 5.4
Buzzard PointBuzzard Point 35.538160, -85.031332
This ominously named overlook promises climbers a challenge, but it isn't the rock they need to worry about. The uphill hike to this Laurel-Snow State Natural Area paradise is riddled with switchbacks a bit tougher to maneuver while hauling gear. But the panoramic view of the Cumberland Plateau and opportunities for crack climbing are worth every drop of sweat.
Drive from downtown: 45 minutes
Height: 80 feet
Climbs: 20-plus routes, up to 5.12
Starr Mountain: The Sound of One Finger Bleeding (5.8+)
Starr Mountain 35.2269, -84.5255
Climbers who spend a day at this Cherokee National Forest hideout will find beauty and adventure in every direction, no matter which path they take. Tour the mountain's established series of trails to enjoy the colorful wildflowers that sprout alongside them, or venture off-path and follow the cliff line to find the area's river-carved sandstone, accessible from the bottom or the top. There, adventurers will catch glimpses of the Hiwassee River below and the lush mountains that surround it while they test all the sharp corners, arêtes and roofs this hidden playground has to offer.
Drive from downtown: 1 hour
Height: 80 feet
Climbs: 10-plus routes, up to 5.10
Standouts
While these two spots draw big crag-loving crowds, we’d be remiss not to mention them:Sunset Rock is considered one of the most — if not the most — popular locations for outdoor rappelling in Chattanooga because of its ease of accessibility. Not only is it close to downtown and easy to hike to, it’s also one of the only places nearby where you can rappel without climbing up a cliff first.34.9992, -85.3554Drive from downtown: 20 minutesHeight: 120 feetClimbs: 50-plus routes, up to 5.13Rappelling is allowed at the Great Stone Door at Savage Gulf State Natural Area — with permission. Permits to climb and rappel the sandstone that makes up the 10-by-100-foot crack can be obtained at the nearby ranger station.35.4328, -85.6627Drive from downtown: 1.5 hoursHeight: 150 feetClimbs: 10-plus routes, up to 5.11.