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