Rock Climbing at the
Walnut Wall
The City of Chattanooga’s Walnut Wall overlooks the Tennessee River from a 50′ high limestone pillar of the historic Walnut Street Bridge in Coolidge Park. Located on the north shore of the river, the wall hosts special climbing programs and activities through Outdoor Chattanooga. Throughout the year our experienced rock climbing staff opens the Walnut Wall to give the public and/or private groups the opportunity to try vertical rock climbing. This is top-roped climbing (which requires a harness, rope, and a belayer) with route difficulty varying from beginner to intermediate. We provide all the equipment and instruction for free or a nominal fee so you don’t need prior experience or any gear to participate. These climbing events are geared for the whole family, ages 5+.
Registration is not required to participate. These sessions are designed to be drop-in anytime during the scheduled program. You’ll check-in, complete a waiver, get geared up, and be given the opportunity to climb the wall with some instruction provided. Closed-toe gym shoes and longer shorts or athletic pants are most appropriate for a comfortable harness fit. Lightning or heavy rain will cancel.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand the risks and benefits involved in the sport of rock climbing.
- Identify and properly use basic climbing equipment including a harness, a locking carabiner, a belay device, a ground anchor, etc.
- Climbing safety procedures including “buddy checks” and belay commands.
- How climbing routes are graded (to determine the difficulty of a climb)
FAQs
Is there an age or weight limit?
Yes. These climbing events are geared for the whole family, ages 5 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent who can sign the assumption of risk and liability release form. Climbers should not exceed the harness weight limit of 275lbs.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe gym shoes and longer shorts or athletic pants are most appropriate for a comfortable harness fit.
What if I'm afraid of heights?
A fear of heights is common and trying rock climbing in a controlled setting such as this can be a good step towards conquering that fear. This activity is “challenge by choice” which means you get to choose how much you challenge yourself and decide how high you climb. You can get 2ft off the ground or 50ft, our experienced staff will be there to encourage you and keep you safe.
When are these offered?
These open climbs are offered sporadically throughout the year based on staff availability and other conditions. To request a private climbing program for your group or organization, please call 423-643-6888 or email info@outdoorchattanooga.com.
How do I sign up?
Registration is not required to attend. These sessions are designed to be walk-up, firts-come-first-climb, drop-in anytime during the scheduled program. You can call 423-643-6888 or email info@outdoorchattanooga.com to request this climbing experience for your group or organization.
Events
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
4 events,
Volunteer Training
Volunteer Training
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Outdoor Chattanooga. Volunteers are a critical piece of providing additional support for programs and events which help to advance the department missions […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Fly Casting Clinic for Women
Fly Casting Clinic for Women
Come out and join Trout Unlimited for an awesome day out on the water celebrating International Women's Day (which is technically on May 8th). We're going to take a woman's […]
Learn to: Mountain Biking for Women with Velo Vixens
Learn to: Mountain Biking for Women with Velo Vixens
Join Velo Vixens and Outdoor Chattanooga to celebrate International Women's Mountain Bike Day on May 4th. Register for Introduction to Mountain Biking taught in partnership with Velo Vixens, a womens adventure group. This class provides the equipment […]
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Learn to: Ride a Bike (Adults Only)
Learn to: Ride a Bike (Adults Only)
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike (Mobile at Washington Hills)
Learn to: Ride a Bike (Mobile at Washington Hills)
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
2 events,
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
SMART Urban Cycling with White Oak Bicycle Co-op
Urban Cycling will cover the important things you need to be a successful urban cyclist or commuter. This class, led by a Lead Cycling Instructor from the League of American […]
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Learn to whitewater kayak and practice your roll with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, […]
1 event,
Learn to: Disc Golf
Learn to: Disc Golf
Disc golf is one of the easiest activities to get you into the outdoors! Its a walk in the woods while playing a very fun and social game. Start with […]
1 event,
Explore: Mountain to Town Bicycle Adventure
Explore: Mountain to Town Bicycle Adventure
Mountain to Town is a guided downhill mountain bike adventure that highlights the scenic trails atop Lookout Mountain and how they connect to the Tennessee Riverwalk all the way into […]
1 event,
Volunteer Training
Volunteer Training
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Outdoor Chattanooga. Volunteers are a critical piece of providing additional support for programs and events which help to advance the department missions […]
1 event,
Family Fun Day with Canoeing and Archery
Family Fun Day with Canoeing and Archery
Enjoy an afternoon of activity at Greenway Farm City Park with activities provided by Outdoor Chattanooga. Between the hours of 1pm and 4pm, you can choose to embark on a […]
0 events,
3 events,
Silver Adventures: Try Fly Fishing
Silver Adventures: Try Fly Fishing
Discover the wonders of the great outdoors with Outdoor Chattanooga, where we curate a diverse range of guided and fully-equipped outdoor adventures, designed to foster light exercise, social connections, and […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Learn to: Ride a Bike
Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Ride a Bike Classes are the best and fastest way to learn to ride a bike! Does teaching your child how to ride a bike […]
1 event,
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Learn to whitewater kayak and practice your roll with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, […]
0 events,
1 event,
National Bike to Work Day Celebration
National Bike to Work Day Celebration
National Bike to Work Day 2024 is Friday, May 17th! May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. […]
2 events,
Interpretative Bike Tour of Moccasin Bend with NPC
Interpretative Bike Tour of Moccasin Bend with NPC
Join Outdoor Chattanooga, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Service interpretive rangers for an interpretive tour by bicycle of Moccasin Bend National Archeological District. The bicycle tour begins at the […]
Learn to: Skateboard
Learn to: Skateboard
Ready to kick start your skateboarding adventures? Not sure how to get started or what gear to use? Outdoor Chattanooga's Learn to Skateboard class is for you! Join Outdoor Chattanooga […]
1 event,
Explore: Cuckoo Canoe
Explore: Cuckoo Canoe
Join Outdoor Chattanooga and field biologist Laura Marsh for a unique "Cuckoo Canoe Tour" on the calm waters of North (South?) Chickamauga Creek to learn about (and hopefully hear or see) the […]
1 event,
Monday Meet-up: All Things Paddling
Monday Meet-up: All Things Paddling
Monday, May 20th @ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Join us from 5:30 – 7:30 on Monday, May 20th for our next Monday Meetup! This event is focused on all […]
0 events,
1 event,
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Learn to whitewater kayak and practice your roll with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, […]
1 event,
Learn To: Flatwater Paddling and Safety
Learn To: Flatwater Paddling and Safety
Have you purchased your own kayak/canoe/SUP, but lack the confidence to explore Chattanooga's scenic waterways safely? BYO-Boat (Bring Your Own kayak, SUP, or canoe) or "rent" one of our recreational […]
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to: Whitewater Kayak
Learn to Whitewater Kayak with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Learn to whitewater kayak and practice your roll with Outdoor Chattanooga’s Rapid Learning Whitewater Program. Rapid Learning provides formal kayak instruction, […]
1 event,
Explore: Kayaking through the Chickamauga Locks
Explore: Kayaking through the Chickamauga Locks
Join us for a guided kayak tour on the Tennessee River and the unforgettable experience of locking down through the TVA Chickamauga Dam. Experience this marvel of engineering of the […]
0 events,
Did You Know?
Chattanooga is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country. Sandstone boulders and cliffs surround the city and provide climbers with a lifetime of challenging lines. For those who would like to try climbing for the first time, Chattanooga has three climbing gyms as well as local guiding services that can get you started in the sport.