Palisades/Falls Creek Falls
	April 5, 2003
	Report by: Denmark Blount

The adventurous went exploring for the April Atlanta Climbing Club trip. Of 19 club members, only 1 had climbed at Palisades in Fall Creek Falls Tennessee state park before. It was dry when we met at Tony's and the caravan headed out. Almost immediately we were slowed a little by an accident on GA-400. As we headed up I-75 the rains came and were very heavy at times. North of Chattanooga the skies cleared. After about 3 1/2 hours we arrived at Fall Creek Falls and signed waivers at the central office.

We parked just outside the north entrance and hiked a short distance to the cliff. We set up two 165' double rope rappels and queued up to descend. Everyone rappelled, even first timers John, Nancy, and Mike and second timer Karen and cat Buddy. Turns out they were big open air rappels going over two roofs. Wow! I hope those first timers are not disappointed when their next rappel is tamer.

Trish Stoops, having climbed at Palisades before, shared her printouts and pointed out routes. Carol and Jerry lead Rock-A-Billy King, 5.8/5.9+ 160' lots of loose rock. Trish lead a combination of Chicken Little and Chunky Monkey 5.6/5.7 100'. Frank lead Via Con Dios 5.9+ to the ledge and Tom lead Adam 5.8. Denmark set up a top rope on Budda whose beginning crack was wet and John explored Wounded Knee and determined that it did not have enough protection opportunities. The other Mike practiced leading Adam on top rope.

Everyone got in a couple of climbs and we headed out when the sun neared the horizon. Carol was the only one to climb and prusik up the opening 165' rappel. Way to go Carol! The rest exited by scrambling up a steep gully. It proved to be as challenging as the routes with a 10' headwall and a copperhead snake guarding the path. But we all made it safe and sound. Some camped out but most drove back to Atlanta. But not before having buffet dinner at the restaurant in the state park. We arrived back after midnight, a long trip but a worthwhile one.

The May club trip is an overnight excursion to Red River Gorge, The Red, in Kentucky. Watch e-mail for details.

Denmark Blount - 2003 Trip Coordinator

This page was last updated on 12/19/2004 .