Father and Family Intro to Rock Climbing

Sunday, April 6, 2025 

9:00 am – 3:00 pm ET

Overview:

If you’ve ever wanted to experience rock climbing with your family but needed someone to show you the ropes, this is the perfect opportunity. We will provide you with the equipment, training, and guidance to climb some easy sport routes at some sandstone crags near Chattanooga, TN.

The day will consist of a nice balance of instruction, involvement, and interaction. We will have a variety of climbing opportunities for varying levels of ability. The day will be targeted for first time climbers who want to see if this is something they might enjoy. 

Climbing Options:

Stone Fort

• Overview:
  • Stone Fort is one of the most versatile areas to climb in the southeast, due to iron rails running through many of the sandstone boulders. It also boasts beautiful lines at almost every difficulty level, so whether you climb v-easy, v-sick or are somewhere in between, there is always something to inspire you here.
• Details:
  • Mountain Project webpage info HERE

Leda

• Overview:
  • Like other crags in the Chattanooga area, Leda is a sandstone cliff. The rock quality is mostly very good, and a nice variety of routes can be found here. Many of these are sport lines, with a number of easy routes ideal for the climber making his or her first lead.
• Details: 
  • Mountain Project webpage HERE

Schedule:

8:00 am – Drive to the Montlake Golf Course and park near the club house. DIRECTIONS

9:00 am – Orientation, introductions, and short devotional at the parking area.

9:15 am – Since climbing area parking is limited we will carpool to the climbing area. Parking fee is $14/vehicle.

9:30 am – Short hike to the cliffs and climbing routes. Most likely we will be climbing at Leda.

10:00 am – Climbing basics, gear use, safety, etc. Start climbing!

12:00 pm – Sack Lunch

12:30 pm – Continue climbing

2:30 pm – Descend to parking area and then carpool back to the golf course.

3:00 pm – Close out with a debrief and prayer of blessing. Drive home.

Waivers

All climbers must complete and submit the online waiver to be able to climb. Parents can fill out a waiver for minors. 

FORM HERE

Trip Leader

Our trip leader is Doug Brown, Ph.D.  He is a certified rock climbing instructor with the American Mountain Guide Association. 

Climbing Gear

• Provided
  • The shared climbing gear such as ropes, anchors, belay devices, etc. will be provided.
• Rental
  • We have harnesses, helmets, and rock shoes that you can rent for $5/item. 

Personal Items 

• Small Backpack
• Clothing – weather appropriate clothing and trail shoes 
• Energy – sack lunch, snacks
• Hydration – 2 L of water 
• Small first-aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap
• Attitude – bring your positive adventurous attitude

Cost

There is no charge for this trip, except to rent gear and help with parkng. All expenses for Advent Wilderness Expedition trips are shared among the group.

If you would like to see more of this kind of experience offered and would like to see other men and their families enjoy this type of outing, feel free to make a donation to Blueprint for Men.