This Sunday will be our club trip to Tallulah Gorge. Please note that due to weather our trip is on Sunday this weekend, and not Saturday. Located in the northeast corner of Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is home to some spectacular multi-pitch traditional climbing. The area is not without its difficulties, so please take note if you are interested in attending.
Climber access to the gorge is regulated by the park staff. Only 20 climbing permits are issued per day, and we would like to limit club participation to no more than 15 members in case other climbers come to the park that day. Permits are not issued if the area is still wet from rain. If runoff from the week’s precipitation has not dissipated, then we may not be allowed to climb there.
John Liles belays Scott Perkins on pitch 2 of Primitive Paradox
Access to the gorge is difficult, including sections of 3rd class terrain and narrow sections with steep drops. Dogs and children are not allowed. The climbing starts at 5.8, and even the easiest climbs include steep and exposed climbing.
If you are not able to climb 5.9, then you may find much of the climbing in the gorge beyond your abilities. If you will be following climbs, be sure to bring extra slings and locking carabiners to attach yourself to belay anchors.
Descent via rappel is often advisable and sometimes required. If you have a pack small enough to wear while climbing, then you might want to bring it. A couple of the climbs can be used as an exit from the gorge at the end of the day in lieu of hiking out.
If you haven’t been scared off yet, then meet us at the Indian Trail Park and Ride at 6am on Sunday morning. If more than 15 climbers arrive, we will split into two groups and one group will go to Mount Yonah. The Tallulah crew will carpool to the park, and arrive when it opens at 8am. If we are denied permits due to conditions, then we will proceed to Mount Yonah and climb there.
