Rappelling is a natural complement to mountain climbing and a great way to experience the rush and beauty of nature. Rappelling refers to the act of descending a mountain using a rope, one's body and friction to control the descent. Rappelling can be used for the joy of the sport and also in an emergency mountain climbing situation. Tennessee offers numerous mountains and landscapes perfect for rappelling. As well, artificial terrain centers, schools and guides provide instructions and experiences for beginners.
Beginner Experiences
Individuals new to rappelling may wish to begin with a supervised experience at an artificial terrain park. Coker Creek Village, for example, offers a 40-foot climbing tower and zip line rappelling instructions that are just perfect for beginners. Outdoor Adventure Rafting offers similar experiences for beginners with a 30-foot climbing wall and a 45-foot natural cliff. With these types of companies, beginners are able to learn basic techniques safely, gain confidence and determine if they enjoy the activity before investing in their personal equipment.
Authentic Locations
A number of locations for rappelling in Tennessee exist. One popular destination, Sunset Rock, is located in the Chickamaugua and Chattanooga National Military Park. Sunset Rock features 80-foot cliff walls, with a large flat top and incredible views. The cliffs are mostly sandstone and suitable for beginner to intermediate climbers; some areas provide greater challenges. The Tennessee Wall and Foster Falls also provide climbing and rappelling opportunities. Both of these sites are recently developed as of 2010, so visitors should not expect to see a preponderance of artificial anchors. As well, the Tennessee Wall provides greater challenges and requires more extensive safety equipment.
Commercial Guides
A variety of commercial guides offer rappelling instruction. Outdoor Adventures, for example, provides half-day courses that cover major rappelling techniques as well as safety instructions and gear maintenance. As well, numerous companies offer guided climbs. Several companies offer both, which may be ideal for beginners to the sport. Granite Arches, for example, offers courses as well as guided climbs. Guided climbs include less-formal instruction and focus more on helping individuals within a group figure out how to reach their climbing goals. Guided climbing can be helpful for beginner, intermediate and advanced climbers. Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School offers a similar mix of courses and guide services and also adds an ice climbing course to the mix.
Safety
Required gear, necessary safety equipment and safety protocols will depend on the type of cliff that one is climbing and rappelling from. In general, individuals will need an assortment of nuts, hexes, rings, webbing and cams as well as a 50 or 60m of rope. Helmets are recommended for climbing for all participants--not just because of the risk of a fall but also because small rocks and pebbles may fall from above, pick up momentum and cause significant injury. More advanced areas, such as the Tennessee Wall, may require a more extensive rack of lead protection gear. A basic key to overall safety is ensuring that equipment is in good repair and that you are using the proper form.
Season
Spring, summer and fall are the most logical times to go rock climbing and rappelling in Tennessee, especially for those who are new to the sport. However, winter rappelling is an option at Foster Falls during the beginning and end of winter and at the Tennessee Wall all winter long. The Tennessee Wall, in fact, is south-facing, so it makes for a relatively nice winter climb. The Sunset Rock becomes extremely damp and icy in winter. As such, climbing is discouraged. The Tennessee Wall does close for several weekends during hunting season due to the near proximity of hunting grounds.
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