This blog post is part of “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
Heading to the North Georgia Appalachians for some exhilarating, spell-binding views as you mountain climb?
Well, it's one of the prettiest places for climbing, to be sure. And there are plenty of other great outdoor activities nearby, like horseback riding, fishing, golfing, and boating.
Image courtesy of Walther Luecker on Unsplash
Mountain Climbing Tips
But, if mountain climbing is your thing, make sure you pack the following into your backpack for your climbing/hiking expedition:
- Proper climbing shoes & climbing gear
- Plenty of water - it's a great idea to take some water treatment, too, just in case you run out of the bottled stuff
- Lightweight, portable snacks, like jerky, trail mix, and granola bars
- Flashlight (in case you're not quite back on the ground when you start losing light, and also so you can be found more quickly if needed
- Your cell phone (For emergency use only - best not to get distracted chatting or texting while taking on a mountain!)
- First Aid Kit
- Rope
- Your keys
- A sweater, sweatshirt or jacket in case the temperature drops
- Gloves
If it's cool when you start your climb, dress in layers. You'll want to leave room in your backpack to stow these layers later in case you get too hot. If temperatures are warm, these items need to fit in your pack from the start.
We suggest you do more research and talk with some friends who have climbing experience. They are sure to have some great advice. Common sense dictates you never take on mountain climbing alone. Always go with at least one partner. We recommend you go with an experienced climber the first time.
Pace yourself, stop to enjoy the beautiful vistas, and stay focused as you test whether each foothold and handhold will support you properly. Roots, rocks, and dirt give way easily so move slowly and sure-footed, taking your time always paying close attention to the task at hand.
That covers some basic preparation for an excellent day of mountain climbing, or "Georgia Rentals Mountain Climbing 101." Now you have essential tips to get going.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Where To Go Mountain Climbing In & Around, Helen Georgia
If mountain climbing around north Georgia is just right for you, here are several places to consider tackling as part of your adventure.
Rock Town
Comprised of several acres of sandstone boulders on north Georgia’s Cumberland Plateau, Rock Town is part of the Crockford Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area just a few miles from Lafayette, Georgia. The massive sandstone boulders have excellent handholds but will present a challenge for climbers of all levels.
Lost Wall
Lost Wall on Pigeon Mountain is a popular site for those seeking the experience of mountain climbing in north Georgia. The sixty to eighty-foot high rock face presents challenges to the more initiated climbers, including spire-like pinnacles, protruding overhangs, and pockets and jugs, which are easy to hold features.
Mount Yonah
Yonah means bear in Cherokee and Mount Yonah in the Chattahoochee National Forest is a familiar training ground for climbers. The granite cliff on the mountain’s south side offers good climbs for beginners. The 5th Ranger Training Battalion and Ranger Training Brigade of the U.S. Army go to Yonah Mountain to conduct the Mountain Phase of its Ranger Training School. Cables remain in portions of the cliff’s face which make setting rope anchors more convenient when scaling two hundred feet above the mountain’s base.
Curahee Mountain
Curahee is from a Cherokee word meaning stand-alone, and the 1,735-foot summit of Curahee Mountain is a prominent landmark near Toccoa, Georgia in Stephens County. It offers excellent opportunities for mountain climbing in north Georgia with top-roping, where rope anchors are preset and exposed lead climbing.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia and when it comes to mountain climbing in north Georgia. It offers experienced climbers an opportunity to tackle one of the most challenging climbs in the state in the form of its Main Wall on the north rim of the gorge.
Image courtesy of Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Other Climbing Challenges
- Zahnd near Lafayette offers unique rock formations and challenging climbs.
- Boat Rock near Atlanta offers opportunities for slab and balance climbing.
- Little Kennesaw Mountain, Morgan Falls, Blood Mountain Boulders and Shaking Rock Park all offer opportunities for mountain climbing in north Georgia.
Image courtesy of Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals, Oasis Cabin
After Climb Rest In A Cabin Rental
While there are many great Georgia cabin rentals to hang your hat and relax at the end of a fun-filled day, we think Cedar Creek Cabin Rentals is your best option (we're a little biased).
As any experienced mountain climbing enthusiast will attest, it makes your "roughing it" adventure that much more enjoyable when you know that once you get back down to earth, you have comforts and conveniences waiting for you in your cabin. There's nothing like the feeling of knowing you will get a good night's sleep after climbing.
Some of the advantages of your cabin rental include amenities like high-definition TV; high-speed internet; soothing, relaxing hot tubs, and natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Enjoy! Click here to here to view our cabin rental options.
Where Are Some Of Your Favorite Climbing Spots?
Share your favorite climbing spots in the comments section below so others can gain from your experience.
This blog post is part of “YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NORTH GEORGIA OUTDOORS” blog series.
