Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, North Georgia is home to a wide variety of excellent—and often overlooked—crags. Whether you’re interested in clipping bolts, plugging trad gear, or bouldering with friends, you’re guaranteed to find a perfect spot within a two-hour drive of Atlanta. Here are some of the state’s best destinations for accessible, high-quality climbing. 

Currahee Mountain

Looking to practice your granite technique? Look no further than Currahee Mountain. About 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta, the mountain was historically the homeland of the Yuchi and Cherokee People. Today, the crag’s colorful graffiti makes it easy to forget that proud heritage, but looks can be deceiving. 

Beneath the occasional spray of paint, you’ll find high-quality granite, unique features, and an even mix of sport and trad routes, several of which have easy top-rope access. The even better news? A growing cadre of local climbers have recognized Currahee’s value and have banded together to help tidy the place up. (Keep an eye out for upcoming cleanup events.) More info: seclimbers.org

Mount Yonah

Mount Yonah was historically the local mountaineering training ground for Army Rangers. It’s not hard to see why: The area is dominated by a proud granite dome reminiscent of North Carolina’s Stone Mountain. It’s covered with a mix of single-pitch sport and multi-pitch trad, providing a little something for everybody. And located less than a two-hours’ drive from the Atlanta area (on ancestral Yuchi and Cherokee Land), it’s not hard to get to, either. Bonus: The U.S. Forest Service doesn’t currently require any fees to park or climb at Yonah. More info: dixiecragger.com

Rocktown Bouldering 

Located on ancestral Cherokee and Yuchi lands about an hour and 45 minutes from the Kennesaw area, Rocktown offers some of the best bouldering in the Southeast. Here you’ll find more than 260 problems on gorgeous, varied Tennessee-style sandstone—everything from proud, pocketed overhangs to technical slopers and crimps. Because the area is within the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area, you’ll need a hunting or fishing license or a Georgia lands pass to climb here. You can purchase these online. (Note that climbing is prohibited during open hunting seasons; check season dates before you go.) The good news? Camping in the park’s designated primitive camping areas is free with a license. More info: Rocktown Bouldering Guide

Tallulah Gorge 

Carved from solid quartzite in a stunning wilderness setting, Tallulah Gorge—historically Cherokee territory—is Georgia’s premiere adventure climbing destination. The area’s remote feel is even more impressive when you consider that it’s just an hour-and-a-half drive from Atlanta. 

Be sure to bring an experienced partner and your A-game: Nearly all of the routes require trad gear, and most are multi-pitch. Also keep in mind that the gorge is popular among hikers and tourists, too, so parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Come early to snag a climbing permit from the visitor center. And if you plan to camp in the park, be sure to reserve a campsite online first. More info: gastateparks.org 

Boat Rock Bouldering 

Boat Rock is home to some of the best climbing within Metro Atlanta. Just west of Atlanta proper (an hour’s drive south of Kennesaw), the area was historically Muscogee/Creek territory. Since then, it’s become a popular proving ground for climbers looking to master their footwork and slab technique. Thanks to its long history, the area now boasts about 200 bouldering routes, mostly cracks and slabs on textured granite. 

Boat Rock is also the setting of a major conservation success story. In 2005, it was purchased by the Southeast Climbers Coalition to save it from development. Be sure to observe local etiquette to continue protecting the resource: Avoid parking in the nearby neighborhood, and avoid camping in the area. More info: seclimbers.org 

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.