Access Fund COVID-19 Resources for Climbers includes a list of all current closures and current recommendations for climbers.

From the Access Fund page:

We strongly encourage all climbers to help flatten the curve and err on the side of caution. Here’s how you can help:

1. DO NOT travel to climb. 
2. Strictly comply with all shelter-in-place and similar orders.
3. Strictly comply with all closures and restrictions, and follow federal, state, county and city guidelines on social distancing.
4. DO NOT take unnecessary risks. Don’t be the person that creates more stress and burden for our medical and SAR professionals. “

 We’ve heard several reports of crowded crags over the weekend and raised concerns about hospital capacity and limited resources. Please closely consider the CDC regulations discussed below to avoid discretionary travel and social gatherings as well as practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the virus. Basically…please try to stay home for the next couple of weeks and limit outdoor adventures to neighborhood walks or local hikes, bike rides or trail runs where you can adequately keep distance and avoid frequently touched surfaces. The rocks will welcome you when you get back.

CDC released the report “15 Days to Slow the Spread” that outlines some key guidelines to reduce potential exposure for at-risk individuals. Our mission is to preserve access to climbing, and as such we want to encourage folks to consider the cumulative impact of climbing trips in the near future – and hopefully make some adjustments to slow down, social distance, and flatten the curve.

Locally, we’ve seen our gyms and businesses closing their doors. We also see a national trend of increased visitation to popular climbing areas. We are hearing reports from decreasing capacity at hospitals in Atlanta and limited supplies at hospitals in Chattanooga. We know that getting outside can boost our mental, emotional and physical health, and right now we need a lot of that. Below are some of the current CDC regs and how they relate to climbing outside in the near future.

First, and most importantly, this report calls out “avoid discretionary travel”, which would include trips for recreation. In our region, think about the stops you might take along the way to your destination, such as gas stations or convenience stores in rural towns. While these communities benefit from tourism dollars, they are vulnerable to any strain on their limited health care services. Additional pressure from increased virus spread to regular visits –  a common simple injury while climbing could require use of medical facilities and PPE (such as masks and gloves), placing undue pressure on limited capacities. Please stay close to home to avoid putting pressure on these small towns limited resources.

Next, CDC encourages people to “avoid social gatherings” in groups of more than 10 people. Many of our climbing areas are becoming over-crowded and visiting these spots reduces our ability to “flatten the curve”. Climbers should consider their own group size and ability to maintain adequate social distance from other climbers at the crag or boulderfield. But also – consider how crowded the crag might be when you get there. If you look around you and see there are more than ten people and you’re unable to stay the recommended 6 feet apart, it’s probably time to leave, and then consider this next point….

Finally, the CDC continues to encourage all people to “practice good hygiene”. This includes washing hands before and after touching any frequently used item or surface and that surfaces should be disinfected regularly. In climbing, this includes the rock, ropes, crash pads, quick draws, or other climbing gear that we pass around to each other. Washing and disinfecting between use is really difficult to do when you’re out at a crag and is much easier done in your home than at a public area. If you’re training at home, make sure you’re staying clean! Keep in mind that your “coworkers” (real or not) will notice any chalk marks left on your forehead, cheeks, nose or lips…so be sure to avoid touching your face and use a hanky to cover those coughs or sneezes during your home hang board sessions. 

When you go out for your solo adventures, be sure to check any additional and current regulations or guidelines for the place you visit. You can find information regarding accessing your State Parks here:

(Good news: they’re still open! Go play! Wash your hands!)

• Tennessee: https://tnstateparks.com/about/keeping-visitors-healthy
• Georgia: https://gastateparks.org/Alerts
• Alabama: https://www.alapark.com/covid-19-updates