Lower Pot Point Boulders
General information
Land Manager: Tennessee River Gorge Trust
Native Lands: ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) (from Native-land.ca)
Area Rep: Gabe Hill, gabehill06@gmail.com
Beta
In 2021, TRGT built 3 free backcountry campsites located within the Lower Pot Point Boulder Field, complete with elevated camping platforms, picnic tables, fire rings, and a shared composting privy. These campsites will help fill the void of designated camping options in the immediate Chattanooga area. For those looking for quality bouldering in an uncrowded wilderness environment, check out Lower Pot Point. Although these boulders have been historically climbed, the use has been seldom. In recent years, local climbers have cleaned up and further developed the area and identified over 30 boulders with unique problems. The style features delicate face moves on tall blocks, a contrast to the steep boulders that are common in the south. There are a good variety of grades on solid stone.
Directions
What to Expect
The hike to the boulder field is fairly strenuous and takes roughly 30 minutes. From the parking lot there are two trailheads: the Pot Point Nature Trail and the Ritchie Hollow Trail. Take the Pot Point Nature Trail and follow it for approximately 1.5 miles of steep hiking to a terrace beneath the cliff line. Continue until you reach a boulder with an overhanging prow along the trail, turn right past it and you will arrive at the Billy Highball boulder in a few hundred feet.
Access Notes
- No excessive cleaning of boulders or areas around the boulders
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Leave No Trace: Keep this area beautiful and clean. Clean up after yourselves, your peers, and your pets. Lead by example and pick it up on the first pass.
Camping
There are 3 free backcountry campsites located directly within the Lower Pot Point Boulder Field. Visit https://www.trgt.org/boulder-field-campground to book a campsite (reservation required).
Guidebook