Denny Cove is off Highway 41, close to Foster Falls between Jasper and Tracy City, TN. It’s an easy 35-mile drive from Tennessee Glamping in Altamont near Savage Gulf. Like its nearby sister cove, Foster Falls recreation area, it has a stunning waterfall, lush forest, beautiful views, and top-notch sandstone climbing routes. Both protected areas, Foster Falls and Denny Cove, have a wide range of routes popular with climbers that flock to the area known as a climbing mecca in the US. The area is part of South Cumberland State Park.
Best Climbing Routes in Denny Cove
One Legged Red | 5.11b YDS:
Starting on steep, spaced-out ledgey jugs, climbers must navigate through a series of big holds with precise footwork and strategic heel-hooks to find rest. Transitioning onto the vertical face, climbers encounter the technical crux, which demands skillful movement and problem-solving. Despite variations in sequence, the route consistently offers engaging climbing with opportunities to test one’s abilities. Climbers will encounter sinker natural two-finger pockets and a variety of fun movements as they ascend to the top.
Mutatious | 5.12c YDS:
Starting with easier but engaging climbing on juggy holds, climbers gradually encounter increasingly difficult boulder problems as they ascend through the dark grey band of rock. Despite occasional rests, the route intensifies with a final crux section on small crimps through the bullet golden-orange rock, leading to jugs near the anchors. A misstep here could result in an exhilarating fall. Located to the right of Denny Cove’s main area and left of China King, the route is easily identifiable by the striking orange shield of rock at its top. With 8 bolts providing protection along the way, Mutatious offers climbers a memorable and varied climbing experience in the heart of Denny Cove.
Copperhead Road | 5.11b YDS:
Spanning a height of 65 feet (20 meters), climbers can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience navigating through the steep terrain. Located to the left of Terrapin Station, Copperhead Road beckons climbers with its enticing mix of athleticism and fun movement.
Denny Cove offers more than 150 Climbing routes with over three miles of cliff line – the terrain is stunning and varied from massive roofs, slabs, cracks, and corners. Most visiting climbers have just scratched the surface. There has been a lot of attention paid to developing access to this wall by various climbing coalitions, and the result is a top-notch climbing destination with 83 sports routes and as many trad routes up the walls.
If you need a break from climbing, check out the short trail to Denny Cove Falls. It’s just a 2.7-mile round trip, with a 364-foot elevation change. While rated moderate, some find the rock scrambling challenging. The falls are roughly 70’ tall but present as more of a cascade. It is very similar to Benton Falls, near another Tennessee glamping hot spot – the wagons of Welcome Valley Village.
