Castle Rock – Jasper, TN
Part of the 25 Projects for 25 Years series.
Perched on the Cumberland Plateau just three miles northwest of downtown Jasper, Castle Rock is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from the Chattanooga area and beyond. It’s home to nearly half a mile of stunning sandstone bluffs, some reaching heights of 120 feet. With close to 100 sport and traditional climbing routes, Castle Rock draws climbers from across the region, offering some of the best rock-climbing experiences in the Chattanooga area, according to the Southeastern Climbers Coalition. Thanks to a conservation easement established by The Land Trust for Tennessee, Castle Rock will remain protected for generations to come.
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- Castle Rock
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- Crag at Castle Rock.
The forested property is completely undeveloped, with only a dirt trail leading into it. It features a scenic bluff line and a small stream known as Standifer Branch. From the edge of the bluff, the panoramic views stretch for miles, taking in the town of Jasper and the meandering Tennessee River, while the south-facing rock turret overlooks the Sequatchie Valley.
The effort to protect Castle Rock began with a shared vision to conserve its natural beauty and recreational value. In 2014, Jasper local Harvey Cameron and The Conservation Fund made a significant contribution by donating the land to the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT). TRGT then partnered with The Land Trust for Tennessee to establish a conservation easement, ensuring the property would be protected from development in perpetuity. The easement guarantees that Castle Rock remains a sanctuary for outdoor recreation, while maintaining its natural character.
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- Look out from Castle Rock.
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- Crag at Castle Rock.
Castle Rock is owned by two private landowners; the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT) owns the cliff, and Ms. Jannette Phillips owns the land at the bottom and the access road/parking lot. Through a lease agreement with TRGT, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) has continued to manage the property for climbers since 2005.
Ms. Phillips graciously opens her property for climbers to access the Castle Rock crag. TRGT and SCC ask that anyone going to Castle Rock to climb PLEASE be vigilant to follow all rules and guidelines listed on their website.
SCC’s stewardship ensures that the area remains accessible to rock climbing enthusiasts, who can take on Castle Rock’s many routes—including “Apes on Acid,” one of the hardest climbs in the state, rated at 5.13d. The commitment to conserving this site aligns with The Land Trust for Tennessee’s mission to protect Tennessee’s natural spaces and cultural heritage.
From left: Sarah Quattrochi, Rick Huffines, Former LTTN President Jeanie Nelson, LTTN Stewardship Director Sarah O’Rear, Joel Houser, former Southeastern Regional Director of LTTN and current Director of Capitol Grants for the Open Space Institute.
The conservation of Castle Rock marks an important achievement in our ongoing efforts to protect Tennessee’s treasured landscapes. The bluffs of Castle Rock are now a permanent part of the outdoor recreational community, inviting future generations of climbers, hikers, and nature lovers to explore its rugged beauty. As we celebrate our 25th year and reflect on 25 special projects that have helped shape the state’s conservation landscape, Castle Rock stands out as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of land protection.
With its protected status secured, this climbing destination will remain a place where people can reconnect with nature, challenge themselves on the rock face, and take in the sweeping views that make Tennessee’s outdoor spaces so special.