What’s in it?
We have 10,000 sq. ft. of climbing, with walls up to 35 feet. Of that, 3,000 sq. ft. are top-out bouldering, 7,000 sq. ft. are lead and toprope climbing, and there’s also a separate kids’/ teaching wall. We add 15-plus routes and 25-plus problems weekly, which keeps us at a minimum of 105 routes and 100-plus problems at all times. There’s a mezzanine/lounge area with a big-screen TV, as well as weights, campus board, and hangboards.

Photo: URG

Standout feature?
Our lead wall is a great overhanging prow with several arêtes. Over a third of the gym is lead-capable. Bouldering terrain varies from an amphitheater-style roof, to a 60-degree wall, to overhanging arêtes, to a seemingly endless 45-degree wall. (All features then angle back for Southern-sloper-style top outs.)

Any comps?
We’ve had several comps as local fundraisers, to help the Southeastern Climbers Coalitions buy local crags: an Evolv Dyno Comp and the Steele Sendfest raised $500. We’ll also be hosting the 2010 ABS Youth Regionals, and ABS local comps starting in September.

Do you have a youth team?
In the works.

Hours:
Mon/Wed/Fri – 2 to 10 p.m. Tues/Thurs – 12 to 10 p.m. Sat/Sun – 10 a.m. to 8p.m.

Contact info:
(423) 475-6578 contact@urbanrocksgym.com urbanrocksgym.com

Jake Higginbotham

THE LOCAL

Name: Jake Higginbotham

Age: 17

Years Climbing: Seven months . . . since the gym opened.

What’s your favorite thing about the gym?
Always creative new problems, and the staff is so friendly. I love getting advice from the staff at U.R.G. They’re always willing to work some Beta with you.

Give at least one piece of insider information. Key gym Beta for a newcomer . . . .
The problems here focus a lot on technique, which in the long run, is much better than just building strength. After a good, long session, I always love to take a short drive to nearby lake Chickamauga and relax in the sun.

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