North Alabama may not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about rock climbing.
It’s possible that rock climbing has never crossed your mind at all. Well, it should. With the opening of GadRock, a new climbing gym located on beautiful Lake Gadsden, there’s no excuse not to follow their directive of “Train Here, Explore There.”
First, let’s talk about training. The day I visited GadRock, I was met at the door by one of the owners and founders, Carrie Machen, an avid climber and Gadsden native. She and co-owner Kate Wilson wanted to keep fitness and training fun while encouraging an adventurous spirit of exploration.
We head into the main climbing area featuring multiple routes for all skill levels. Each route has a “hold” color to avoid confusion as you climb. A setter makes new routes every two to three weeks to keep climbers challenged. The tallest route is 40 feet, and there is even a dedicated bouldering area. Bouldering is climbing without ropes.
No climbing experience? No problem!
Special harnesses will allow you to try it with no fear of falling. GadRock will also be offering classes if you’d like to learn more about the sport and take your skills outdoors.
We step through the amazing glass garage doors opening onto the dock (the facility offers SUP rentals, yoga, and eco-tours on Lake Gadsden in addition to climbing), where Machen points in the direction of Horse Pens 40 and Hospital Boulders, two of the many places in North Alabama to test your skills.
Located off I-59 just south of Steele, Al. Horse Pens 40 offers world-class climbing. I’m surprised to learn that Horse Pens 40 is a bucket-list adventure for many climbers. Right here in our own backyard! If you’re not ready to climb, the rock formations are as beautiful to look at as they are fun to climb. Horse Pens 40 also offers hiking, camping, bluegrass festivals, competitions, and more.
Horse Pens 40ABout thirty minutes away, off Noccalula Road, you’ll find Hospital Boulders. Owned by the Southeastern Climber’s Coalition and home to the annual Sickness Competition, you’ll find this lesser-known boulder field. The parking lot is tiny, only handling a couple of cars, but the approach is short. The annual bouldering competition draws climbers from all over the southeast.
For more information about GadRock, call 256-312-8185 or click here.
Interested in reading about my first-time scrambling adventure? Check it out by clicking here.
Thanks for reading!
