Climbing Community Comes Together to Support Denny’s Cove
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) recently announced that they have just paid off their Denny’s Cove loan in full! This impressive feat was accomplished less than five years after the group invested in preserving the 685-acre tract of preserved land in Marion County.
The preserved area includes extensive climbing routes, hiking trails, and a waterfall.
The preservation was acquired in 2016, thanks to many partners, including the Access Fund, The Conservation Fund, Tennessee State Parks, The Land Trust for Tennessee, and the Open Space Institute.
The SCC played an essential role in purchasing the land and organizing volunteers to support the extensive work needed at the site to build trails and set up climbing routes safely.
“The Denny Cove project highlights how the climbing community works together to protect wildlife and biodiversity,” said Andrea Hassler, executive director of the SCC. “The climbing community worked so hard, both with their time and sweat equity, to build the trails, and also with fundraising. They made the loan payments possible.”
Over the last 12 months, Denny’s Cove and many other outdoor destinations in Marion County continue to see a boom in visitors as people move activities outdoors during the pandemic.
“2020 was a difficult and challenging year, but one good thing about the pandemic is that it got more people outdoors,” Hassler said. “There are so many benefits to exercising and being in nature, and specifically to climbing. It’s a combination of strength training, mental exercise, and problem-solving. Denny’s Cove has it all! They have more than 150 climbing routes, plus hiking trails and a waterfall. Everyone is welcome! We just ask that people stay on the trails as we continue to work on erosion control and trail maintenance.”
Marion County residents are encouraged to visit Denny Cove. You don’t have to be a rock climber to enjoy the space. If you’ve not been before, here is what you need to know.
Parking is available
Denny’s Cove is located outside of Jasper; navigate to the site via Google Maps
Please take any trash with you when you leave, and never litter
There is a wonderful bluff view about 1 mile into the trail, and there is a waterfall about two miles from the parking area.
Dogs must be kept on a leash, and always pick up after your dog
Remember, if you are hiking and pass climbers on rope, always go around the belayer (the person on the ground controlling the rope). Never go underneath a climbing rope, for your safety and the safety of the climber.
Climbing routes vary in difficulty from 5.9 to 5.14
Climbers must fill out the day permit with SCC. Visit their website for the form, and all the details specific to climbing. https://www.seclimbers.org/project/denny-cove/
Please be aware that there are currently no bathroom facilities at the site
“Our investment in Denny Cove is an investment in Marion County as well,” said Hassler. “Not only are we preserving the natural beauty and opening up access to climbing, but this is also an attraction, and we are bringing tourists and day-visitors to town. They buy from local stores, eat in local restaurants, and visit other attractions.”