Event Details (U.S. National Park Service)

Fee:

Free. The program is free, however registration is required due to limitations on the group size. Total group size will be limited to 10 participants. As part of registration, the lead-ranger will have a discussion with participants regarding goals, expectations, and other considerations prior to the program.

Location: LAT/LONG: 36.000000, -85.000000

Accessible parking is located along Ridge Road near Lilly Bridge in Morgan County, Tennessee. All participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Time:

10:30 AM

Duration:

5 hours

All ranger-led programs are Eastern Time. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. ET until 3:30 p.m. ET

Description

Adaptive Outdoor Rock Climbing for People with Amputation/Limb Difference on October 28

Join us in the spectacular setting of a National Park; the Obed Wild and Scenic River, home to some of the best rock climbing in the Southeast. In October peak fall foliage, outstanding conditions, and great friction on bullet-hard sandstone are just a few of the highlights you can experience in a great day of adaptive climbing dedicated to people with amputation/limb difference.

Since 2013, the rangers at the Obed have conducted monthly "Climb-with-a-Ranger" events to provide the public an opportunity to experience outdoor rock climbing. The Climb-with-a-Ranger event is unique in the National Park Service in that it is conducted directly by Obed rangers and volunteers; providing a unique opportunity to experience the lands of the National Park Service while participating in an adventure sport. Using grant funds from the National Park Foundation the Obed Wild and Scenic River would like to provide this same opportunity to the adaptive community of people with amputation/limb difference.

The event will be held at the Lilly Bluff climbing area, which includes route grades starting at 5.3 and ranging up to 5.11. We will provide instruction for all abilities and mobility levels with the support of Paradox Sports, a 501(c)3 non-profit provider of adaptive climbing programs.

Accessibility

An accessible parking spot to use for loading/unloading is located near the Lilly Bridge. The approach to the Lilly Bluff Climbing Area is generally uphill for ~0.15-mile (800 feet trail distance), generally characterized as an uneven dirt trail with some rocks, roots, and stone steps. Depending on mobility level, the approach can range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes and can require the assistance of volunteers. The trail accessiblity for chair users and those with limited mobility is difficult, however our staff and volunteers will provide support to chair users and other participants (as needed) in travelling over this terrain. All participants should have a base level of comfort travelling in this type of terrain (assisted or unassisted). If you have limited mobility and have questions on the approach/accessibility, please contact us.

Prerequisites

Through our Climb-with-a-Ranger programs we welcome many first-time climbers into our community, right alongside very experienced climbers. For this adaptive climbing program, we encourage participants to have basic outdoor experience and an introductory understanding of rock climbing. There will be routes available for a wide variety of skill levels, and coaches to help you succeed - whatever your goal may be. Our climbing grades will range from 5.3 - 5.9 and include options to use a mechanical-advantage system, ie. an Easy Seat Harness and Handlebar Style Ascender. For this program our target audience is people with amputation/limb difference.

Participants should be able to don/doff/adjust harnessing equipment independently or be willing to do so with the assistance of Obed staff and volunteers.
Participants should arrive with their own wheelchair or assistive devices, as needed, and be able to move from the parking area to the climbing area, with or without the use of a wheelchair or assistive device OR with the assistance of Obed staff and volunteers.

Accomodations

All food and lodging will be the responsibility of each participant. The event will be held rain or shine. Most of the climbing area is under a large overhanging caprock which generally provides shelter from rain. There are vault toilets with bars at the parking area. Additionally, there will be a portable accessible toilet with a privacy tent located at the climbing area.

Gear

All group gear, including ropes and anchoring materials will be provided. The Obed also has a range of climbing shoes, helmets, and harnesses that participants can utilize if needed.