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The Goliath Wall


Not only is Southern Adventist University a stone’s throw away from some of Tennessee’s best climbing sites, but it is also home to the Goliath Wall, located in the heart of the Student Park.

An old abandoned rock quarry, much of the Wall’s face was hidden behind years of accumulated overburden and debris. The Goliath Wall became a reality in 2005 when a generous donation from Gordon and Gerry Chipman, in memory of Gerry’s son, David, allowed the outdoor leadership program to begin the project by contracting with a local excavator to remove the overburden from against the wall. It officially opened in 2006.

With more than 200 horizontal feet of 40-foot to 60-foot climbs, as well as plenty of surrounding bouldering opportunities, the Goliath Wall has been bolted for top-rope use and boasts many climbing routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.10+. The Goliath Wall serves many purposes. In particular, it is a training wall for the outdoor leadership rock climbing and technical rescue rigging classes, as well as for the Hamilton County Cave and Cliff Rescue Team. Of course, it provides plenty of recreational climbing opportunities for students and the community, and it is an important part of the campus Dusk ‘til Dawn Adventure Race.

Goliath Wall Reservations: 423.236.2814