More Than a Climbing Gym
A community for climbers of every experience level, in South Knoxville next to Baker Creek Preserve.
Our Story
From the first swing of a sledgehammer to opening day — how Climbing Roots came to life.
The People
Climbing Roots was founded by Lindsay and Nate Runne, who drew inspiration from climbing experiences across the Americas. What started as a dream became Knoxville’s first dedicated bouldering center.
Come join us and become a part of the family.
The Dream
We love the supportive community rock climbing has created. We celebrate along with the climber that overcomes their weaknesses. We hope to build an inviting, safe, inclusive third space that the people of South Knoxville can look at as their climbing home. The lessons and experiences learned here will serve us where ever we go.
December 27, 2024
Behind the Scenes: Today Belongs to the Sledge Hammer
The church gymnasium transformation has finally begun. We had brainstormed countless wall layouts that would preserve the original running track but none would allow for an optimal climbing experience. I think you can see how the space is opening up as the track is carefully removed piece by piece. Some may be morning the loss of…
October 1, 2025
Climbing Roots Update: We're Almost There!
Big things are happening behind the walls of Climbing Roots, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our progress with you. The energy in the gym is growing every day, and we’re counting down the weeks until we can officially open our doors to the community!
Our Gym
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
Climbing Roots welcomes everyone! We want to create a vibrant, unique, diverse community where people of all walks of life can grow.
Meet the Founders
Nate Runne
Bouldering is an exciting call to push our comfort zone, but free water soloing combines that with the soul rejuvenating environment of rivers and woods. East Tennessee locals might be familiar with the crag at Foster Falls. After a heated day of sport climbing a dip in the pool under the falls is a needed refreshment. Everyone who swims there, climber or not, has been tempted to scale the cliff behind the falls. The additional challenge of wet surfaces coupled with the excitement of the plunge has long made that a favorite climb for me. I hope Climbing Roots can create an environment that will not only push the limits of the members but also foster physical and mental rejuvenation and recovery.
Lindsay Runne
I fell in love with the meditative flow of rock climbing for the first time while living in Southern California. Steady breathing, flexible contortion and mental fortitude were skills I had been developing in my personal yoga practice, but they never felt more vital to me than when I would be ascending the high ball boulders of Joshua tree. I couldn’t tell you which route or rock were my favorite but I will say that part of myself was left there and I will carry their memories forever. In the sand remain my joyous tears of accomplishment and the blood of surprise skin flappers, but Joshua Tree also etched its name on my broken ribs and gave me the drive to push my limits. I’m indebted to both the park and the supportive climbing community there that have made me who I am now, and I bring those lessons with me in the creation of Climbing Roots.