Tree Climbing in Atlanta
Getting in touch with your inner monkey
By Charmian Christie
Tree Climbing"Get high. Climb a tree." While Tree Climbers International's motto may be clever, their other catch phrase, "Tickle the Sky," captures the whimsical appeal of this all-ages activity. While childhood attempts at tree climbing often result in scrapes and falls, this outdoor activity guarantees success and smiles. Whether you're recapturing your youth or making your little one's dreams come true, everyone gets excited when given the chance to touch the top of a 100-foot tree or sleep amidst the branches.
Less strenuous than rock climbing, tree climbing can be done by anyone who's reasonably fit. With their lower centers of gravity and lighter weight, children often climb past their stronger parents with ease. While the minimum age for climbers is five, being an octogenarian didn't stop 81-year-old Marge Felder.
Even though you'll dangle eight to ten stories high, tree climbing is safe. The most common injury is blisters, but only for those who refuse to wear gloves. If the fear of heights is stopping you, many people find tree climbing helps them get over their phobia. There's never any pressure to climb higher than you wish, and when you reach your upper limit, resting until you've acclimatized to the height is often all you'll need to urge you on.
Many tree climbers describe the experience in almost spiritual terms. They say that time slows down; they connect to the trees and feel stress float away in the breeze. Some even assume a tree-climbing nickname, which only seems fair since the trees they climb have names, too, such as Diana and McCrutchen.
Ready to rock-a-bye, baby? Opt for an overnight stay you'll never forget. Secure and comfortable hammocks are all you need to drift off to sleep in the treetops. But don't worry. The bough never breaks.
If You Go
Georgia has plenty of tree-climbing options. Most outfitters offer introductory courses, guided tours and overnight treetop camping. Three Georgia Tree Climbers International members are:
Tempting as it may be to make the tree your hotel, it's not practical to spend an entire vacation tree climbing. Fortunately, there are plenty of outdoor adventures an hour or two north of Atlanta in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike, bike, rock climb or camp before or after your treetop adventure.
Gateway Connections
- Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta's international airport, is close to all the tree-climbing action Georgia has to offer. Don't let Hartsfield-Jackson's reputation as the world's busiest airport scare you. It's a model of efficiency with many transportation options, including a train.
When to Go
- Any time of year is tree-climbing season in Atlanta.
- While the summer months are popular, it's almost always warm here.
Share your family travel thoughts with Charmian.
