The Crag at Cool Springs

Maybe it’s the fact I’m extremely blessed with regular trips to Red River Gorge on world class trad/​sport routes, or gym climbing and the bouldering in Lexington and Louisville has spoiled me, but The Crag did not impress. I came in for some bouldering on a weekday afternoon, the place was full of suburban soccer moms and their children, which are inevitably sticky and gross. The holds were greasy, I found two loose jugs on two different bouldering problems, and the mats were thin. I overheard one of the employees stating how someone broke their ankle from a fall on bouldering. This should NEVER happen with sufficient crash padding in a gym; theirs are just really, really, really thin. One personal qualm, though, is color taped routes. Their labeling is difficult to follow, and it takes a lot of studying to understand, they don’t rate most of the bouldering problems, you have to find one that IS rated and then match the tape pattern elsewhere on the wall. The entire facility was crowded and small, for a $ 15 day pass there wasn’t a lot of value here. If I’m back in Franklin and don’t feel like driving in to Nashville I’d come back, otherwise I’ll seek out a larger, more organized gym.

The Crag is an intimate climbing environment. We had a miscommunication with the staff regarding membership. After a conversation with the owner, we were able to resolve the issues to our satisfaction.

my boys love it. convenient to franklin area. small but good service. Junior Bighorn group is pretty good for my 10 year old.

Super friendly staff and great spot to hang and get in some exercise. Adults loved it as much as the kids in our group, so we will definitely be returning.

We had an awesome experience at The Crag! The staff was very helpful and the other climbers were very friendly as well. After a bad experience at climb nashville the day before, The Crag was a refreshing. Lots of cool routes and textured walls. I felt comfortable climbing here but they also had routes that physically challenged me which is always fun!

I’ve been going to the Crag off and on for about 2 years now and only wish it was closer to where i live so I could visit more often. I found that it helps me stay mentally challenged (i was big into long distance trail running) and also helps keep my anxiety in check!
The staff is always knowledgeable and helpful. And I dig everyone’s chill attitude. If i could climb all day, I’d be in a chill mood all the time too! Prices are reasonable (day rates & Memberships), a bit cheaper than Climb Nashville, but then again it’s further drive. So, pick your poison. Be sure to take advantage of their weekly deals and discounts to get more bang for your buck.
Also, they have the extras for you like shoes and chalk, if you don’t own any equipment. With 65 routes and 50 bouldering problems ranging all difficulty levels, which are altered frequently, you are sure to get a great challenging workout!

There was a misunderstanding in our membership program… admittedly on our end. After a few emails and phone calls with some of the staff, Newton stepped in and really went the extra mile to make sure we were taken care of. We enjoyed the rock climbing for the few months we were there and would recommend it if you want a great place to climb. They could have been cold and rigid, but instead they kept to their standards of customer service… they didn’t have to do that, but they chose too. It’s good to know their are still business’ that care about customers.
Thanks Newton, we’ll be back because of you.

Great space with kind staff:)

This is a more intimate setting than Climb Nashville and quite a bit cheaper – especially if you have a new climber with you. I enjoy it because there’s a variety of routes, and there isn’t a crowd always watching your every move like several gyms.
I’m an outdoor climber, but when I can’t make it to the mountains, this is the next best place.

I hope that there are rock climbing places like this wherever I am in life. I climbed for my first time here and have climbed here ever since. The staff is super awesome and always have recommendations on gear or climbing techniques. One time, one of the guys (I’m sorry I can’t remember your name!) helped me take care of a flapper I received, super swell dudes. They’ve got college rock playing whenever I come in, I don’t even have to put my iPod in to climb or anything. Best of all are the prices, they’ve always got awesome specials running, making sure you’re climb is cheap. This place rules.

This is the latest installment of rock climbing gym at this address. Having climbed here before, and new current management, I wish them well. For me, the space is a little small, although they certainly make a great effort, and do the best possible given what there is to work with. Another plus is that the staff are very friendly.