Horse Pens 40

Horse Pens 40 is a historic outdoor nature park, campground, and festival center that sits in a natural wonderland of unique rock formations nestled on top of Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians. HP 40 is located on top of the third highest mountain in Alabama at 1500 feet above sea level. Horse Pens 40 has a rich and colorful heritage and was home to the Creek and Cherokee tribes and was used by them at various times to corral horses. It was also used by the Confederate Army as a storage point for passing soldiers. Through the years it has also been used for an outlaws& moon shiners as a hideout. Regular events include Biker Rallies and Bluegrass Concerts. HP40 is “The Home of the South’s Bluegrass Music” and has featured the music of Bill Monroe, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Allison Krause Earl Scruggs and many more. Horse Pens 40 is one of the best boulder spots in the South, the quality of sandstone and the concentration of difficult problems in close proximity to each other will keep HP40 a destination for climbers from now on. The slopers found on most boulders require a new way of approach especially on the top out. It’s not about how hard you pull or how strong you are, it’s about balance and the weather conditions. Dry, cool, fall – winter days are prime time for pulling off the best problems at Horse Pens. There are no bolted routes or rope climbing / rappelling allowed in the park; just bring your crash pad, shoes and chalk. Many climbers describe HP40 as being a lot like the famous boulder area in Europe called “Fontainebleau”. The high concentration of great problems, good landings and a beautiful mature canopy of hardwoods all around makes for a trip you won’t soon forget and will leave you wanting more.