Spare These Stones: A Journey Through Southern Climbing Culture

Richly authentic collection of photography and stories celebrates Southern climbing culture

Spare These Stones: A Journey Through Southern Climbing Culture is a captivating visual and narrative exploration of the evolution of climbing in the Southern United States during the transformative decades of the 1990s and 2000s. From its clandestine roots, when climbing was an underground pursuit shrouded in secrecy with areas passed around through word of mouth, to its rise in accessibility through grassroots efforts and land conservation, photographer and filmmaker Andrew Kornylak delves into the intricate threads of geography and culture. This heart-shaped region of Southern climbing, stretching from Nashville to Charlotte and Atlanta to Lexington, is known for limestone and sandstone cliffs, hard bouldering, and challenging roof cracks. Highlighting efforts of the community to protect climbing areas, Kornylak shares stories about Jerry Roberts, Joey Henson, Greg Kottkamp, Lisa Rands, Adam Henry, James Litz, and many more at off-the-beaten path spots and iconic destinations like the Tennessee Wall near Chattanooga and Horse Pens 40 Ranch in Alabama.

Spare These Stones celebrates the resilient spirit of Southern climbers and their profound connection to the rugged, culturally-rich areas they call home.

Author: Andrew Kornylak
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
Published: 08/23/2025
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.93lbs
Size: 9.98h x 8.73w x 0.71d
ISBN: 9781680518221

About the Author
Kornylak, Andrew: - Photographer and filmmaker Andrew Kornylak grew up in Southern Ohio. After earning a degree in mathematics, Kornylak traveled and climbed around the US and abroad, taking jobs as a software developer, high-rise window-washer, and climbing instructor. Kornylak's photography and writing have been published by diverse outlets, including Discover, National Geographic, Rock & Ice, The North Face, ESPN, PBS, Red Bull, and Garden & Gun. As a director and cinematographer, Kornylak has had a hand in commercials, music videos, and award-winning documentaries, including A Fine Line, Inner Mounting Flame, and The Mapmaker. Kornylak lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.