Climb the Red River Gorge
Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky, the Red River Gorge is a climbing gem. Millions of years of wind and water have carved this area into a lifetime of climbing opportunities. Aside from the climbing, there are over 80 natural arches, historical sites and miles upon miles of trails for hiking, backpacking and just everyday enjoyment. Approximately 30 minutes from Lexington, Kentucky, the Red is easy to get to and easy to navigate, especially with a climbing community renowned for its hospitality and willingness to help a person out. As far as climbing goes, the free online guide available at www.redriverclimbing.com documents 1,819 routes at 144 walls in 10 regions and that is not all inclusive. The print version of the guide book is available from Wolverine Publishing on the same website. Written by Ray Ellington, the guide is in its second edition. The fully comprehensive color guide to the Red River Gorge includes over 300 previously undocumented pitches in Muir Valley and the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. The primary rock found in the Red is sandstone and routes start at the very easy level and currently peak at the 5.14 level. Sport and traditional climbing routes are plentiful and styles vary enough to please just about any climber’s taste in adventure. Slabs, overhangs, hand cracks and chimneys abound. Climbers in the “Red” have worked hard to preserve climbing and in so doing formed a coalition through which the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve was purchased and is paid for every year by the climbers, their hard work to raise funds and other events. The climber-owned land was purchased in an effort to prevent the loss of the amazing area to oil companies. There are several ways to maximize your climbing time at the Red. The first of which is to stop at Miguel’s Pizza on Route 11 in Slade, Kentucky. But that’s just the beginning.
Instructions
climb the Red River Gorge, Kentucky
1. As you exit the Mountain Parkway into Slade, Kentucky, climbers will want to head away from the Shell gas station on Route 15 and make their way towards Miguel’s Pizza. This establishment is a legacy in the climbing world. Through its doors have walked an unimaginable number of climbers of all levels and nationalities. Known for his excellent food, Miguel Ventura has also provided a haven for climbers from around the world. The property provides camping for a small fee and, during the peak season, showers and other facilities. Once you arrive at Miguel’s, answers to all your climbing questions can be answered. Partners can be found and a really good meal can be had. There is also Internet access and all the basic climbing gear, shoes and a wide variety of clothing to choose from.
2. Once you sample the good eats at Miguel’s, thumb through the guidebook and size up the other bands of roving dirtbag climbers and determine if you're not ready to go it alone in the Red--it’s a big place to tackle on your own. You can call Matt and Amy Tackett at Red River Outdoors to secure a real live human rock climbing guide. They can be reached at (859) 230-3567 or (606) 663-ROCK. More information about their guiding services, which also includes canoeing and kayaking, can be found at www.redriveroutdoors.com
3. Visit Muir Valley. This is a privately-owned climbing sanctuary owned by Rick and Liz Weber who have generously allowed climbers to enjoy their little piece of paradise. Climbers must sign a release form before climbing in Muir Valley and the form can be found online at www.muirvalley.com. More information pertaining to Muir Valley can also be found at that address, including a route guide of approximately 267 open routes.
4. Enjoy the national forest and surrounding tourist sites. The Red River Gorge Geological Area and Daniel Boone National Forest offer an unending amount of fun for the whole family. Campsites throughout the area offer a variety of atmospheres and rules. Cabin rentals are plentiful but can become a “no vacancy” situation very quickly through the peak season. The following web sites will offer information regarding camping, cabins and other attractions for every level of climber to enjoy.http://www.muirvalley.com/http://www.rrgcc.org/http://www.redriverclimbing.com/RRCGuide/http://www.redrivergorge.com/index.htmlhttp://www.naturalbridgecabinrental.com/http://www.sceniccabin.com/http://www.torrentfalls.com/
Tags: River Gorge, Muir Valley, Boone National, Boone National Forest, Climb River Gorge
