Rock Climbing
Over the last 5 to 10 years there has been a dramatic increase of climbers in the area. In the Red River Gorge/Slade area there are three hotspot climbing locations including, The Red River Gorge Geological Area, Meir Valley, and the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. For a full online guide of rock climbing routes visit redriverclimbing.com. For a list of most popular climbs in all the below areas visit www.redrivergorgeclimbing.com. You can also check out the gorge guidebooks “Red River Gorge North” & “Red River Gorge South” by Ray Ellington sold by wolverine publishing and many local outdoor stores.
Red River Gorge
The Daniel Boone National Forest has climbing in many different locations across the Red River Gorge, some places of note are Military Wall and Left Flank wall which are both accessed from the Martin’s Fork parking area.
Muir Valley Nature Preserve
Muir Valley Nature Preserve is a privately owned rock climbing destination which holds approximately 500 routes on 450 acres of land. Muir Valley is open to the public year round free of charge but is supported by donations and does require all visitors to sign a waiver which can be found at their website www.muirvalley.com or at a kiosk in their parking lot.
Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve
The Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve is another privately owned rock climbing location which is located closer to Beattyville, KY. It holds approximately 600 routes on 750 acres with a large variety of climbing grades for all levels. The Pendergrass property is owned by the Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition which keeps the property open to the public free of charge year round but, is also funded by donations and, requires all visitors to sign a waiver at www.rrgc.org
Miller Fork Recreational Preserve
In June 2013, The Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition (RRGCC) with the help from Access Fund, purchased 309 more acres in Beattyville/Lee County, Kentucky. Named the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve, the land includes several miles of cliff line, some of which has been developed but with the vast majority of it awaiting discovery and development. There is potential for more than a dozen individual crags and hundreds of high-quality routes. The Miller Fork Recreational Preserve is located just seven miles from the popular Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP) climbing destination in Lee County, Kentucky. The Miller Fork acquisition creates a brand new destination for climbers in the region, helping to relieve the access pressures and climber impacts on other crags in the Red River Gorge. www.rrgcc.org
Southeast Mountain Guides
Looking for fun in high adventure activities? Try rock climbing in the Red River Gorge, Ky. In a horseshoe-shaped canyon, they host the first Via Ferrata in the United States. Via Ferrata is a climbing system that aids the climber by cables, and hand and foot rungs. It has been thoroughly enjoyed by Boy Scouts and families. If one is looking for more challenge, then check out their guided climbing and/or rappelling. These are specialized classes that offer participants the chance to learn climbing and rappelling skills from an AMGA certified guide. Visit their website.
1617 N KY 11
Campton KY 41301
(606) 668-6613
www.southeastmountainguides.com
1617 N KY 11
Campton KY 41301
(606) 668-6613
www.southeastmountainguides.com
Red River Outdoors
A family owned and operated business and love the area we live in. We have combined our love for the outdoors with the convenience of cabin rentals and private camping. Red River Outdoors can take care of your vacation needs by offering many outdoor activities including a rock climbing guide service, canoeing/kayaking and coming soon….tree climbing! We also offer cabin rentals and private camping (coming soon) for an unforgettable escape. Visit their website.
Kentucky Rock & Adventure Guides
For those new to the sport, this course aims to provide participants with plenty of climb time. Introductory skills will be taught allowing you to take an active role in your climbing experience. Learn Common knots, Equipment usage, Climbing technique and tips, Belay technique, Climbing commands, Terminology, Grading system, Become comfortable with basic climbing setups, and Leave No Trace climbing principles. Visit their website.
The Rock Domain
The Rock Domain is a new rock climbing, hiking, and camping area at the Cathedral Domain in Lee County. The Rock Domain boasts over 180 professionally bolted climbing routes raging from novice (5.4 routes) to world class (5.13 routes). A central parking and information area with access to trail heads means easy access to the climbing and hiking areas. The Rock Domain is located on Highway 1746, Irvine Kentucky. Turn off Highway 52 at the Cathedral Domain sign, drive up the hill, and follow the signs to the parking area. For more information visit www.cathedraldomain.org, or call (606) 464-8258.