Red River Gorge - Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

The Red River Gorge is also known as a popular destination for rock climbers, with numerous cliffs in the gorge itself and in the surrounding areas. The vast number of bolted routes in overhanging, pocketed sandstone draws climbers from all over the world to "the Red" as it is known. Climbing in the region tends to be done at large number of separate small cliffs. Most climbs are a single pitch and most cliffs are less than 200 feet (61 m) tall. There are numerous traditional and sport climbing routes in region;, although the latter seems to be more dominant. Many cliffs lay within Daniel Boone National Forest; however numerous important cliffs are located on private land and in two privately owned preserves created to allow climbing access:

1. Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve is a 750 acres (3.0 km2) preserve owned and maintained by Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition
2. Muir Valley, is a 400 acres (1.6 km2) nature preserve and rock climbing area owned and maintained by Rick and Liz Weber