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By Ray Ellington and Dustin Stephens / Wolverine
The Red River Gorge of Kentucky is one of the most enjoyable places in the world to climb. The Red River and its many tributaries have carved dozens of secluded canyons into the hill country south of Lexington, creating a natural wonderland and exposing a ridiculous amount of rock. The cliffs of the Red feature over 3000 routes, from traditional cracks to modern sport climbs, 5.4 to 5.14. More than enough to go around! But what makes Red River Gorge climbing unique is the wildly featured Corbin sandstone. Simply put, it’s made to climb. The walls tend to be super-steep, but the holds are large and plentiful. You don’t have to climb 5.12 get on crazy-steep rock here! Of course, if harder sport climbs are your thing, there is a lifetime’s worth here. It is the most popular place on the eastern US to work your way up the grades.
This book, Volume 1 of a two-volume series (North and South), covers the crags located north of the Mountain Parkway (for the South, click here). This region includes some of the Red’s most classic, historic cliffs, such as Military Wall, Left Flank, Long Wall, and Funk Rock City. Don’t miss it!
