The routes at Purple Valley are unique for the area and typically aesthetic in appearance and the way they climb. A few routes top out, and most are 50 feet or longer. While Purple is popular, it is not odd to be the only party at the cliff.
Getting There
Drive to the end of FS Rd. 9b. The trail is on the right just before the road ends. The trail comes out at the route Coffee Talk.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Purple Valley:
Climb pockets and ledges through 4 bolts to the chain anchors. The chains can be reachy if you clip them low on the climb....[more]Browse More Classics in KY
Sometimes the creek will come over the "bridge", in this case, park and hike the last few hundred feet up to the camping area and trail. In the fall of 2005 the Forest Service Road 9 was washed out and Andy Welter and I rode mountain bikes up to Purple Valley to climb. We weren't the only ones with that idea - another team was already there!
As of 5/08, the bridge over the creek is gated. You must park in the pull off just before the creek. To access the approach trail, continue on foot accross the creek. You will pass a marked trail on the right almost immediately after crossing the creek. Keep going and take the next trail to the right about 100 ft further. It's well worn once you cross the small meadow and start uphill.
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