The Bluegrass State can impress when it comes to rock climbing. Bordered in the north by the Ohio River and in the west by the Mississippi River, much of Kentucky is in the Appalachian Mountains. All this makes for great climbing when you see the ridges and natural rock formations that dominate the horizon. Below are five cool rock climbing spots in the state that are well worth investigating. Rock on!
The Red River Gorge near Stanton, Kentucky, is located inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, and the 29,000-acre area was declared a geological area of significance and a world heritage site in 1975. The gorge, which is comprised of sandstone cliffs, rock walls, waterfalls, and natural stone bridges, is a rock climber’s dream and one of the most popular sites in the state and surrounding region. There are numerous hiking and backpacking trails in the gorge that range from easy to challenging, and the beautiful landscape provides stunning opportunities for photography. Red River Gorge is also a popular fishing area, and visitors should use caution and wear orange vests if visiting during hunting time. Overnight campers must obtain a permit, and there are certain areas where rock climbing is prohibited without prior permission, such as the Sky Bridge and Chimney Rock.
Whether you’re new to the sport of rock climbing or a seasoned climber, Torrent Falls is the perfect place for an adventure. Situated in the beautiful Red River Gorge near Campton, Kentucky, Torrent Falls uses a state-of-the-art method called Via Ferrata to guide and help climbers practice before venturing out on their own. With the ability to customize for individual use or groups, AMGA-certified guides will walk you through the basics of climbing and rappelling with the goal of improving the safety and enjoyment of your adventure. New climbers should make sure to wear comfortable clothing, but there is a shop on-site that carries items you may want to purchase.
Courthouse Rock near Stanton, Kentucky, is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest and offers spectacular autumn hiking and rock climbing opportunities. This 7.4-mile trail is rated moderately difficult for hiking and more challenging for climbing, especially without rope and harness help. You’ll see breathtaking views as you ascend up the steep cliff wall and there’s a large crack at the peak with amazing natural rock formations all around. Adding the Double Arch Trail is an added bonus, and the views from the top are unforgettable.
Clack Mountain, with an of elevation 1,312 feet, offers several great top-rope climbs in this part of Kentucky, each with a nice variety of challenge. The best time for climbing is in the fall, but since there are numerous places that are adjacent to private land, hikers and climbers need to stay on the marked trails. Climbing aspects sun details range anywhere from sandstone and sedimentary boulders with all-day sun to big wall climbing with all-day shade, depending on the section you climb. The part hosts an annual Living Archaeology Weekend every September that’s great for learning more about the history of the area and how Native Americans and early pioneers navigated the rugged landscape.
Beautiful Muir Valley Nature Preserve occupies approximately 360 acres of regal landscape that has earned it the name of the “crown jewel of the Red River Gorge.” The Valley is open to the public to enjoy even though it is privately owned, and there are many recreational uses of the area including hiking and rock climbing. Less known for his ability as a rock climber, it’s very fitting that the area is named after well-known conservationist, John Muir, who believed that nature should be protected for all to enjoy. Today’s rock climbers are still treated to the amazing waterfalls and breathtaking views that Muir was so many years ago. One of the things that make Muir Valley unique is that there are strategically placed practice anchors throughout the area that climbers can use to practice ascending the steep cliffs and crags found in the valley. There are several rock climbing
