Description
If you ask somebody about rock climbing in Kentucky you are going to hear about the Red River Gorge. It is considered the climbing mecca of Kentucky. Anyone who climbs on a regular basis has heard of the place and most have visited it at least once and many have made it their area of choice for every trip.
The Red River Gorge has every type of climbing you can imagine for every skill level from beginner sport to extreme trad. The only thing lacking is the ability to setup topropes without leading the routes.
Many of the crags require pretty hefty uphill and lengthy hikes so be prepared. This is an extremely popular area, so expect crowds at the easier accessed crags.
I highly recommend having an area guidebook even if it's your first and possibly only trip. Otherwise, try to setup a trip with somebody who knows the area and can act as your guide. The reason is, unless you know the area, you will end up spending your day driving, hiking, and searching, instead of climbing.
Location
Facilities
Everything you need is in the area. Slade is the center of general activity with food, gas and whatever else you may need. Miguel's Pizza has become the heart of the climbing scene at the gorge due to it's climbers only campground for just $2/person. Their pizza is legendary and so is the hospitality among climbers. This is truely the place to be after a hard day of climbing some world famous sandstone.