Photo: Joe Segreti (@joe_segreti)

RRGCC completes historic purchase of 718 acres of former Ashland Wildlife Management Area

Beattyville, KY (February 17, 2025) – Following a decade of partnership building, negotiation, and fundraising, the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition (RRGCC) is ecstatic to announce a historic 718-acre acquisition as part of the larger sale of Ashland’s former Wildlife Management Area in Lee County, KY. The $1.7 million purchase conserves a massive swath of land in the Cave Fork region while also adding several tracts contiguous with the existing Miller Fork (MFRP) and Pendergrass-Murray (PMRP) recreational preserves. This serves as the largest land acquisition of its kind ever completed by a local climbing organization in the United States. “This success highlights the powerful role the climbing community can play in broader conservation efforts, especially in the Appalachian Region” says Access Fund’s Eastern Regional Director, Daniel Dunn. “Rock climbing is a major draw in eastern Kentucky, and thanks to the RRGCC, the opportunities will continue to expand and the climbing environment will be protected.”

Cave Fork Recreational Preserve (CFRP) is established as RRGCC’s fourth major property at 582 acres, while MFRP grows to 418 acres and PMRP bumps up to 727 acres. Over 14 miles of largely undeveloped cliff line meander through the property, hosting a handful of existing climbing areas along with opportunity for many more. The collection of high-quality crags in the Hell Creek drainage — Monster Wall, Devil’s Kitchen, Outer Space, & Corn Flake — add to MFRP’s already world-renowned rock climbing. Two-wheel drive cars across the region can share in the excitement too as a new parking option has been secured on the ridge above Miller Fork to provide a more accessible trailhead for the area. Additionally, two tracts neighbor the Coal Bank portion of PMRP and a parcel at the tip of Sore Heel hollow confirms access to the entirety of Purgatory & North 40, two of PMRP’s flagship crags.

On top of climbing potential, the land holds an immense conservation value and increases that of RRGCC’s existing properties. Preserving incredibly important habitat for threatened species such as Virginia big-eared bats, Indiana bats, and the Kentucky arrow darter. Field Supervisor at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Kentucky Field Office, Lee Andrews states, “We are happy that [RRGCC] purchased the land that surrounds a portion of Hell Creek that contains the federally-threatened Kentucky arrow darter (Etheostoma spilotum) and designated critical habitat for the species. This species only occurs in the upper Kentucky River watershed and its populations are disconnected from each other, making protection of each population very important.”

Now you might be thinking, $1.7 million is a lot of money, how could a small non-profit like RRGCC manage that? It would have been impossible to do it alone. USFWS Kentucky Field Office and Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) provided $350,000 from the Imperiled Bat Conservation Fund to further the conservation of critical habitat in the Hell Creek corridor. On top of that, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) granted RRGCC $600,000 through their Community Forest Program in a partnership to create a 570-acre community forest as part of the acquisition. The down payment of $110,000 was paid from RRGCC reserves, built over time by its generous donor base through memberships and event revenue. To cover the difference of the purchase cost, RRGCC secured private loans from an anonymous donor and Jordan Wood, who is “proud to support [the RRGCC]” as a longtime climber himself. Pointing out “recent closures and drastic changes in public land management policy have underscored the importance of [the Coalition’s] efforts in securing lasting access to the unique and incredible climbing in the Red.” Additionally, the James Graham Brown Foundation (JGBF) in Louisville has awarded RRGCC with a $500,000 grant. This generous contribution highlights JGBF’s commitment to supporting transformative initiatives, and RRGCC is deeply grateful for the foundation’s partnership in advancing this critical effort.

What’s next? Well this is where you come in. Paying off $100,000 in loans and investing another $100,000 to build out property infrastructure is quite the project. Our friends over at Black Diamond Equipment decided to kickstart our fundraising campaign — donating over $11,000 of product in incentives for donors. “Black Diamond is committed to climbing. That commitment comes in ways of support for great organizations like the RRGCC and all the work they do to perpetuate climbing in the world class destination of the Red River Gorge,” says Black Diamond’s Director of Sports Marketing, Adam Peters. “As they continue to lead the way in land acquisition, stewardship and relationships with land managers, we value their leadership in these areas and want to support in whatever way we can.” RRGCC has a goal to raise $150,000 in order to pay off its loans and install an initial wave of infrastructure immediately. RRGCC is now calling on the community to show its support for this historical purchase by donating at rrgcc.networkforgood.com/projects/246604-ashland.

RRGCC wants to extend a final thank you to all of its incredible partners — USFS, USFWS, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, James Graham Brown Foundation, Jordan Wood, our anonymous donor, Black Diamond Equipment, Ian Teal Real Estate, the Ventura Family, Access Fund, and the primary architect behind the entire deal — longtime RRGCC BOD member, Jereme Ransick.

More information, including trail and route development frameworks, will be forthcoming on social media and rrgcc.org/ashland as the RRGCC develops and implements its infrastructure plans.

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As we reflect on the year so far, I am proud and grateful for all we’ve accomplished. We continue to focus on our mission and it’s the unwavering support from the community that fuels our progress. In recent months, we have seen significant progress in various aspects. This includes acquiring the recreational easement at CRP, completing numerous projects at JATD, and observing a rise in volunteer participation. During the last quarter, RRGCC has embraced new challenges by engaging with legislators to advocate for increased protection and security for private landowners who want to allow public access to their cliffline. The RRGCC is working hard to make this year’s Rocktoberfest even more spectacular. We can’t wait to celebrate with you this October. I’m excited to share more of the latest updates with you, highlighting the impactful work our community makes possible.

-Jake Ellis

RRGCC BOD President

Your support plays a vital role in protecting the land!

ROCKTOBERFEST: Oct. 9-13

Rocktoberfest tickets are now on the loose! Grab your gear and get ready for an adventure at this year’s best climbing festival. This year’s shindig swings into action on Wednesday with an exclusive panel of pro climbers. We’re upping the ante with a disc golf showdown on Thursday and rolling your Friday to Sunday admission and camping into one neat package so you don’t have to purchase a ticket for each day.

Check out our website for the full schedule, list of clinics, and meet-ups. Can’t wait to see you there!

Register Here

Despite the heat, we got a lot done at JATD

WHIP ROCKING Access Fund’s Conservation Team member, Erynn, continued work on the Drive-By stabilization project around Whip Stocking. Rock was collected, placed, and staged for retaining walls and stair systems that will continue to be assembled to rebuild the belay bases and staging areas that have seen excessive erosion over the last two decades.

NOBODY CARES A rock retaining wall and set of access stairs were built under the popular moderate route, ‘Nobody Cares,’ to prevent further erosion of the slope that it begins from.

BRONAUGH’S LANDSCAPING CREW (II) The multi-year project of stabilizing the large slope beneath the right side of Bronaugh Wall kept chugging along with help from Dylan & Christian from the Muir Valley Trail Crew. A new retaining wall and junk wall were added to the existing rock structures, providing a more sustainable base beneath ‘Belly of the Beast’ and surrounding routes.

GREEN TEAM Annual trail maintenance and clearing was carried out across RRGCC’s three properties, including fallen tree cutting at Secret Garden, weed whacking in major parking lots, and brush clearing along popular and overgrown trails.

Huge shoutout to our trail leaders, sponsors, and everyone who came out to help! Our world-class climbing destination got even better overnight because of these dedicated volunteers

ACCESS FUND CONSERVATION TEAM  

CHAOS As you may have read in the JATD update, Chaos got itself a MAJOR makeover. Access Fund Conservation Teams and RRGCC staff hauled and placed tens of thousands of pounds of rock to assemble two stair systems, a French drain, multiple retaining walls, and an equivalent number of junk walls. The belay area at the crag is now absolutely bomb-proof from ‘Swamp Gator’ up to ‘Live with a Curse.’

DRIVE-BY While this project is still ongoing, some serious headway was made by the Access Fund Conservation Teams and our small crew of stoked climbers who showed up to our Trail Skills Workshop. The Drive-By stabilization project is centered around the ‘Whip Stocking’ area. Another small mountain of rock was collected & placed for retaining walls and stair systems used to rebuild the belay bases and staging areas that have seen excessive erosion over the last two decades. The approach trail also received some love in the form of regrading and check-stepping to reduce the grade and erosion.

Take a gander at these rock structures for yourself next time you are at Chaos or Drive-By and buy Loryn, Kyle, Jeff, & Erynn a beer next time you see them in the wild!

• Indian Creek Clean up with the Forest Service on November 3rd Contact Curtis Rogers, [email protected], if you are interested.

• ROCKTOBERFEST- We are still in need of many volunteers, especially for traffic control and registration. VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS This year, we are doing an all-in-one ticket for access to Rocktoberfest events and camping. What does this mean for your volunteer shift(s) and admission into the event? If you volunteer for one shift, you will get 50% off admission. If you volunteer for two shifts, you get FREE admission into the event! Volunteers do not need to purchase a general admission and camping ticket online.

PROTECTING ACCESS IS AT THE HEART OF THE RRGCC

We’ve got the green light on a new recreational easement!

We are still riding high over this win! The RRGCC recently acquired a recreational easement at Cliffview Resort. Read the full press release HERE.  To find out more about the property and for the latest updates head over to the web page https://rrgcc.org/crp/

WORKING TO PROTECT OPEN ACCESS

The RRGCC’s work to amend Kentucky’s Recreational Use Statute has garnered a lot of media attention recently. Thanks to Louisville Public Media’s Justin Hicks for bushwhacking out to a crag to cover this important issue. You can find the stories at the links below:

https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/rock-climbers-hoping-for-recreational-use-statute-expansion

https://www.si.com/onsi/adventure/mountaineering-feed-page/kentucky-climbers-advocate-for-law-to-boost-rock-climbing

https://www.lpm.org/news/2024-08-13/kentucky-rock-climbers-want-state-law-to-help-them-get-on-private-cliffs

https://www.npr.org/2024/08/13/nx-s1-5068559/kentucky-moves-to-expand-a-state-law-to-make-it-easier-to-rock-climb-on-private-land

RRGCC board members will be meeting with state lawmakers in the coming weeks to push this forward and hopefully have climbing added to the Recreational Use Statute in 2025. 

SHOUTOUT to DAMON VAUGHAN

 Damon is a new volunteer to the RRGCC. He just recently moved to Lexington where he teaches in the Forestry Department at the University of Kentucky. Damon first volunteered to help at the Indian Creek cleanup in June and since has shown up in a big way! He helped at JATD, MadTree Summer Trail Days, and has offered his help and knowledge by joining the Conservation and Stewardship Committee.

   Climbing pretty much ran Damon’s life for the better part of the 00’s and 10’s, when he started climbing outside. He first came to the Red in March 2007. Over the next several years, Damon came back to visit various times, including road trips from Colorado and even an international trip while I was living in Costa Rica.

   Damon is psyched to be near the Red, but is battling a stubborn shoulder injury so hasn’t been climbing as much as he would like. “Climbing has always been a huge part of my life so I was looking for ways to be involved. Ironically, all the heavy rock lifting and trail work is probably harder on my shoulder than climbing would be, but it’s been fun anyways”.

SHOUTOUT to RACHAEL ELLIS

Rachael Ellis has been nominated for this quarter’s volunteer spotlight for her work preparing for and leading the management of volunteers during Rocktoberfest. Rachael has been hard at work over the last several years improving the experience of the 100+ volunteers that choose to donate their time and energy to ensure the event is successful. Rachael joined the RRGCC events committee in 2020. Since then, she has played a major role in the organization and execution of all of our events. Rachael said, “I’m a big believer in leaving the world a little better than when you found it. By volunteering for the RRGCC, I feel like I can do just that. The RRGCC’s mission and vision is something I am passionate about, and it is easy to get behind and to support. No matter how big or small my volunteer job, I know I am making an impact today and in the future.”  Thank you for all of your hard work, Rachael, our events are better because of you!!

Rock L8

The RRGCC got the chance to take out two students from Lee County for their first outdoor climbing trip this Summer! Big thanks to Bluegrass Climbing School, Tara DeCamp, Curtis Rogers, and Audrey Sniezek for making this happen. Tara and Audrey have worked with the climbing group at the Lee County Rec Center for quite some time and we were thrilled to get some of those students out on real rock. We anticipate that this will be the first of many trips taking out local students from Lee County to introduce them to outdoor climbing and to show them just how amazing their hometown really is

2024 Rocktoberfest Scholarship

We are offering scholarships again this year for Rocktoberfest. The application can be found here: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzSPxNbPMGTOxhLRhD3nmNnSEUhAqmTTWz5bkAaViAcDtHiA/viewform?usp=sharing

Rocktoberfest Meet Up!

Who is this for? Any LGBTQIA2S+ climbers who want to climb, chat, and hang with others in the queer climbing community. All experience levels are welcome; proficiency in top rope belay skills is recommended. Description: Come as you are to this meetup that celebrates a collective love for climbing, community, and self. Spend the day with other LGBTQIA2S+ climbers and explore the Red’s easy and moderate routes. This clinic is open to anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ or questioning and will be accompanied by two allies, serving as clinic marshals.

Sponsored by Queer Climbing Columbus and RRGCC

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We are excited to share that the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition Incorporated (RRGCC) has collaborated with Cliffview Resort and Lodge LLC to obtain a recreational easement for access to the cliff faces at Cliffview Recreational Preserve, ensuring increased public access to climbing opportunities for future generations.

The easement covers an area with over 30 cliff faces totaling over 3.5 miles of cliff line. It allows for a 20-foot access easement above the cliff face for route development and maintenance, and 40 feet below the cliff face for climbing and belaying.

In late 2020, Ian Teal, owner of Cliffview Resort & Lodge, contacted the RRGCC to discuss the possibility of donating land.  Over the course of several meetings with Ian, RRGCC Access & Acquisitions Committee members, Jonathan Bruns and Jereme Ransick, learned he desired to open his property below the cliff line to various recreational activities, such as climbing, mountain biking, hiking and a nature center, to complement the cabins he would be building on top of the ridge. RRGCC proposed a unique Cliff Face Climbing Easement which would provide public access for rock climbing to specific cliff faces in Cliffview.  This unique solution ensures permanent climbing access for the public while allowing Cliffview Resort & Lodge to develop the property for other recreational and business purposes.

“Located in the heart of the southern region of Red River Gorge, this cliff face easement provides a wonderful new opportunity for rock climbing without the full cost and burdens of land acquisition and ownership.  It strikes a balance between permanent public climbing access and the land owner’s right to use, develop, and enjoy their land.” – Jereme Ransick RRGCC Board Member & Access & Acquisitions Committee Chair

“Securing this recreation easement has been an excellent opportunity for the RRGCC to open access to additional rock climbing and recreation in a different capacity than purchasing property outright. This easement allows for shared land management responsibilities and the ability for the RRGCC’s Board and Staff to continue focusing resources on other projects as well. It also sets a solid foundation for future talks with other landowners in the area who may be interested in opening their properties for rock climbing.” – Billy Simek RRGCC Executive Director

This area is projected to open to the public, in the fall of 2025. Currently the RRGCC is supporting volunteers / climbers in the community with their efforts to develop routes by providing property waivers as well as guidance on accessing the property and obtaining free hardware. Once routes are established, the RRGCC will work with Cliffview Resort and Lodge to create infrastructure. If you have experience and want to develop routes in the Cliffview Recreational Preserve, please visit https://www.rrgcc.org/crp.  

We would like to thank Ian Teal, Jereme Ransick, Jonathan Bruns, Michael Bond, Michael Hargis, Brian Ogawa, Curtis Rogers, Van Wamwell and the RRGCC Access Committee for all their time and hard work in making this agreement happen.

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2024 IS IN FULL SWING

It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through 2024 already! The RRGCC staff and volunteers have been extremely diligent in completing our many trail days, organizing events, updating the membership program, applying for grants, and much more that often goes unnoticed. And the fun is just getting started! With JATD, Rocktoberfest, and many other exciting achievements on the horizon, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we also have much to look forward to. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers, and supporters for bolstering our efforts and giving back to the community!   

-Jake Ellis
RRGCC BOD President

Your membership plays a vital role in the stewardship of the land!

Become A Member

*RRGCC PROPERTY RULES UPDATE*

All pets must be leashed on all RRGCC property, PMRP, BRRP, MFRP, and Foxtown.
The RRGCC’s mission is to secure and protect open, public access to rock climbing in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky and promote environmental conservation on the lands where we climb.

2024 COMPLETED PROJECTS:

Chica Bonita: The Ohio State University roughed in the connector trail over to Cheaper Than a Movie, finished the approach trail to come into the middle of the rock house, and started an additional terrace layer below Cheaper Than a Movie. 
The Monastery: Following the American Chestnut Foundation’s recommendations for planting, eight All-American Chestnut trees were planted by Audrey Gale-Dyer at the Monastery. The American Chestnut Foundation is hoping these trees will be blight-resistant. So far, the trees are thriving.
Secret Garden: The rock terrace under Secret Garden slabs and the spur trail on the right side was finished by the Access Fund during their staff retreat.
Monastery: Multiple layers of terracing under the 5.10s at Monastery were put in by Mosaic climbing
Nursery: Rock work building a new terrace layer at the Nursery was done by UC Mountaineering Club 
Unlode: MadTree Brewing cut a new connector trail 
Additions to the Office, Nursery, Flat Hollow were completed with our EKU intern

2024 FUTURE PROJECTS:

See all projects for JATD here: https://rrgcc.org/johnny-alex-trail-day/

June 2 – Forest Service CleanupThis year the RRGCC is working with the Forest Service to do two cleanups in the Indian Creek area of the North Gorge. These cleanups will take place on June 2nd and November 3rd. If you would like to sign up for these cleanups, email Curtis at [email protected]
June 6-9 – Trail Skills WorkshopAccess Fund Conservation Team will be leading a Trails Skills Workshop in RRG.The AF Team will be leading participants on how to identify solutions to address major use patterns and mitigate climber impacts through the use of dry-stone masonry and volunteer resources.TRAIL SKILLS WORKSHOP
Multiple Dates in June Adopt-A-Crag with the Access FundThe team will work on improving the staging areas at Chaos in the Miller Fork Recreational Preserve. We will need help with quarrying stone and bringing it to the worksite to build retaining structures at the base of the cliff. Adopt-A-Crag
July 13, Aug. 10,  and Aug 31,  MadTree Summer Trail SeriesThat’s right, nothing better than a tasty beer and a full belly after a hard days work. MadTree is sponsoring 3 RRGCC trail days. Coffee and donuts to start the day and beer and dinner at Hop’s to end it. That’s good day. Sign up here:  MADTREE SUMMER TRAIL SERIES

Climber Stewards

In March, we announced the launch of the spring Red River Gorge Climber Stewards by welcoming Chris and Greta! Chris and Greta have hosted crag chats and handed out free coffee every weekend since the start of April but their term recently ended on June 2nd. We hope everyone was able to meet them and benefit from their intimate knowledge of the Red River Gorge! Thank you Chris and Greta for being here and thank you Access Fund for partnering with us!

Events Recap

RIAD

We’re super pumped about this year’s Red In A Day. Only in its second year, this competition is taking off! We had more sponsors, prizes, competitors, and it all went off without a hitch! Congrats to all that competed. Winner highlights: SPEED RECORD: With an impressive 2hrs 53 min, team Crag Sluts crushed lasted year’s time of 3:41 #SPONSORED: Winning overall points, team Muffin Men, climbing 20 5.12’s, 2 5.13’s, and the rest 5.11 SLAYDIES: The women making up team Onion Googles were on fire, but their eyes were not!. TRAD DADS: These guys were on a mission completing all 31 trad pitches. Congrats Fixed Nuts!  DOLT RUN: Team Pleiad did 4 5.13s as part of their 11 Dolt Run pitches PADAWANS: Won by team 5.15 Fiends. Watch out for these talented youngsters! STONE MASTERS: Won by FlatLander on Walls Can’t win if you don’t show up. Way to show up and finish 31 pitches! BEST DRESSED: (Or least dressed) Winners Sloppy Thongs. You can imagine. CHOSSANEERS: Climbing the 31 of the lowest rated routs in the red, chasing choss, good work, team REDACTED

SPRING SEND CELEBRATION

The RRGCC partnered with West Sixth  for a month long celebration. RRGCC was West Sixth’s Sixth for a Cause partner for the month of May. We kicked things off with a makers market at West Sixth Farm sponsored by Quest Outdoors. All month long West Sixth made a donation to the RRGCC for every Skybridge Pale Ale sold. On May 30th we closed the month with a doubble feature movie night, showing THE ILLNESS and GONE TOMORROW by Mike Wilkinson. Thanks so much to all that came out!

PROTECTING ACCESS IS AT THE HEART OF THE RRGCC

Working with DBNF

Long standing, good relationships, take work. Working with DBNFLong standing, good relationships, take work. The RRGCC started in 1996 with climbers coming together and working with the Forest Service to keep climbing open. That relationship continues to grow today.  RRGCC BOD members have an on going bi-weekly meeting with members of the  DBNF to address issues and ways to work together. Recently ED Billy Simek, BOD member Curtis Rogers, and volunteer Mike Wilkinson did a cleanup of Hens Nest, an area in the North gorge. Relationship with FS is all about maintaining good standing with the landowners of the Forest, which includes a ton of climbing areas. This also shows that climbers are good stewards and a favorable user group, which we hope to benefit projects down the line with possible infrastructure and access improvements.

Access Secured!

A win for climbing access!  If you haven’t heard, the Ventura family purchased the Beer Trailer property, and access to climbing at the Beer Trailer will remain open!Working to open public accessThe process for increasing public access to climbing is sometimes years and even decades in the making. A lot of works goes into building relationships with private land owners and community partners. Acres of land need to be hiked and photographed, land needs to be measured and surveyed. Deeds in this area are old and can be unclear or have conflicting information. All of this takes a lot of time and phone calls and inperson meetings. While nothing is guaranteed until the legal documents are signed, the Access Committee is in the final stages of establishing a recreational access easement from a private landowner to open over 100 acres to new route development and eventual public climbing access. 

Not an RRGCC Member?

Membership

Grants and Fundraising

The RRGCC is always looking for grants and fundraising opportunities. These grants range from land management and environmental clean up to education and outreach. This year we have applied for Access Fund’s JEDI grant, USDA Community Forest Program Grant, and others. Recently the RRGCC applied for the Kentucky Waterways Alliance Watershed Grant with the hopes of receiving funds to assist with controlling erosion and improving the water quality of Hell Creek. Unfortunately, we did not win this grant, but the committees are hard at work looking for additional opportunities!

SHOUTOUT to MIKE BOND

After cutting his teeth climbing and developing routes in Red Rock while living and working in Las Vegas, Mike quit his job and moved to Kentucky to enjoy the steep Corbin Sandstone.  Mike quickly got involved with the local climbing community and served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of Friends of Muir Valley.  Mike is now helping out the RRGCC the Access & Acquisitions Committee helping navigate potential land acquisitions as well as bolting and route development best practices. Thank you for all the work you do Mike!

SHOUTOUT to AUDREY GALE-DYER

Audrey was nominated for her continued support and dedication to the RRGCC! Audrey has been a large part in many RRGCC land management efforts, which go back many years and an Access Fund Advocacy Award. So, there is no surprise that she was nominated for a volunteer spotlight, however most recently she acquired and planted eight All-American Chestnut trees at the Monastery crag to promote native plant species in the area and provide structure to the soil  Thank you, Audrey!

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Goodbye, 2023. Hello, 2024!

Welcome all new members! With the new year upon us, the RRGCC is already hard at work for you and the community!  With your donations and volunteer hours, we were able to accomplish a lot in 2023! With your continued support, we know 2024 will be just as good! 

This is a leap year which means an extra day to climb and donate!

Donate

THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS!

   In 2023, we saw a growth in our membership program, RIAD was created, Rocktoberfest was better than ever, and our community garnered support for potential access acquisitions. It was a great year for the RRGCC, so let’s look at some of our most important purchases that we made in 2023.

• Due to another outstanding year, we were able to provide our Executive Director with a well deserved increase in compensation. Thank you for all that you do, Billy!
• We were lucky enough to send our Executive Director to Bentonville, Arkansas for the Access Fund conference
• To improve access to our properties, we needed to make more space for our growing community. We spent thousands of dollars to expand the parking capacity in our parking lots in MFRP and BRRP!
• To perform our due diligence on potential access acquisitions such as the Ashland property, we spent funds on employee surveyors and attorneys to ensure that we are doing what is best for our community

We’re making some changes to the website. Let us know what you think! [email protected]

RIAD is back!

Red in a Day (RIAD) is an endurance climbing competition modeled after the famous Nose in a Day ascent of El Capitan. April 12th -13th, pair up with your best climbing partner and get ready to take on 31 pitches of the Red’s finest Corbin sandstone! Kickoff at Redpoint Barbecue and Miguel’s Pizza will close things down with awards, raffles, & other festivities from our sponsors! All proceeds benefit the RRGCC. More info:https://rrgcc.org/redriverreunion/

More Events 

• March 28- Reel Rock 18 at Madtree Brewery Get Your Tickets 
• May 5, 2024 – Halfway to Rocktoberfest at West Sixth Farm 
• June 22, 2024 – JATD
• October 10-13 – Rocktoberfest 2024
• Queen city comp schedule – https://www.climbcincy.com/queen-city-circuit 

2024 Open Meeting

If you missed our open open meeting you can find it at RRGCC YOUTUBE

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Want to give back to the community you love? If you are interested in working a fundraising event, doing trail work, crag clean up, whatever your passion, or talent, we can find a place for it. Please email  [email protected]. We will get you connected with the upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Be on the lookout for Johnny and Alex Trail Day (JATD) sign ups! June 22, 2024 Announcement on social media coming soon.

Seasonal Raptor Closures

Please be mindful of the local wildlife when climbing this spring. Seasonal raptor closings are in effect for the following routes:

• Gallows March
• New route under development
• Grave Digger

There is a pair of nesting barred owls on a ledge where these routes intersect so please respect them and avoid these climbs.

Report trail issues:

Is there unexpected water runoff?⁠ Has part of a bridge broken?⁠ Has a tree fallen into the trail?⁠

You can now report any trail issue on RRGCC⁠ property through our website and social media.⁠

Go online to:⁠https://rrgcc.org/report-trail-issues/  -OR- Go to our IG bio and hit the link Report Trail Issues⁠

JOIN THE RRGCC AND HELP PROTECT CLIMBING 

Your contribution goes to protecting and conserving climbing areas in Red River Gorge. Yeah, that’s BIG but, your donation doesn’t have to be. Give a one-time donation or become a monthly member and donate just $5 a month.

Meet Our New Board Members

I am Anjel (with a J). I like rocks and stuff. I am not from Kentucky, but I have been climbing in the Red off and on for the last 23 years. Climbing gives me a feeling of freedom and release from the pressures and stress that every day life brings. Being at the top of a wall or mountain and looking down at everything puts life into perspective for me. Climbing does so much for me in my life that I want to be able to give back to the community and hopefully give others what I receive from it. I’ve been a volunteer on committees for the last 2 years and volunteering at Rocktoberfest for the better part of a decade. I’m excited to see how we grow and I hope to catch you all at future RRGCC Events. If you see me, come say hi!

Cole is a resident of Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati, OH with his wife and two kids. For Cole climbing hasn’t stopped since college, though like most it has ebbed and flowed. Mountain biking, coffee roasting, and home/cabin construction projects are the highlights when not thinking about his kids or climbing. He has worked in the environmental compliance/remediation industry since finishing his graduate program at the University of Kentucky. Cole joined the BOD to continue being a steward for an area he loves, so that it can be there for future generations to enjoy.

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