Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is one of the world’s most popular climbing destinations. And with routes of nearly every grade on high-quality Corbin sandstone, it’s no surprise. 

The Red’s popularity also means it’s one of the most heavily impacted climbing areas in the country. Access Fund has a long history of working with the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition (RRGCC) and other local partners on stewardship, restoration, and education projects. But we recognized that stand-alone projects weren’t enough to protect this unique area. That’s why we launched the Red River Gorge Climbing Conservation Initiative last year with the support of the RRGCC, Muir Valley, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and climbers like you.

Thanks to your support, this is one of Access Fund’s most successful initiatives ever.

Launched in September 2023, our local Climber Stewards program provides place-based education that fosters a deeper connection to the Red for local and visiting climbers alike. Every weekend during peak fall and spring climbing seasons, stewards offered free wag bags, coffee, and information about local rules and regulations, as well as best practices to keep our crags open and safe.

Stewardship workshop participants. © Access Fund.

The following spring, the Access Fund Conservation Team went to work on major erosion issues at the Chaos Wall in the RRGCC-owned Miller Fork Recreational Preserve. They then shifted and completed a project at the popular Drive By crag. The team also hosted a technical trails stewardship workshop, teaching best practices for sustainable climbing areas to local and regional climbing advocates.

Meanwhile, our regional staff worked with the RRGCC to secure access to the Cliffview Recreational Preserve, opening access to more than 3.5 miles of new cliffline. And we are working together to launch a broader campaign urging Kentucky lawmakers to include rock climbing in the state’s powerful recreational use statute, which could help open many more areas to climbing.

As summer turns to fall, we’re getting ready to do it all over again. So if you’ll be in the Red this coming season, stop by and say “hi” to the Climber Stewards! And grab a cup of coffee while you’re there.

None of this work would have happened without your support. If you would like to keep supporting our work in the Red, make a gift today.

Ready to Support the Cause?

Donate today and join the largest climbing advocacy movement in the country, supporting conservation work and stewardship in the Red River Gorge and beyond.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to our lead sponsor: Roy and Barbara Adams Remainder Trust

Thanks to our supporting partners: Blue Ridge Charitable Trust, John Connor & The Climbing Stewards, Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition, Friends of Muir Valley, and Eye of the Red.

Thanks to our Climbers Stewards sponsors: Adidas Terrex, Alpine Start, YETI, SCARPA, GU, Liberty Mountain, Rab, Osprey, Mystery Ranch, and Hest.

Thanks to our Conservation Teams sponsors: Adidas Terrex, onX, Athletic Brewing, YETI, La Sportiva, GU, Liberty Mountain, Rab, Osprey, Mystery Ranch, HEST, Rocky Talkie, and Sterling Ropes.