Kentucky · Rock climbing · Blue Heron

Downstream Area

Downstream Area in Kentucky has 10 climbing routes across 8 grades.

10 routes
5.8 – 5.11c
Sport · Trad

Is Downstream Area open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Daniel Boone National Forest. It doesn't name Downstream Area, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Daniel Boone National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Downstream Area

Best months: March–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    45° / 24°

    11 wet

  2. Feb

    49° / 26°

    10 wet

  3. Mar

    59° / 33°

    10 wet

  4. Apr

    69° / 41°

    10 wet

  5. May

    77° / 51°

    11 wet

  6. Jun

    82° / 59°

    10 wet

  7. Jul

    85° / 63°

    10 wet

  8. Aug

    85° / 62°

    8 wet

  9. Sep

    79° / 54°

    7 wet

  10. Oct

    69° / 41°

    8 wet

  11. Nov

    57° / 32°

    8 wet

  12. Dec

    48° / 27°

    11 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Stearns 2s, KY, 3.6 mi away at 1,220 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Downstream Area is a climbing area in Kentucky's Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, within the Stearns Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest. The land is managed by the State Department of Conservation and lies along the Big South Fork Wild River, a few miles from the small cluster of named climbing areas and trails that sit within easy reach of the river corridor. The area is a mix of sport and trad climbing, with 10 routes in all. The grades run from 5.8 up to 5.11c, so there is a range of options for climbers of different abilities. Among the stands out are Route du Jour, a 5.10a sport route, and Winter Solstice, a 5.10d sport route. The trad side includes Crack The Keg at 5.9 and The Geothermal Jig at 5.10a. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 69°F, while July and August climb to about 85°F. Several climbing areas are right next door, including Upstream Routes and Blue Heron, both about 0.1 mile away. The Kentucky Trail (Segment C) starts about 0.3 mile off, and Blue Heron Campground is roughly 1.5 miles away for an overnight stay.

Routes (10)

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