Kentucky · Rock climbing · Stanton

Northern Gorge

Northern Gorge in Kentucky has 70 climbing routes across 32 grades, offering bouldering, sport, and trad.

70 routes
5.2 – 5.12c
Trad · Bouldering · Mixed

Is Northern Gorge open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Daniel Boone National Forest. It doesn't name Northern Gorge, 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 Northern Gorge

Best months: June and August–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

    42° / 23°

    13 wet

  2. Feb

    47° / 26°

    13 wet

  3. Mar

    56° / 33°

    14 wet

  4. Apr

    67° / 42°

    13 wet

  5. May

    75° / 52°

    13 wet

  6. Jun

    82° / 60°

    12 wet

  7. Jul

    84° / 64°

    13 wet

  8. Aug

    83° / 63°

    11 wet

  9. Sep

    79° / 56°

    9 wet

  10. Oct

    69° / 43°

    11 wet

  11. Nov

    57° / 34°

    11 wet

  12. Dec

    46° / 28°

    13 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Stanton 2w, KY, 13.5 mi away at 720 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Northern Gorge is a climbing area in Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest, within the Cumberland Ranger District and along the Red, Kentucky Wild and Scenic River. The nearest town is Slade, about 4 miles away, and the Forest Service manages the land. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 75°F and October highs around 69°F, with September and October seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Several other climbing areas sit close by, including Fortress Wall about half a mile away and Phantasia and Long Wall within a mile. Raven Rock Trail is also nearby for a hike.

Routes (70)

Lower Sky Bridge Ridge(1)

Jack the Ripper5.11c

Middle Rock(1)

Keyhole Route5.3

Minas Tirith(1)

Minas Tirith5.9-

Pinch Em Tight(1)

Duke's Day5.6

Raven Rock(1)

Nevermore5.9+

Rough Trail(1)

Day's 5.95.9

South Rock(1)

South Ridge4th

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