Kentucky · Rock climbing · Blue Heron

Upstream Routes

9 climbing routes in Kentucky with sport and trad options.

9 routes
5.8 – 5.11d
Trad · Sport

Is Upstream Routes open right now?

Closure in the area

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

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.

Upstream Routes 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. It sits along the Big South Fork Wild River, on land managed by the State Department of Conservation. The climbing is centered around a cluster of routes, with several others just a short distance away. Downstream Area and Blue Heron are both about 0.1 mile from Upstream Routes, and Springfield is about 0.2 mile away. The route count here is 9, with a mix of trad and sport styles. The grades run from 5.8 to 5.11d, and the hardest is Morpheus, a sport route at 5.11d. Sabre Dance is a sport route at 5.10+. For timing, late spring and early fall are the most comfortable. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show highs around 77°F in May and 79°F in September, while July and August average about 85°F. The Kentucky Trail (Segment C) is about 0.3 mile away, and Blue Heron Campground is about 1.5 miles off.

Routes (9)

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