Rock Climbing

#7 Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Here's the deal - Why is it listed here? Potential, baby! Tons of rock and tons of possibilities. It's just that it will take some time and patience to reach it all and climb it. If you know of any routes in BSF, let us know. The river basin itself is littered with massive boulders some 50' tall. Check out the No Business area for Maude's Crack (2nd class scramble) and miles of untouched clifflines. Spend a day, a week, a month! This is Red River Gorge quality and quantity, but not nearly as accessible as RRG.

Check out the few established sport routes at Blue Heron on the Kentucky end. Crack-in-the-Rocks has a few bolted climbs and potential for more. Great bouldering as well.

NOTES: Better climb trad or get ranger permission before bolting. Be smart. North of BSF is the Beaver Creek Wilderness that holds some potential. Explore with caution. It's Eastern Kentucky now, boys and girls.

Directions: From Somerset, KY, head south on Hwy 27 about 25 miles to Stearns. Turn right onto Hwy 92. Look for small ranger station signs immediately on right. Turn in and get the scoop on rock formations.

Classics: Whatever you decide to name them.

Close cities/towns: BSF is huge so there are many. Possible jump off points could be Stearns, KY (2 miles east), Oneida, TN (6 miles east), Crossville, TN (40 miles south).

Big South Fork Photo Gallery

WMTH Corporation P.O. Box 51153 Bowling Green, KY 42102 (270) 781-6858 FAX (270) 781-2949