Fortress Wall  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  15,785. Good page?    Administrators:  saxfiend, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Chris Chaney on Oct 4, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 82° | 66° 86° | 68° 88° | 70° 88° | 64° 79° | 63°

James jammin' while we warm up...

Description 

This is the best crag in the RRG for learning trad climbing. There is the greatest concentration of easier routes, with quality routes at every grade from 5.6 to 5.11.

The aspect is generally southern, with some routes getting morning sun and some getting afternoon. The wall is hot in summer, but somewhat sheltered in light rain.

There are a few easy and moderate multi-pitch routes so this is also a great wall to get a little MP practice in a well travelled setting.

Fortress can be very crowded at times. Large groups often take over the crag which can ruin everyone's day.

If you are a trad climber and visit the area you can't pass up spending some time here.

Getting There 

Parking area GPS: 37.8380, -83.6440

The Classics

Featured Route For Fortress Wall

Bedtime for Bonzo 5.6  KY : Red River Gorge : Fortress Wall

A great route normally done as 2 short pitches. Climb a left-angling flake to a big ledge with a huge block on it. Belay here to avoid a bad line with your rope, even though you are not yet more than 50' up. Walk right to a second crack in the wall which ascends up and right on hand jams (crux) and horizontal holds through a steep section headed out right towards an arete. Finish on face moves to reach the top. Belay & rap from bolt anchors....[more]   Browse More Classics in KY