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Fortress Wall

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American Crack 
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Battlement, The 
Bedtime for Bonzo 
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Party Time 
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Where Lizards Dare 

Fortress Wall

Submitted By: Chris Chaney on Oct 4, 2006
Administrator: saxfiend
Views: 1,929 page views

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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

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Fortress Wall:
Calypso III   5.4     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
American Wall   5.6 R     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
Calypso II   5.6     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
Bedtime for Bonzo   5.6     Trad, 2 pitches, 100 feet   
American Crack   5.6     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
Party Time   5.7     Trad, 2 pitches, 140 feet   
Calypso I   5.7     Trad, 60 feet   
Horny Bitch   5.8-     Trad, 1 pitch, 140 feet   
Bombs Bursting   5.8     Trad, 60 feet   
Snake   5.8     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   
Blue Runner   5.9 PG13     Trad, 1 pitch, 70 feet   
Where Lizards Dare   5.9+ A2     Trad, Aid, 1 pitch, 70 feet   
Browse More Classics in Fortress Wall

Featured Route For Fortress Wall
Casey wondering how to get his fingers in the crack...

Where Lizards Dare 5.9+ A2  KY : Red River Gorge : Fortress Wall
A great pitch in its own right and adds height to whatever initial climb you use to approach the starting ledge. A Red River Classic. The standard climb is 5.9+, and a second pitch of aid (reportedly A2/C2) can be done to reach the top of the rock....[more]   Browse More Classics in KY


Comments on Fortress Wall Add Comment
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By saxfiend
Administrator
From: Atlanta, GA
Oct 27, 2008

Outstanding trad area, but if you're not prepared for Gunks-style sandbagging, you'll get a rude awakening!