Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  223,035. Good page?    Administrators:  saxfiend, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  saxfiend on Oct 29, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 88° | 64° 88° | 68° 91° | 64° 90° | 66° 90° | 68°

Tom DeFilippo on the rock after a couple of years ...

Description 

Another triumph of climber ownership, the PMRP is a 700-acre area in the southern section of the Red River Gorge. It is owned and maintained by the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition. More than 300 routes in 20 separate areas are available to climbers thanks to the efforts of the RRGCC.

Climbing in the PMRP began in the 1990s not long after the discovery of the Motherlode just east of the area. At the time, this sizeable tract of land was owned by the Pendergrass family descendents, and much of it was leased out for oil exploration. As climbers began developing the numerous crags in the area, the RRGCC worked toward an accommodation of the various public and private interests there. Finally, in 2004, the coalition purchased surface rights to the tract, ensuring continued climbing access.

As with Muir Valley, the other major climber-owned section of Red River Gorge, climbers must sign a liability waiver before climbing in the PMRP. For more information and rules on the area, go to the RRGCC web site.

Getting There 

To get to the PMRP, travel south on KY 11 south of Torrent Falls. Depending on the area you're heading to, turn off on either Fixer Road or Bald Rock Fork Road. Park only in designated parking areas and steer clear of all oil production equipment.

NOTE: Access to many crags in the PMRP may be problematical without a high-clearance vehicle.

The Classics

Featured Route For Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve

Broken Chicken Wing 5.9+  KY : Red River Gorge : ... : Solar Collector/Gold Coast

good jams up a pretty irregular crack. Exciting finish on its own anchors or climb a bit further to hang a toprope on rebar (if you're feelin' sand)...[more]   Browse More Classics in KY

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Sore Heel Hollow parking lot sign