RRG - Is 9B open again?

If any of the RRG locals wouldn't mind updating the status of if 9B is open this year to access crags like Indian Creek or Muscle Beach?

Two things at play here. All the relevant roads in the Red River Gorge were closed after the big snow storm a month ago and have yet to re-open as of last weekend. I can't imagine they will stay closed much longer.

More specifically, prior to the more encompassing closure of roads, 9B was still gated off. The claim was initially that 9B would be open again by the Fall of 2015, but that did not come to pass. I've not heard of any information about it's reopening for traffic. If you're that motivated to get to crags in the Lower Gorge you can always approach by foot. I walked it to check out the progress in the early summer last year. For a bit of walking you'd have the place to yourself, I'd wager.

Current Closures: fs.usda.gov/alerts/dbnf/ale…
2015 Spring Newsletter: fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO…

The walks not that bad.

Thax J,

I definitly am as I have a few lines back there on my 2016 ticklist. I apologize for the dumb questions as I live in Chicago and am only able to make it down your way 1x a month when the season gets going (Devils Lake is home crag).

That said, if I am going to walk... where do you guys leave your car. If i remember correctly, there is a lot or campground opposite the gate. Can I jsut leave my car there? Also, what is the deal with camping back there? If I hike in, can I camp back there?

Thanks...

You can park on the side of the road by the gate. You will need a backcountry pass to leave on the dash of your car if staying overnight. Passes are available at the gas stations in slade.

Dylan has it correct.

To be more specific, you can park and leave your car after the bridge over Indian Creek. This would be where you would park for Pistol Ridge / Pebble Beach. Make sure not to block the gate. You can still backcountry camp off of 9b, but make sure you're a reasonable distance from the construction efforts (though I'm not sure what it looks like back there currently). You'll need a backcountry pass.

Some of the crags back there may require some rediscovery of the approaches. Expect Muscle Beach, Dip Wall, and maybe Indian Creek to have slightly modified approaches due to all the changes they are making. It shouldn't be hard, but some landmarks may be gone (ex: the concrete spillover dam usually crossed to find the old logging grades up to Muscle Beach).

You can call 606 663 8100 at Gladie and they post road closures, ext. 108 is road closures Indian creek is closed at the blacktop ride your bike in there