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Gemini Crack

5.5 PG13, Trad, 45 ft (14 m),  Avg: 1.8 from 5 votes
FA: Jim Prevost, Andrea Galioto, 1997
Kentucky > Red River Gorge > Natural Bridge… > Whittleton Branch

Description

Climb the easy looking crack in the obtuse dihedral. Abandon the crack for nice plates to the left near the top. The gear is less than ideal so this is not a great first gear lead. Rappel from bolted anchors or a chain around a boulder to the left above Tuff Noogies.
Variation: Climb the scary and dangerous crack above to the summit 5.9+ R.

Location

Whittleton Branch Area
This is a small area, just two climbs and a variation, but they are good beginner climbs if somewhat removed. The wall faces more or less south but gets some shade from large evergreens in the area. This area is on Forest Service land but was approved in 1998 for development.

From Whittleton Campground take the Whittleton Branch Trail (Sheltowee Trace). Follow it for a while until you reach the Whittleton Arch split. There will be a wooden bridge on the right. From the arch trail splits from the main trail you’ll climb up away from the creek and then back down, then cross a small drainage coming in from the left, once again climb away from the creek and return and before you reach a large boulder on the left or cross another stream look for a good sized cliff band on the left. When you near the large boulder on the left head straight up the hill and look for a deep cave with an obtuse dihedral to the left.

Alternate approach: Park where Tunnel Ridge Road meets highway 15. Follow the Whittleton Branch Trail west toward Natural Bridge State Park. After about 15 minutes the trail will have descended to the valley floor and you will cross a small stream coming in from the right. Immediately after the crossing you will see a large chossy boulder on the right. Just after the boulder hike straight up the hill looking for the cave mentioned above.

Both approaches involve approximately the same amount of time.

Protection

Small to medium cams and stoppers work best.

GPS

37.7877°N, 83.6587°W

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Super Chill Vibes
[Hide Photo] Super Chill Vibes
Straight forward to protect except near the top, there's a small section where it makes sense to leave the crack for easier face climbing, but unprotected
[Hide Photo] Straight forward to protect except near the top, there's a small section where it makes sense to leave the crack for easier face climbing, but unprotected
James Polk following Gemini Crack back in the day.
[Hide Photo] James Polk following Gemini Crack back in the day.
Even with a massive snowfall one day earlier the route was pretty clean, although I doubt during rain it would stay very dry.
[Hide Photo] Even with a massive snowfall one day earlier the route was pretty clean, although I doubt during rain it would stay very dry.
Close-up of Gemini Crack
[Hide Photo] Close-up of Gemini Crack

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Chris Chaney
Stanton, Kentucky
  5.5
[Hide Comment] Just for fun, if you do this route check out the loose block just under the red sling in the photo. It rocks! Sep 28, 2006
David Tennant
Denver, CO
  5.5 PG13
[Hide Comment] The PG13 rating is only near the end where it makes more sense to leave the crack and get onto the easier face climbing to the left of the crack. Jul 30, 2015
Chris Chaney
Stanton, Kentucky
  5.5
[Hide Comment] I gave it PG13 because of the move out onto the face, the loose block, and the overall rock quality. The placements require a little more care than a G or PG rated route. Sep 17, 2015
Adam Stein
Cleveland, OH
[Hide Comment] So I removed the block completely today. So no worries about that now. Trad anchor could use some quick links and chains or else to rap would be hard rope pull. I used the sport to rap, which also needs 2 quick links. Apr 11, 2021