Late last year, the access situation at Torrent Falls at the Red River Gorge in Kentucky got ugly. I talked with the landownder Mark about it several times and I can’t say that I really blamed him for closing the crag to climbing. Personally I was disappointed in how events transpired but I was also realistic in that it was Mark’s decision to do what he wanted to do with his property and that there should be no assumed right to have access to private property for climbers. Then a few weeks ago rumors started to circulate that Torrent was actually for sale. This posed some interesting speculation as to who would be able to afford the property and what this would mean for climbing in the future at Torrent. Part of that question was answered as it was announced this morning that Torrent Falls has been sold:
Pending final approval of the loan and closing, Torrent Falls has been purchased by Bob Matheny (Dr. Bob) with the assistance of Matt and Amy Tackett. Mark Meyers and his family will continue to live at Torrent. Out of friendship with, and respect for, Mark and his family access will remain as it is. Details regarding long term access for climbing are being worked out and will be announced when available.
Obviously this is still in the early stages but it would seem that if people associated with climbing are purchasing the land, the end goal is to try and re-open Torrent to climbing. Hopefully with time and some work on the part of the climbing community climbing access can be restored.
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