Rappel Access to Maverick and Nilbog: Cave Fork Climbing from Stone and Sky
Stone and Sky sits above the Maverick and Nilbog walls in the new Cave Fork Recreational Preserve. Here is how access works and how to check what is open.
Stone and Sky sits right above the Maverick and Nilbog walls, inside the new Cave Fork Recreational Preserve. You can rappel from the property down to the cliffs, and the approach is about 3 minutes. From the screened porch you can see the anchors on five routes on the Maverick wall, so the people in the hot tub can cheer on the people on the rock.
About Cave Fork
In February 2025 the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition bought 718 acres of the former Ashland Wildlife Management Area in Lee County. That purchase created the Cave Fork Recreational Preserve, 582 acres with miles of largely undeveloped cliff line, and expanded the Miller Fork and Pendergrass-Murray preserves. Read the announcement on the RRGCC site.
Check what is open before you climb
The RRGCC is opening Cave Fork in phases, with some areas opening in 2026 and the rest in 2027. Until an area is officially open, the RRGCC asks climbers to stay off it while trails and parking are built. Check rrgcc.org/ashland for the current status before your trip, and follow every posted rule. Drones are not allowed on RRGCC land.
Rappel access from the property
Bring your own rope and rappel gear, and only rappel if you know how to do it safely. We will share the access details with your booking.
More climbing nearby
The Motherlode top parking lot is under 15 minutes by car, so the classic crags of the Pendergrass-Murray preserve are an easy day from the cabin.
Support the RRGCC
The RRGCC buys and cares for the land that keeps the Red open to climbers. If you climb here, join or donate.