When climbers talk about Kentucky, there is only one cragie and one snackie that comes to mind. Red River Gorge is one of the premier climbing destinations in the world. Weekend warriors from nearly every surrounding state schedule their lives around road trips to “The Red”. There are nearly 3,500 routes on some of the best rock in the world. It’s historic, it’s beautiful, it’s worth the trip even if you aren’t a climber. Miguel’s Pizza is nearly as iconic as the Red River Gorge itself. A staple of US climbing for years, offering climbers amazing food, and lodging, Miguel’s is a brand unto itself. In fact, The Red and Miguel’s are so notable, that they cast an impervious shadow on nearly every other crag that Kentucky has to offer.
So, today, we are sifting through that large shadow to shine a light on a cragie and snackie that may not be on the top of your list but are worth the trip if you have the time. About three hours from Red River Gorge is a small crag called Clifty Hollow.
Clifty Hollow has about 100x less routes than Red River Gorge, and only twelve of them are sport routes, but just because there are less doesn’t mean they are worse. However, they are in fact worse, but that doesn’t mean they are bad! In fact, the routes at Clifty Hollow aren’t bad at all, plus there are far less people. Also, who is climbing more than twelve routes in a day anyway?
There is a combination of climbs called Zig, Zag, and Zog, all in the 5.10 range that are highly touted and would be enjoyable to anyone. The range of grades at Clifty are anywhere from 5.10a – 5.12a, and they are all rated between three and four-stars. Most of them require a stick-clip to get started, so make sure you come with the right gear. Now, if you’re into bouldering, there are several five-star routes including a true Kentucky classic Werewolf V7.
It’s worth noting that Mammoth Cave National Park is only 45 minutes away. Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world. The park offers lodging in hotels, cottages, and camping. As a UNESCO world heritage site, and international dark sky park it is worth spending the night. Outside of the cave are 52,000 acres of flora, fauna, and winding rivers just waiting to be explored. So, if you are a national park groupie like me, then why wouldn’t you stop by one of the most unique national parks in the country?
Back to our regularly scheduled program…snackies!
Yes, Miguel’s is great, and everyone loves it…rightfully so! But there is another historic icon just minutes from Clifty. Mellow Mushroom Pizza!
College towns offer some of the best pizza on the planet, and Bowling Green Kentucky home of Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers and their lovable, large, furry, red, genderless creature that represents the spirit of WKU, Big Red is no different.
Mellow Mushroom first opened its doors 50 years ago, plus it’s in a college town, plus it’s western Kentucky, not like those uptight neurotic Kentuckians out east. I actually have no idea if there is an east/west Kentucky rivalry, but if there is, I’m planting my flag with Big Red! Go Hilltoppers!
Mellow Mushroom was started in the 70’s by three college friends who had a passion for pizza. Based on the theme of their restaurants, they may have had a passion for something else as well.
Take a look at their food philosophy.
“What a long strange trip it’s been. We’ve been mellowing out since the ’70s, serving up out-of-this-world stone-baked pizza with the best crust and ingredients out there—all to bring you a Higher Order of Pizza. But you might be wondering…What is a Higher Order of Pizza?”
I don’t think anyone is wondering what a “Higher Order of Pizza” is. We get it, stoners like to eat. We’re sold, you had us stone-baked. You had us at the Grateful Dead lyrics. You had us at Mellow Mushroom. You actually had us at pizza!
Say what you want about stoners, but there is no arguing that they know food! The founders of Mellow Mushroom came correct 50 years ago with the best ingredients and recipes they could find. Their pizzas are artwork. The crust is truly beautiful, the toppings are exquisite, and options are supreme. They offer house favorites like Maui Wowie, The Marley, and my recommendation the Kosmic Karma.
In addition to pizza, Mellow Mushroom offers appetizers like homemade pretzels and meatballs. They also have wings, salads, calzones, burgers, and hoagies. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options as well.
So, after a day of climbing high at Clifty, this is my recommendation for getting a “Higher Order” at Mellow Mushroom. For the table we’re getting an order of pretzel bites with Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer Cheese, a tempeh hoagie, a Greek salad, a Kosmic Karma pizza and a Great White pizza. Mellow Mushroom makes an array of Kosmic Cocktails and Mocktails with fresh ingredients and handmade mixes. They offer dozens of beers, from local breweries and wines as well. They take pride in matching the right beverage to each pizza, so feel free to talk to your server about what pairs best with your favorite pizza choice!
Before you go, make sure to load up on sweets for road. The Mary Jane Triple Chocolate Brownie should be high on your to do list. Perfect for a morning send snack as you make your way to The Red, or a midnight snack as “you take time to mellow slow, take time to pick a place to go, and just keep truckin’ on”.
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”
Crag: Clifty Hollow
Restaurant: Mellow Mushroom Pizza
Distance: 15 milles
thedihedral.com 