Miguel's Pizza Restaurant in Kentucky.
Miguel's Pizza Restaurant in Kentucky.

Though you might not think it, Kentucky is home to some of the best sport climbing in the United States. The Red River Gorge area is among the most popular climbing areas east of the Mississippi. There are plenty of places to stay and camp in the area, but none are quite as unique as Miguel’s Pizza Restaurant.

Started as a pizza joint, the owner (Miguel) soon began offering the field behind the restaurant as a campsite to climbers. The climbers-only campground continues to this day, with showers, laundry, and much more. The campground costs $3.50 a day, allowing both car and tent camping, and provides easy access to the restaurant and an on-site climbing gear shop. It’s truly quite the sight.

Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is home to some of the best sport climbing in the world, let alone the American Southeast. However, the climbing isn’t the only thing that makes this place special. Join us as we showcase Miguel’s Pizza: an unlikely climbing dirtbag heaven situated at the heart of the river gorge. The community here is the real reason why Miguel’s Pizza is so special. Is this a symptom of climbing culture worldwide or is this unique to the gorge? Watch along and find out.

Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work...