Laura and Robin are a motherdaughter team that would like to share their love for Eastern Kentucky with you. Laura retired in 2019 and moved to Frenchburg, Kentucky where her husband Cazzie, grew up. Robin, originally born and raised in Florida fell in love with the area as a child and now she can finally call Kentucky home. They had a shared passion to showcase cabins and eventually started Perfect Escape Cabin Rentals in May of 2023.
The Kentuckian duo started out managing only 3 cabins and now the business has flourished and grown to 8 cabins and counting. Both Laura and Robin are familiar with the Red River Gorge area and have a vision to provide a memorable vacation experience with exceptional cabin rentals that exceed their guests' expectations. There is a diverse range of properties to choose from, including rustic and/or luxury cabins and a large modern farmhouse. All vacation rentals are located in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest where they both reside. Each rental is carefully selected to ensure that it meets our high standards of quality and comfort for the perfect escape.
Congratulations. You have certainly made the right vacation choice. You are now in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Area where you can experience and enjoy a unique family respite.
The perfect escape from the day to day rush and stresses of modern living. Here you can find adventure, glorious natural beauty and revel in the quiet comfort and serenity of country life.
There are lyrics to the song “Red River Valley” that ask the listener to ... ”just remember the Red River Valley.” I can say without any doubt, that when you visit the Red River Gorge, unlike the Red River Valley, you’ll never forget it. It is arguably Kentucky’s most beautiful area. I’m certain there are those who will disagree that it is the most beautiful, but even they will have to agree it is indeed beautiful.
This destination is truly unlike any other in America; maybe the world! With lush woodlands and sheer sandstone cliffs by the hundreds. Mountains rising majestically into the clear blue sky. Green forests and clear mountain streams. The Red River then completes this spectacular vista making this place as appealing and beckoning as any place on earth.
To really appreciate the abundant and varied natural world that is the Gorge, one needs to get up close. Hiking is the perfect excursion into Nature’s world. It’s absolutely the ultimate non-polluting renewable energy method of travelself power. Hiking any of the hundreds of miles of trails puts you right in the very essence of the many wonders of the special characteristics of the Gorge. There are thousands of species of plants and wildflowers abound. Several species are found no place else on earth, only here.
If more active adventure is your cup of tea, it can be found in and around the immediate area. Zipping along at 55 miles per hour 300 feet above lush forests, sedately enjoying a waterborne boat ride in a clear water-filled underground cavern to tearing over miles and miles of off road trails and ATV courses.
Here in the Red River Gorge, you’ll find adventure, simple to luxurious accommodations, great food, friendly people and pleasant memories the family will carry throughout a lifetime.
We are so happy you have chosen to spend some time with us!
State, County & City Facilities
Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information
606.663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regulations, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs
"Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, reflection, and making memories."
www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb
Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission
www.naturepreserves.ky.gov
Red River Gorge National Geological Area 606) 663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml
Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center 606.663-8100
www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml
Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com
Leave No Trace – Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org
Kentucky State Parks - Create your own Experience.
www.parks.ky.gov Become a KYSP fan at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Parks/152588316577
Lee County Tourism Commision
Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038
www.visitleecountyky.com
Private Facilities
Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222
www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031
The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot Reception Hall
Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR 855.947.8687
606.668.6222
www.redrivergorgezipline.com
Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.663.0000 www.sceniccabin.com
Black Bear Lodge Motel 606.663.0061
Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 844.692.2246
www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com
The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244 Thrillsville.org
The Red River Inn On Parkway, Campton
The Gorge Gazette Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740
Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: jerrywrison@gmail.com
Where To Eat In The Red River Gorge Where The River Gorge
• Red River Gorge Earth Shop Local Art gallery & Gift Shop
606.668.5228 Nat Bridge Rd. Slade
• Red River Climbing Guides where “Your Adventure Awaits!” Catering to all ages and experience levels. Visit: RedRiverClimbingGuides.com or call 629.207.0697
• HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available. 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville.
• Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies 606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33
• Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground! Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-254-6244 Thegorgeunderground.com
• Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm
• Mill Creek Lake: Kayak & SUP Rentals 859.300.1330
• Red River General Store: Hand Dipped Ice Cream, Hoodies, Gifts, Camping Supplies, T-Shirts
Fudge, Local Artisan Crafts 1321 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) Slade, KY 606.663.885
• Daniel Boone Liquor: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11)
• Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
• Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012
• Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com
• Mr. Ed’s Hot Dogs Great Hot Dogs smothered with Famous Chili Sauce
209 N. Main Stanton, KY 606.569.8170 Check us on Facebook
• The Well Beattyville’s only liquor store selling Liquor, Beer & Wine Come down and sip a glass sitting on the patio watching the Kentucky River flow. On rte 52 Beattyville 606.208.8017 tony@theboneyardwell.com
• Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479
• Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653
• Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199
If a Holiday Party, any Party, Family Reunion, Corporate Meeting, Church Retreat or Wedding is on your to-do list, go ahead and check it off. We have the perfect solution to party planning from catering to lodging to activities. The Lodge at Cliffview will sleep 64. The 7000 square foot Reception/Activity Center seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen. Our newest Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have double appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms Call: 606.668.6222 for details.
The Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky was established in 1937. It was named in honor of the explorer Daniel Boone.
The Forest has some of the most rugged terrain west of the Appalachian Mountains with steep forested slopes, sandstone cliffs and narrow ravines.
The Daniel Boone National Forest is more than 708,000 acres of national forest system lands within a 2.1 million-acre proclamation boundary. The more than 600 miles of trails, two federally recognized wildernesses and more than 250 recreation sites provides countless opportunities to explore eastern Kentucky's landscape, heritage, and culture.
The Daniel Boone National Forest offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Camping, hiking and fishing are just a few of the many attractions that draw more than one million visitors to the forest each year.
Abundant wildlife, lush vegetation, magnificent scenery, and numerous recreation opportunities offer visitors much to enjoy. Of course, Daniel Boone National Forest is a great place to go for any of the mainstays of outdoor recreation. The forest boasts trails ideal for both day hiking and backpacking, plus year-round bike friendly roads, and sandstone cliffs that climbers fawn over. Considering the sheer size of the forest, you’d be hard pressed to have the same experience each time you go. Every visit is a new adventure, no matter your outdoor recreation preference. There are a few trails and excursions that stand out above the rest. The Sky Bridge Trail in the Red River Gorge section of the park is short and sweet, but includes views that will stop you in your tracks. The trail is a one-mile loop that’s family and dog friendly since much of it is paved. For a path less traveled, try the Rock Bridge Trail. It’s a 1.4-mile hike that’s rated as moderate but is actually quite easy. The trail is accessible year round and takes visitors past waterfalls.
Climbers from around the world delight in the Red River Gorge area of the forest. Since the area has plenty to offer everyone from beginners looking to learn to advanced climbers wanting to push their skills, there are a few rules in place that are designed to keep everyone safe and happy. Familiarize yourself with those rules before you climb.
Material provided by the US Department of Agriculture, was slightly edited for space requirements by The Gorge Gazette staff.
Pre-registration is required, visit Wildflower Weekend 2024 - Registration is Now Open! - Kentucky Native Plant Society (knps.org) to register. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for ages 13-17, and free for ages 12 & under. The agenda for the weekend is listed below. The hikes are limited as to the number of people who can sign up. This is done so that everyone will have a rich and positive experience. Last year hikes filled up fairly quickly, so register as soon as possible to get the best choice of hikes. We are offering over 20 different hikes this year, the most we have ever had at any Wildflower Weekend! In addition to our usual “all things botanical” hikes, we have a couple of hikes concentrating on birds, a couple of hikes concentrating on reptiles and amphibians, and one featuring butterflies. There will also be a couple of workshops, “Non-Native Invasive Species Management” and an art workshop:
“Reflecting on Nature through Artmaking”.
We have always tried to make Wildflower Weekend a family friendly event (kids 12 and under attend free). This year we are offering two kid centered activities, a “Junior Botanist Adventure for Kids!” on Saturday morning and then, on Saturday afternoon, the “Kids Activities Table“, a drop-in activity (no registration required), with fun botanical and nature activities designed for the young naturalist. By Visiting the link above you can select which hike/activity you would like to sign up for.
W
ildflowers Don’t Care Where They Grow
I have to admit, I borrowed that title from a Dolly Parton song of the same name. One of my many, many favorite Dolly songs. As a matter of fact, every time I see wildflowers, I think of her. They have so much in common. They both thrive in the Mountains, are very attractive and right now, are bustin' out all over!
Our mountains are home to an estimated 100,000 species of living things and that includes as many as 1400 species of wildflowers. Far, far too many to discuss here so we are going to talk about the more common, the more familiar and the “Dollys” of the wildflower world. Those plants that are extravagant, blatantly gaudy or uniquely attractive.
One of the early bloomers is the Spring Beauty. These delicate little flowers sometimes cover hillsides like a pink snowfall. But you need to hurry, their blooming time is very brief. Usually by the time the buckeyes start to leaf out, their blooming time is ending.
Another early bloomer is the Bloodroot with big round leaves and a beautiful huge white blossom that blooms as early as March. Bloodroot can handle early spring chill because its leaves will wrap around the stem to conserve heat.
Again, you should get out there now; the blooms are gone by April’s end
The Trout Lily is included among those early bloomers. The mottled patterns on the leaves resemble speckled trout found in the streams flowing through the valleys and coves. The flower has long, slim, yellow petals which bend backwards in a graceful arc. It grows from March through May up to 6,000 feet so some late blooms may be around till June at higher altitudes. Depending on which source one goes to, there are eight, maybe nine or as many as ten varieties of Trilliums in the Appalachians and they all bloom early, from March through June. At the lower elevations you’ll find the Yellow Trillium even though it sometimes masquerades with other colors. This is one of the first Trilliums to bloom and does so from as early as middle March through May.
The most common Trillium is the Large Flowered Trillium, so named because it has, well, a large white flower. The flower of some of these plants actually improve with age, turning from the bright white of youth to a soft pastel pink.
You'll find the Large Flowered Trillium from under 1,000 feet to the 3,500 foot elevations on the slopes and along creeks.
The Wakerobin is also a common Trillium. This attractive maroon or deep red bloom is an enigma. Looks great, smells foul!
The mountains are home to some unusual plants such as Indian Pipe, Squaw Root and Fairy Wand. The Indian Pipe usually grows up to eight inches tall in small clumps. It is odd looking and can be several different colors all the way from it’s usual pale white to yellow to pink and on rare occasion, blue. The single flower is almost translucent and kinda hangs down and the slightest breeze sets it nodding. No description of Appalachian wildflowers could be even partially complete without mention of Rhododendrons, especially the Queen of the Rhody's, the Catawba Rhododendron.
The Catawba Rhododendron and other Rhododendrons along with Mountain Laurel are two of the most prolific plants in the mountains. Rhododendrons grow from 8 to 12 feet and sometimes even taller, attaining tree-like heights. The two plants often grow in enormous thickets, especially on ridges and summits. Rhododendrons grow along creek beds and at every elevation. They aren't just spring bloomers, growing and blooming well into summer at the higher elevations.
Flame Azaleas grow singly and in clusters. The flowers are quite showy, vase-shaped and are red, orange or yellow. They also bloom into summer beginning in April and at higher elevations last into July. They prefer drier, open areas
I absolutely must mention the one wildflower I like to compare to Dolly; the most Dolly-like – the Fire Pink. This flower has so many of Ms Parton’s attributes. It is always very bright, showy and conspicuous. It is a bit gaudy and extremely appealing. Everybody loves them and like Dolly, it is enduring. The blooms last from April through June, sometimes into July. As always, admire them, enjoy them and preserve them with photos but never, ever, pick a single bloom.
There are thousands of other people who want to enjoy all the beauty and visual pleasures these wonders of Nature provide. Besides, if you’re in a state or federal park or forest, it’s a crime!
Please, when you leave an area, take only pictures and life-long memories. Leave nothing but foot prints. And leave those only on marked trails.
