The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge Vol. 5 No. 6
Adventure ~ Relaxation ~ Accommodations ~ Awe Inspiring Natural Beauty ~ Friendly People
Welcome to The Red River Gorge!
Hungry Hiker Bar and Grill is coming soon to the heart of Red River Gorge! With a fresh rustic vibe and warm, woodsy atmosphere, it’s set to be the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking, climbing, or exploring the gorge. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you’ll love the upgraded space that brings the outdoors in. What’s there to eat? Our new menu will feature a variety of dishes – including stacked burgers (try the Hangover, Bourbon or Cliffhanger!), hand-cut fries, fresh salads and sizzling steaks. We are also proud to serve up Kentucky’s own, Kentucky Hot Brown. If you prefer vegetarian options, search no further than the Grilled Salmon, Shrimp or Veggie Burger. Finally, for those that share, we have mouthwatering appetizers – Fried Pickles, Boneless Wings, Charcuterie Boards, and more! Wash it down with an ice-cold draft beer (rotating selection of local and regional brews). From the smell of sizzling food to the friendly staff and inviting décor, the Hungry Hiker is set to become the go-to spot for good eats and good times in the Gorge. Come hungry and stay tuned for our official opening date!
August 2025 Jerry Ison
Congratulations. You have certainly made the right choice. You are in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge Area where you can experience and enjoy a unique family respite from the day to day rush and stresses of modern living. Here you can find adventure, unequalled natural beauty as well as the quiet comfort and the sweet serenity of country life. This destination is truly unlike any other in America; maybe the whole world! With lush woodlands and sheer sandstone cliffs by the hundreds. Mountains rising majestically into the clear azure sky. Green forests and clear limestone 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 travel - self power. Hiking any of the hundreds of miles of trails puts you right in the very essence of the many wonders of the unique Gorge characteristics. There are thousands of species of plants– trees, vines, wildflowers, mosses and grasses. 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. You’ll find adventure, simple to luxurious accommodations, great food, friendly people and memories the entire family will carry and cherish throughout a lifetime. Try A Natural Immersion Years-long studies have shown that people who get out into the natural world, those who immerse themselves in Nature, not only benefit from the physical but also from the mental standpoint. Time away from every day, artificially manufactured or modified environments allows one to clear their minds. Time spent enjoying the natural, uncomplicated surroundings on a mountain top, wading in a clear creek, following a wooded trail or just standing under a deep, clear blue sky has been known to purge stress. Well, you’ve come to the best place we know of to do just that. And more!
HELPFUL WEBSITES & PHONE NUMBERS State, County & City Facilities The official Red River Gorge Newsletter
Publisher Jenny Ison Editor Jerry Ison Contributors Jerry Ison Miranda Fallen Nancy Hamann Sally Cox Graphics Ingrid Miller Red River Gorge Earth Shop
We gratefully acknowledge the information and assistance by the State of Kentucky Parks Department and the staff of the Natural Bridge State Park. The Gorge Gazette is published monthly except January and February for entertainment of Red River Gorge Guests, Owners, Visitors, Staff, Tourists and Friends. All contents including ads are copyrighted by Jerry Ison/Jay Eye Communications Talbott, TN 37877 Distributed free of charge
courtesy of our advertisers!
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
Let Us Build the Log Home of Your Dreams! We Have Cabins & Lots For Sale. We Offer Project Management From the Ground Up
Lunch & Adult Beverages
Call: Jim 606.362.2615 Brendan 513.628.1295
769 Natural Bridge Rd. KY Hwy 11
redrivergorgevacations.com
606-663-2549
Nutritious Smoothies Homemade Bakery Goods Just off Slade Exit 33 South
Things To Do, Places To Visit, Where To Eat In The Red River Gorge • • • • • •
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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.
844.692.2246
Those Were the Days ... Tomato Eating Days
I call this time of year Tomato Days, cause there are tomatoes everywhere. To me that’s a great thing since I love em! To many people, this time of year is called the dog days, but I never use that term around here. Mack hates it and will run off and cough up a hairball every time the word is said. Up until she went into an assisted living facility, Mom raised a huge crop of tomatoes every summer. As a matter of fact, even while she lived in the apartment, she had tomato plants outside her window in the “flower beds”. Of course she was told it was against the rules, but Mom pointed out there was no clause in the agreement that forbade tenants from raising vegetables. The manager, a wonderful lady, never mentioned it again I remember going out and sitting right in the middle of the tomato patch with a salt shaker and eating those wonderful juicy fruit still hot from that August sun. UMMM! So, today, my neighbor brought me some red and green tomatoes from her Momma’s garden and they are slated for supper. I am so subtle, I had called her while she was at her Mom’s and hinted around. “Hey how ‘bout bringing me some green tomatoes?” Not only did she get the hint, she showed up with mixed basketful - red and green. I’m gonna batter those greenies with my secret beer batter - little salt, beaten egg, flour and a splash of beer. Then, I plan to dredge them in flour, then dip them in the batter and fry ‘em till they’re almost black. Smothered in gravy and you have ambrosia! Man, I love them ‘maters!
The Blue Jay’s Song My love of the outdoors began at a very early age. My Grandfather loved the natural world and instilled in me a respect and reverence for God's handiwork. One of my first memories is that of a walk we took many years ago .... That was back to when I was just a little boy; Grandfather Cornett took me strolling along through a pine woods talking about things only a grandfather and grandson find important. Things like why pine trees are always green. Where do butterflies go in the winter? Suddenly, the quiet of the woods was disrupted by the raucous screech of a blue jay. Grandpa held out his arm to stop me and said, "Listen carefully. See if you can catch what he's saying." I strained to make out familiar words from the harsh call. Grandpa said, "It sounds like he's saying "Thief!", "Thief!", doesn't it Sure enough, "Thief!", "Thief!" was what I was hearing. "Why is that?", I asked. "Well", began Grandpa, "It all started during the days of The Creation. He told me that when God was filling the air, the streams, the seas and forests with animals, He wanted them to have as many wonders as possible. He wanted the fishes to glisten, the foxes and bears dressed in beautiful fur coats. He wanted the lions, the eagles and the whales to be majestic. He was especially fond of His birds and wanted all of them to be beautiful to look upon and to have voices which were pleasing to the ear.
When God began to endow birds with these traits, He had a bountiful supply to draw from, but is His joy of creating, He had created so many different kinds of birds. God soon realized that He would run out of lovely songs and beautiful plumage if He gave each bird both. He had to decide which bird got the plumage and which one got the song. As it came to be, the jay was given a most glorious voice, but a very dull and drab plumage. The next bird was the mockingbird. He was given the gift of an elegant plumage but a voice that was harsh and without melody. The cocky blue jay, was instantly jealous of the mockingbird' s gorgeous plumage. The jay wanted both it and song for himself. That night the jay stole the mockingbird's beautiful feathers, leaving his own dull ones behind. "When God found out about the theft," said Grandpa. "He called the two birds before Him. He told the jay that He was going to allow him to keep the lovely plumage. In return, the jay would have to give his beautiful song to the mockingbird. The jay, being a vain and shallow bird, readily agreed. God then decreed that as punishment for the theft, the jay must proclaim to all that can hear, his true character.” "That," Grandpa explained, “is why to this very day the mockingbird has one of the most pleasing voices of all birds. He loves to sing so much that many evenings you can hear the mockingbird singing long after the sun has gone down." "And that is also why the blue jay, as beautiful a he is, to this day, must announce to all that he and every one of his kind is a ...
THIEF! THIEF! THIEF! Jerry Ison
Bluegrass Bits
Wolfe County Tourism Local Activities Trivia every Tuesday starting @7 at Skybridge Station Karaoke every Thursday @6 at 145 Roadhouse Dart nights every Wednesday @7 at 145 Roadhouse Music on the Green at Hazel Green Academy every Thursday @6 -Seasonal Music in Campton City Park every Thursday @6 -Seasonal 191 Speedway- 7991 KY-191, Campton, KY The Gorge Underground- 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY Red River Gorge Ziplines-455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY RedPoint Disk Golf- 356 Smith Rd, Campton, KY Cable's Riding Stables- 632 Little Bend Rd, Zachariah, KY Okay, Let’s get to the bottom of this. The Well is the one and only liquor store in Beattyville selling beer, wine and liquor. Located in Beattyville on KY Rte 52 in the Boneyard Building at River’s Edge. Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing eve on the patio sipping a glass of wine watching the river flow.
Rentals Available for 1 to 15 Scenic Lots And Vacation Homes for Sale
Bryan@theboneyardwell.com
606.663.0000