GORGE GAZETTE October 2025

The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge

By Jerry Ison By Jerry Ison

Here in Eastern Kentucky we are fortunate to be where we can experience the splendor of four different seasons. The crisp, glittering cold of winter; the airy pastels of a fresh green spring; the fullness and deep green of summer; and the glorious display of fall.

For many of us, autumn is the season we most appreciate. With cool, comfortable evenings and a more gentle, softer glow from the sun, autumn is the canvas for nature's most brilliant brush strokes.

The yellows and golds of the Hickories, Buckeyes and Cottonwoods blend beautifully with the silver, purple and red of the Sweet Gum.

Countless shades of red... running from barely orange Sassafras leaves, through the brownish rust of the Oaks and Sycamores, to the brilliant scarlet of Sugar Maples and Dogwoods.

This colorful display is not only from trees as many other plants get in on the act too. Some grasses turn beautiful shades of yellow and gold.

Poison Ivy leaves develop reds so vibrant, they sometimes appear metallic. What Causes this Marvelous Transformation?

How are the colors of different plants and trees determined?

Scientists, botanists and biologists have many answers and logical reasons as to why all the fall foliage colorization takes place.

They talk of loss of chlorophyll - the green stuff in plants. There's mention of the yellow agents, carotene and xanthophyll. They bring up the cooler nights and bright sunshine of autumn days as causes for chemical changes which result in color changes. There's usually even mention of the red pigments, anthocyanins, formed when natural sugar, glucose, is trapped in a dying leaf.

Oh yes, no scientific discussion of the leaves of autumn would be complete without mention of abscission. This is what gives the term "fall" meaning. Abscission is the process which causes trees to lose their leaves.

Or at least, so say those scientists.

I have a completely different version. In my version, the coloring and eventual dropping of the leaves is a carefully orchestrated performance. Much like the fireworks finale at a Fourth of July celebration.

It's the Creator's way, and so obviously so, of topping off His magnificent performance of the preceding season - summer.

That was a tough act to follow, but to me, autumn is the cymbal at the end of summer's crescendo.

Head out to the nearest trail; you’ll see what I’m talking about.

The official Red River Gorge Newsletter

Publisher

Jenny Ison

Editor

Jerry Ison

Contributors

Sally Cox

Jerry Ison

Nancy Hamann

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!

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

T TT Things To Do, Places To Visit, hings To Do, Places To Visit, hings Do, Places hings Do, Places 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.

T TT The Ghosts of he Ghosts of he Ghosts of he Ghosts of

Cherokee Springs Cemetery Cherokee Springs Cemetery

Cherokee Springs Cherokee Springs

by Jerry Ison

The early spring of 1861 held the promise of a new life for 17 year old Elizabeth Cornett. Her parents had finally given in and agreed she could marry the love of her life, 18 year old William “Billy” Ison. The wedding was planned for the third week of October, just after the harvest. Then, in April, all was shattered. The Nation was at war with itself; several Southern states had seceded from the union and fighting had begun. In Eastern Kentucky, sentiments were to be found for both sides. While most wanted to remain in the Union, there were many who saw the Southern Cause as a just cause. Billy was one of those who felt his duty lay with the Confederacy. He rode off to join Brazelton's 3rd Kentucky Calvary Battalion. Elizabeth’s parents were staunch Unionist and reversed their stance, absolutely forbidding Elizabeth to even talk to that “Rebel, Ison”, much less marry him. As the war progressed, Union forces drove the Confederates out of the area and established headquarters on the East Fork of the Kentucky River near Beattyville in the summer of 1863. However, there was still a good deal of sentiment for the South in the area; several families provided shelter and aid to the many Confederate spies and scouts who still roamed the hills and gorges near Beattyville harassing the Union garrisons. One of these infiltrators was Billy who, on several occasions, secretly met with Elizabeth at the little church known as Cherokee Springs Church. This church was located a few miles up the river from Beattyville near Athol and just over the hill from Craft’s Hollow where Elizabeth’s family lived.

The patrol allowed her to continue, but the lieutenant decided to double back and see where she was really going so late at night.

Elizabeth, believing the entire patrol had ridden away, rode directly to the church where Billy was waiting.

Before she could dismount from her horse, the Union officer appeared right behind her in the road.

At the same time, Billy rode out of the trees bordering the little cemetery behind the church. He didn’t see the soldier, but could see Elizabeth.

The lieutenant, spotting Billy, brought his rifle up to his shoulder and aimed. Elizabeth dug her heels into the horse’s side and rode toward Billy screaming for him to turn and run.

The sound of the rifle echoed off the church and down the valley. Elizabeth now riding in the direct line of fire, was struck through the back. She slumped over the horse’s neck as it galloped into the cemetery.

Billy charged toward Elizabeth and turned to fire at the lieutenant, but the hammer failed to fall.

Just as Billy reached Elizabeth, the Union soldier put a ball from his sidearm through Billy’s heart.

He fell against his loved one’s lifeless body and they both fell to the earth in deathly embrace.

The lieutenant noticed Billy had pulled his watch from his pocket and must have been checking the time when the encounter suddenly happened.

The fob was tangled in the pistol’s trigger guard and had prevented Garfield from firing.

The light from the full moon shone on the watch face and he could see both hands straight up - exactly midnight.

The old church is gone now and not much of the little cemetery remains. The road to the church is little more than a weedy track.

It was October 31, 1863, Halloween Night, when, on her way to meet with Billy, Elizabeth was stopped by a Union patrol traveling the road from Beattyville to Jackson.

Elizabeth was quite nervous and even though the Union soldiers had orders not to harass locals, the young lieutenant was suspicious of a pretty young girl alone on the road this late.

If one were daring enough to venture down that road on Halloween, just at midnight, you will hear the pounding of hoof beats racing from the road into the cemetery.

Then, barely audible, comes the anguished cry of a young girl’s faint voice, “Run Billy, run!”

The sound fades as it is carried away on the icy cold breeze blowing across the crumbling tombstones.

Boone to the Future!

By Sally Cox By Cox

"To infinity and beyond!"

(Buzz Aldrin-1969)

Correction: Buzz Lightyear-1995)

Although, both explorers of the final frontier, Appalachian Daniel Boone was a famous frontiersman of a more worldly order. Boone is known for his adventurous spirit and daring exploration of the Appalachian territory. Our cherished Red River Gorge Area, touted for its stunning natural beauty and unique geographical formations lies within the 708,000 acres of arboreal splendor aptly named Daniel Boone National Forest. In 1775, Boone founded Boonesborough, one of the first English-speaking settlements west of the Appalachian mountains.

The fort was attacked by British militia and native Americans in 1778. Fortunately, the siege ended after 10 days with the settlers prevailing with a positive nod to the Revolutionary War effort. Today’s Fort Boonesborough State Park in Richmond, Kentucky is home to a working replica of the original fort containing cabins, bunk houses, and furnishings. Tourists can enjoy watching pioneer reenactments of artisans such as blacksmiths and potters. Would a time-traveling Boone beam with flattery or cringe at any anachronistic inaccuracies?

In the winter of 1779-80 Boone left the settlement because it became too crowded and preferred the solitude of the wilderness.

Daniel joined up with his son Israel who in 1776 had established a 20 -family settlement in present day southeastern LaFayette County known as Boone's Station.

Tragically, Israel and Daniel's brother were killed by Indians a few years later. Daniel's life was spared but was held captive for months by the Shawnee Tribe. They referred to him as "Sheltowee" or Big Turtle prior to his escape. Today's 343 mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail runs through the Red River Gorge via the Clifty Wilderness and Natural Bridge State Park.

Even though, Daniel didn't perish from an arrow, he was plagued by legal disputes over land claims and debts from failed business ventures. His eventual property losses prompted him to move to Defiance, Missouri where he resided during the last 20 years of his life.

Due to his trailblazing and risk-taking persona, Daniel Boone sure made a name for himself in our neck of the woods. He would be gobsmacked entering the Daniel Boone Deli and Coffee Shop in the Gorge with its highfalutin electric barista coffee machines.

Would Daniel's jaw drop at the list of libations including the "Timber Rattler" made of Kahlua, creme de cocoa, and Baileys? And "What in tarnation is a panini?"

The curious bug-eyed proprietors would warily respond with "Where's your coonskin hat?"

As to which Boone would crossly reply, "That's the other guy!"

And that dear reader...is for another day. Hint: the other guy's initials are D.C.

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