The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge Discovery Zone (RRGDZ) will pop up at the Red River Gorge Farmers Market by the Sky Lift parking lot in Slade, KY on June 14th from 10 am - 2pm to celebrate Father’s Day.
Red River Gorge Discovery Zone (RRGDZ) is an all-volunteer pop-up discovery zone emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), with free hands-on activities for kids (of all ages) focused on the Red River Gorge, conservation, and local history. Bring the whole family to explore exciting FREE STEAM activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. Whether you’re building, experimenting, creating, or just enjoying the hands-on fun, there’s something for everyone to discover. Celebrate Dads, learning, and the great outdoors - we can’t wait to see you there!
Check out our Facebook page at: facebook.com/rrgdiscoveryzone/ for our 2025 schedule and join us at the next event.
K Kentucky Lucky entucky
Around here, we have a saying, “Any time you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky.” And when you’re in the Red River Gorge Area, we say, “You’re Kentucky lucky!”
So.. Hello and Welcome! We’re glad you came and we’re betting, if you aren’t already, you are surely gonna be “glad all over” real soon. One of America’s best known pioneers, good ole Daniel Boone himself, once said, “Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place!”
We tend to agree and here’s why.
First of all, the Red River Gorge Area is, in our experiences, extravagantly outdoorable! There is a world of adventure and unforgettable experiences to be found with hundreds of miles of trails, waterways and back roads beckoning you to come discover their treasures. Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.
We have ruggedly beautiful breathtaking vistas, lush greenery and huge tracts of mature hardwood forests teeming with wildlife. In and around the Gorge Area, you’ll have opportunities to observe a wide range of wildlife including black bears, deer, wild turkeys, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Kentucky has hundreds of species of wildflowers and at least 350 species of birds.
The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to 100 or so of those birds that live here year round and many others just “visiting”.
Recreational activities are endless such as fishing, ziplining, miniature golf, kayaking, a water-borne tour underground, off road mud slingin’, scaling cliffs, horseback riding, camping, even mining for gems! When it comes time to finally settle down and enjoy a soft, quiet Mountain evening, there are accommodations for every person’s preference. From tents to yurts to cozy B&B style lodges to private, comfortable cabins with all the modern conveniences including fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV and climate controls. Oh yeah, and tree houses!
You and your family are gonna love it here!
Publisher
Jenny Ison
Editor
Jerry Ison
Contributors
Jerry Ison
Miranda Fallen
Nancy Hamann
Sally Cox
Graphics
Ingrid Miller Red River Gorge Earth Shop
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.
Preparation
* The Mountains are known for unpredictable weather. Check the weather forecast for the area.
* Plan your trip--know about the area and how to get there. Get detailed maps.
* Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to keep you comfortable in case of emergency.
* Notify others of where you will be, and when you plan to be home.
* If you are a beginning camper, contact your local camping outfitter for a general checklist of camping equipment.
* Take a cell phone with a fully charged battery - anda spare fully charged battery. Make certain there is service in the area you’ll be camping. Turn it off until you need to place a call.
* Inexpensive walkie-talkies are also a good idea; with fresh batteries and spares.
* A loud whistle is another good idea. It can be used to attract attention and is a good way to ward off an unwelcome animal.
Personal Safety
* Prevent animals from getting into your food. Consider placing it in your vehicle, or hanging it in a tree (12’ high, 4’ from tree trunk).
* State and national forest campground wells are approved by that governing body.
* Keep a few logs in your tent to keep them dry.
* Always bring extra matches and at least three or four Bic lighters.
* Never even consider a camping trip without a comprehensive and fully stocked first aid kit and the American Red Cross first aid handbook. These may be more important in an emergency than any other items you could have.
The ‘No Impact’ Camper follows these guidelines to ensure that today’s forest and campground resources are available to tomorrow’s users:
* If you carry it in, please carry it out-this will eliminate litter.
* Camp in a designated campsite within designated campgrounds, unless you have obtained an undesignated camping permit.
* Protect water sources from contamination; do any washing at least 100’ away from source.
* Use biodegradable soap, or try hot water, soapless dishwashing, bathing and clothes washing.
* When using soap (even biodegradable) and toothpaste, do so at least 100’ away from natural water sources, well or faucet water sources.
* Take only pictures; leave only footprints and leave those only on designated trails and areas. Remember, when camping in any federal area, guidelines forbid the taking of even a pebble from national parks.
* Never, ever cut a live tree for firewood. Never, ever bring wood from another area or state to local forest areas. Check with visitor center about obtaining approved firewood of local origin.
Prevent forest fires.
* Keep fires small.
* Have water available to extinguish the fire properly.
* Never leave a fire unattended.
* Maintain a 10’ diameter and debris-free area around the fire.
* Make sure ashes are cold when you leave a fire.
Reminders:
* Be careful with your campfire -- keep it small.
* Be a good neighbor -- control your noise and pets.
* Be respectful of your state and national forests; keep the trees and shrubs alive and growing.
* Always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and away from public swimming areas.
Foxes and Bobcats and Bears, Oh My!
Yogi says he's "smarter than the average bear". But, are you? Smarter than the average black bear? Native to the Red River Gorge, these furry residents are very smart but not diabolical or aggressive unless they're hungry or protecting their cubs. Black bears are mostly reclusive and nocturnal but can detect food over a mile away with their incredibly keen sense of smell. Even though the majority of their diet is composed of plants such as berries and nuts, they're opportunistic and would love the munchies from your picnic basket. When camping, keep all food stored in your vehicle away from your tent. Or if you have Tarzan like skills, you can hang it from a tree at least 15ft.up and 8ft. from the trunk. Be sure to dispose of used Keurig pods away from the area. Coffee grounds are like catnip to a bear and they'll roll around in it like a pig in a mud. After hibernating for 6 months, I'd be ready to roll in coffee too! During hibernation, even though they're capable of leaving the den, they don't leave to eat or defecate and females even give birth. Not known to be predatory, they don't wish to be preyed upon either. So what should you do if you encounter a black bear? Make your presence known by yelling and slowly back away without turning your back. Do not run! Bears can run up to 35 miles an hour and will instinctively chase you if they feel threatened. Don't play dead either they'll take advantage of your vulnerability Bearwise.org, a website whose goal is keeping bears and human admirers safe from each other. For a quick guide, see the Bear Basics info at the end of this article. Bobcats and black bears share similar habitats in the Gorge. But, if there are territorial or meal disputes, Yogi will prevail over Garfield. These wildcats are fierce predators and are capable of taking down a much larger animal like a small deer. Twice as big as house cats, female bobcats have a territorial range of approximately 6 sq. miles while males carouse up to 25 sq. miles. However, they're extremely elusive and a split-second glimpse of a bobcat even at sunrise or sunset would be rare.
During mating season, the females may emit a bloodcurdling scream in effort to attract a male. Apparently, "what's your sign?" is passe.
In the Daniel Boone National Forest foxes and bobcats are unlikely to coexist peacefully. Bobcats are larger and more powerful giving them a clear advantage in a conflict. Foxes dig underground dens to hide themselves and their kits from predators. They have excellent hearing and can hear rodents digging miles underground. You're more likely to see a red fox than a gray fox since the grays are nocturnal. Although, cute from a distance, foxes and bobcats both stink! Male bobcats spray stench-like secretions and foxes emit a musky smell from the base of their tails. Surprisingly, black bears smell clean and fresh except for the males during mating season.
For a fun (and safe) up close look of our furry friends, the Natural Bridge State Park Nature Center (Woodland) has an impressive display of taxidermied animals including foxes and bobcats. The Gladie Visitor Center also boasts a treasure trove of animal pelts and interpretive/ historical exhibits.
Be sure to "paws" for souvenirs for you and your BooBoo bears at the gift shop.
Bear Basics
Black bears rarely become aggressive. As a matter of fact, they want even less to do with you than you do with them.
If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment Then, move away quietly in the opposite direction.
If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave. Ways to avoid encounters are: talk loudly, play heavy metal music, rap or sing off key while hiking. A harmonica is great. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell and are attracted to citronella repellant such as in candles and sprays. Bearwise.org is a great place to find good bear advice.
Special note: Cats, including wild cats of every species are especially attracted to Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein.
Stanton, KY
The Gateway to the Red River Gorge! 606-481-1371
info@explorestanton.com explorestanton.com
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
