GORGE GAZETTE JUNE 2026

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

Here You Are... Now What To Do?

We have some good news, some suggestions for places to excite, thrill, calm, eat, sooth, and pamper. You’re gonna love it!

Here, you’ll discover unique areas with vistas that will take your breath away! But, when you get it back, it comes with the naturally scented freshness that only mountain air can deliver.

What more could you want?

Okay, we have a few ideas. Here, in the Red River Gorge Area venues were conceived an designed to exceed expectations of all ages. Want to glide along on crystal clear water? The Gorge Underground is really the coolest place in the Gorge Area. Even when the heat is jungleish it’s always cool Underground. It’s hard to beat a view from a mountain top; to tell the truth, we really don’t think that’s possible! Hike these mountains and you will certainly agree. Remember, the hardest hike is to the best view Regardless of your desired level of activity, whether it be the pulse pounding excitement of flying 350 feet above a beautiful gorge at 50 mph or just the chance to enjoy the quiet comfort of a country evening, we have just what you want. Check out the county tourism boards lists on page six.

Welcome to the Red River Gorge Area

Among the many personal rights we, as Americans are guaranteed, one is the freedom to move freely around the entire country. There are no restrictions that vary from state to state. No guards at the gates, “checking your papers”.

Instead there’s a big sign welcoming you to: Kentucky, or New York or Wisconsin, Ohio. Even California! That sign also tells you what the state is noted for or its nickname. Like the Bluegrass State, the Buckeye State, The Golden State and so on. Those signs are there to tell you the people of that state want you to visit or fall in love and move in. They are happy and proud of their state. Well, traveler, so are the people of Kentucky. Actually very proud and with good reason.

We like to share our state, show off a bit, and flaunt our beautiful hills, mountains, rivers, lakes and forests. And Gorges!

We have an attitude we call unbridled spirit. As a matter of fact we are so proud of that spirit; it’s a state motto, Unbridled Spirit. If you think about it, that pretty darn well tells you a whole lot about us.

The horse connection and the attitude that you’re gonna experience wherever you go in Kentucky. That is one of the many reasons you’re going to love the time you spend here.

And, my new friend, America has a lot, a whole, big huge lot, of wonderful places to visit and spend time doing what you enjoy.

Since I am proud to say I was born and bred here, I may be a bit biased but I truly believe this Red River Gorge Area has something to not just please each person who visits - it’ll tickle ‘em pink!

I’ll betcha you’ll want to do it again. There is so much to experience, From hiking, climbing, riding, zipping to listening to the frogs and katydids while relaxing on the porch of one of the cozy cabins or lodges. Unfortunately, you’ll not have enough time. Fortunately, we will still be here so you, your children and your grandchildren can bring their kids. When was the last time you did something for the first time? You are in the perfect place to do just that. Check our To-Do page and peruse the ads; there’s something there that you’ve probably wanted to do but never “got around to it”. True isn’t it? Like Nike says, Just do it! Thanks for coming by, we’re truly happy you did.

Jerry Ison

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.

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

Things To Do, Places To Visit, Where To Eat In The Red 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.

Red Hobbit of Cliffview Resort is an experience of whimsical enchantment. Perfect for 2 couples or a single family with young kids.

Centrally located, explore Middle-Earths Red River Gorge through the lens of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins in a real earth-shelter dwelling with modern amenities for an unforgettably unique experience! -with a raised ceiling of course!- Perfect for guests who prefer easy navigation and avoid narrow windy backroads . Directions to the Red Hobbit hole are as easy as it gets.

Inside the Red Hobbit, the extent of the craftsmanship and detail come into focus. Entering the iconic hand built round door to the open kitchenette and spacious dining area with bar stool seating at the kitchen island and bar top table.

The kitchenette features a Refrigerator, toaster-oven, 2-burner electric cook top, microwave, coffee maker and all of the cookware and dinnerware you need.

The adjacent living room has a decorative real stone fireplace with electric Log insert to enjoy while sitting on the couch streaming your favorite program or game on the 55'' flat screen smart TV connected to high speed, fiber optic Wi-Fi.

Two private bedrooms: One has a queen memory foam mattress, the 2nd private bedroom has a hand built twin over full bunk bed. Both are memory foam beds. They share the beautiful full bathroom with amazing custom walk-in tile shower with a large rain shower head and hand wand.

Outside is a park style charcoal grill, built in campfire pit with seating for toasting s'mores and an outdoor dining picnic table to enjoy the nice sunset view. Red Hobbit has a great night sky view. Centrally located to all of Red River Gorge's activities including Redpoint BBQ, Rockhouse, climbing areas, Muir Valley, Cliffview Preserve, Daniel Boone coffee shop, and Ash Branch. The sign-up office for The Red River Gorge Zip-Line, Off Road Jeep & side-by-side tours, and Cliffview Cafe are all a short walk from Red Hobbit.

sceniccabin.com/vacation-rentals/red-hobbit/

Bodacious Birds of the Gorge

Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film

"The Birds"(1963) focused on a series of sudden unexplained violent bird attacks on local residents. The movie inadvertently created a widespread, real-world paranoia about crows and flocks of birds. Hollywood producers assuaged people's fears that birds are typically non-aggressive and only attack if their territory or young are threatened. A spoiler alert revealed that the set's bird handler Ray Berwick trained 3000 seagulls and ravens to attack but sedated the feathered thespians with whiskeysoaked wheat when not on camera. True to form, Hitchcock used meat to lure them toward the cameras, "ensuring chaotic, authentic-looking attackers". Rest assured nature explorers, the Red River Gorge and Daniel Boone National Forest are home to 100 non-lethal bird species. I've always been drawn to the beautiful birding magazines resplendent with vibrant photos and charming captions. So it was a rude awakening to discover that these Disney-esque birds have some gross habits from projectile vomiting to using their feces as sunscreen. As the only living descendants of dinosaurs, crude habits along with a supercharged metabolism and brilliant anatomy ensure their survival in perpetuity. Popular birds in Eastern Kentucky include the state bird the Northern Cardinal, robins, bluejays, Carolina chickadees, Tufted titmouse, and more. Downy and Redbellied woodpeckers are frequently seen grazing tree trunks. As a general rule, most of the Appalachian avians breed from March through September with a 30-day parenting sprint from egg-laying to fledgling. The juveniles are more muted in color similar to their mothers who have lack-luster plumage. Most of the smaller birds like sparrows and finches can live to 15 years old. The striking but aggressive blue jay has an impressive lifespan of 27 years. Like crows, jays are bird nest robbers but are submissive to the common grackle and redbellied woodpeckers.

The red-bellies are frequently displaced by bossy red-headed woodpeckers. Evidently, a pecking order exists even between kissing cousins. When it comes to love and marriage, bird mating habits aren't that much different than people. There's a courtship of dancing, sharing meals and just chillin' together watching the sunset. But like humans, bird relationships are often tenuous. Birds have a higher "divorce" rate and only 90% of bird species are monogamous. Even deeply bonded pairs are guilty of infidelity—a shameful, but forgivable adaptation to promote the probability of successful fertilization and a mix of a sturdier gene pool. A Happy Father's Day is in order for those great bird dads (and human dads!) like sparrows, cardinals, and Baltimore Orioles who share in parenting duties from nest building to wrangling feisty teens. These fathers help incubate eggs and provide carry out meals to their hungry brood. Cardinal and Oriole patriarchs become super dads and continue caring for the fledglings if mom leaves to work on a second nest.

Birds of prey, like hawks and owls are also committed to the family survival ship. They help with meal prep, nest sanitation and even take out the trash! Now, that's a dad who deserves a feather in his cap! Unlike, the male hummingbird who loves 'em and leaves 'em right after mating. He's totally consumed with defending his territory and finding a new mate. However, there's an interesting theory that the female hummer won't let Dad near the nest in fear of the male's bright colors attracting a predator to the nest.

Maybe these dead-beat dads deserve ecological immunity.

So, without further ado, go spread your wings! Look and listen for the dulcet sounds of the Northern Cardinal, Eastern Towhee, and white-throated sparrow. Or perhaps you yearn to hear the eerie whine of the Screech owl, the crow's harsh "caw", or the haunting repeated chant of "Nevermore" by The Raven of lore.

Bluegrass Bits

Wolfe CountyTourism

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Mi Finca- 318 Main St, Campton, ~ Kel's Patriot Pizza- 133 KY-15, Campton

Dixie Freeze II-194 Main St, Campton ~ Shebrews Coffee Shop-569 KY-15, Campton 145 Roadhouse- 148 Main St, Campton ~ Sky Bridge Station- 8 KY-715, Pine Ridge Hop's- 2613 KY-11, Campton ~ The Wicked Wolfe- 301 Mtn Pkway Spur, Campton Subway- 30 KY-15, Campton ~ Sweet Art by Stephanie- 110 Main St, Campton

Dairy Queen- 690 KY-15, Campton ~ Red River Rockhouse- 4000 KY-11, Campton Bites & Bargains- 658 KY-205N, Campton ~ Spanks Franks- 1008 KY-191, Campton The Brick- 5412 KY-15 N, Pine Ridge ~ RedPoint Barbeque- 356 Smith Rd, Campton