GORGE GAZETTE NOV 2025

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

C CC Celebrating a elebrating a elebrating a elebrating a Gorge Gorge Gorge--ous Christmas! ous Christmas! ous

This year’s Cliffview year’s Cliffview Community Christmas Party for Community Christmas Party for Community Christmas Party for Community Christmas Party for the surrounding counties will be the surrounding counties will be the will the will

Satur Satur Saturday, Dec. 13t day, Dec. 13t Dec. 13t day, Dec. 13th hh h from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm. 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Cliffview Activity Center Cliffview Activity Center Center Center

This is a free event & open to

This is a free event & open to

This is a free This is a free cabin owners as well as the pu cabin owners the pu pubb-bblic. We serve a delicious meal, lic. serve delicious have face painting, free photo face painting, free photo booth, crafts, music, gifts & of booth, gifts course SANTA! course SANTA! course SANTA! course SANTA!

We are always loo We are looking for king for king for volunteers & donations. volunteers & donations.

This project is supported by the This project supported by Red River Gorge Charities. Red River Charities. If you are If interested, in being interested, in a part of our Gorge a part our Gorge--ous ous ous Christmas, please contact Kalley at 606 Kalley at 606 at 606 at 606--568 568568 568--6241 6241 6241

ature

N NN Nature Deficit Disorder ature Deficit Disorder

Disorder ature Disorder

We have the sure We have the sure We have the We have the sure--fire cure fire cure fire fire

Don’t commute, commune - with Nature!

Yes sir there’s more nature per mile in the Gorge than there are Medicare commercials on TV!

You may think that with December there comes a bleakness that is winter when all the leaves have fallen and the trees are just gray stick figures. Well, let me help you out there. Here in the protection of the Gorge things aren’t quite as drab as sometimes occurs in flatter, less sheltered areas.

Because of its unique landscape, winters are not as harsh as they might be outside the Gorge. That protection could also be the reason there are so many varieties of animal, vegetable and mineral examples.

If Natural beauty and diversity could be weighed, the Red River Gorge Area would be listed as a heavyweight. Heck a Sumo!

V VV Vacation Planning Tips? acation Planning Tips? acation

We have the only one you need We have the only

We receive and read many emails and website suggestions every day for vacation destinations and trips, cruises, etc. Many of those sites offer tips and suggestions designed to help you get the most enjoyment and eliminate hassle when vacationing. That’s what every venue and every person working those venues here in the Gorge Area wants. The only things on our guests’ minds should be where to sleep, eat, commune and play.

Not worrying about details nor being inconvenienced at any time while vacationing frees you to enjoy your precious time spent here.

Some of those tips, maybe most, are good and do work. However, and now that you are here, you know this to be true we have only one tip. Come back next year. And years after that. Simple.

Why return? Beside knowing what a great time you had the first time? That too is simple, there’s so much to do in the Red River Gorge area, no matter how much you did, there’s still much more waiting for you to discover.

If you want to sleep in, cool, but you can do that at home. Get out there and experience the Gorge. Hike? We got you covered there times 100+! Trails that is. Excitement? Okay, that’s where the Gorge excels. Miniature golf; underground water borne tours, horseback riding, off road ATV’s, canoe and kayak rentals and the adrenalin rush of Ziplining up there with the eagles.

Pull out the To Do page and carry it with you and it will help you find just the perfect activities for you and your family.

Welcome to the Gorge. We are truly glad you came.

Our Merry Christmas Party

Jerry Ison Jerry Ison Jerry Ison Jerry Ison

The official Red River Gorge Newsletter

Publisher

Jenny Ison

Editor

Jerry Ison

Contributors

Sally Cox

Jerry Ison

Nancy Hamann

Kelly Clark

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.

A Winter’s Walk A Winter’s Walk

I took a walk in the woods today and of all days, the fog was as thick as pea soup. A mist showered down upon everything. No snow on the ground, just brown, muddy, slippery surroundings.

As I began my journey, I had no idea what I would find. Who knew this dreary scenery would start my memories dancing and my soul searching.

This particular woods sits adjacent to an old stone quarry and my walk began at an old stone spring house. This little building is well over a hundred years old and as I started down the slippery path, I am sure the ghosts of the area's history were watching me. At the bottom of the path, a noisy brook flowed freely, dividing the woods in half. With the birds absent, the only sounds were those of water running over, under and through rocks.

As I strolled the lower paths, I couldn't help but notice old stone wall sections that randomly dotted the sloped landscape. Grand trees stood majestic and bare, some even seemed to be growing right out of the rocks. Large grapevines hung gracefully from the tops of the trees and reached down to the ground.

I couldn't resist grabbing one and swinging from it as I had done as a child.

This was just the beginning...

As I continued along my way, I discovered many signs of wildlife. Although there were no sounds, no movement save the bare tree limbs being pushed by the wind, there were signs of life almost everywhere.

Deer tracks and tooth-chisled hickory nut shells at the base of trees let me know this is still home to quite a few animals. Fresh raccoon tracks and what looked to be fox prints were here and there along the way.

I found myself turning almost childlike, with each animal track or chewed shell I found. At times, I'd stop at the edge of the brook, pick bits of flint and what looked like milky bits of glass out of the water. As I continued following the brook, I found such a peace within myself.

Just as I was thinking, "This couldn't get any better", I came upon stone bridge. An old, old stone bridge. It was apparent the bridge had been built to provide horse drawn wagons and carriages access to the area where an old stone farm house sits. One doesn't often come upon a scene such as this. Between the stone, the landscape, the bridge and the fog, I felt as if I were in England instead of Eastern Kentucky.

Even though there was this wonderful old bridge, the kid in me just could not pass up the chance to build my own stepping stone bridge, to cross the brook. So stone by stone, step by step, I crossed the little brook. Once on the other side, I stood back and took in the view, of the place I had just been. It was beautiful. Even though there were no leaves, no grass, no flowers, birds nor snow, I knew the All Mighty was all around me.

Winter can sometimes be so depressing, especially when there is no snow, when all seems so gray and gloomy. However, nature has a way of helping us put our own being into perspective. That is just what happened to me.

I left those woods feeling rejuvenated, invigorated and feeling very much alive. Physically, mentally and spiritually.

So sleep mighty trees and rest up for spring, because I will be back. Back to get refueled, renewed, and reborn.

Kelly Clark Kelly Clark

S Stick Season tick Season

Stick Season is our 5th Season

Don't you just love this time of year when the days are pleasantly warm and the nights are cool? Sounds like the Indian Summer of lore dating back to 1778 when an American soldier turned farmer described it as a "short interval of smoke and mildness" after the first frost of late Autumn. In anticipation of a voluminous coat of snow, the Native Americans used this flukish bout of warm weather for hunting and gathering crops from their last harvest. At sunset, American settlers mistook the sight of sun rays through the hazy autumn air for tribal bonfires prompting the phrase "Indian Summer".

Then comes "stick season". A transitional period between November/Early December and winter when the vibrant fall foliage has fallen, leaving bare sticklike branches underneath a gray sky before the first snowfall arrives. The term originated in New England but also poignantly describes the calm wonder of the Red River Gorge in November.

This 5th season gained wider recognition through the popular song "Stick Season" by Vermont born musician Noah Kahan. His heartfelt lyrics expressed a personal connection during this fleeting period of nature's serenity. Metaphorically, it symbolized the soul searching introspection triggered by the emotional angst of returning to his hometown from college during Thanksgiving break.

Romantic notions of green pastures and blue rivers were replaced with the grays and browns of crackling ice and denuded branches. Yet, the magnificence of November afternoons with crisp, blue air and swirls of golden clouds are a sight to behold. This mini season is an underrated time of year to enjoy a hike through the Daniel Boone National Forest The trails are quieter without summer crowds and peak fall tourists. Without the leaves, you can view deep into the forest and behold the breathtaking panoramic scene of steep rocky walls, waterfalls, and arches. Weather permitting, the Natural Bridge Skylift takes you on an aerial mile long journey for a spectacular view of the Gorge. The Gorge Underground is another great sight seeing option. Paddle your way through a 100-year old limestone cavern on an unforgettable one hour guided kayaking tour. Check online for booking tickets.

If the "brrrr" factor drives you indoors, the food scene in the "Red" is the perfect haven to take a break and replenish your stomach and soul. Due to seasonal hours best to check online for days and hours of operation.

Our newest debut is The Hungry Hiker which features a large variety of delectable edibles including: appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, entrees, etc... Other eateries in the area worth noting are: Daniel Boone Deli, La Cabana, Thatcher's Barbeque, Red River Rockhouse, and Hops. Two favorite outliers are Sky Bridge Station in Pine Ridge and Red Point BBQ in Campton. You're guaranteed to have a blast whether dining, shopping, or exploring the sticks of our "Gorge-ous" locale.

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