The Official (only!) Newspaper of The Red River Gorge Vol. 6 No. 7 Adventure ~ Relaxation ~ Accommodations ~ Awe Inspiring Natural Beauty ~ Friendly People
September 2026
Welcome to The Red River Gorge!
Welcome to Cliffview Pies & Pints, your new go-to spot in the Gorge! We’re located right near the zip lines and in the same building as Out the Top Adventures, making us the perfect stop before or after your next adventure. We’re a pizza place at heart, but our burgers, wings, and hoagies are just as popular! We also serve breakfast every morning until 11 AM. Staying in a cabin at Cliffview Resort? We’ll bring the food right to you with cabin delivery! Follow us on social media to keep up with our upcoming live music, events, specials, and everything happening at Cliffview Pies & Pints. We can’t wait to see you! Place an online order by scanning this QR code
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 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 characteristics of the Gorge. 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. We are so happy you chose to spend some time with us! Jerry Ison
HELPFUL WEBSITES & PHONE NUMBERS State, County & City Facilities 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!
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 Green Ghost
by Jerry Ison ..
Poet and Author James Dickey called it the “Green Ghost”. Others call it the “Vine That Ate The South”. New visitors from the north probably look at those green vines covering trees, utility poles even buildings in wonder. It’s kudzu And now the kudzu goes marching along, it’s headed north. Duke University researchers say due to global warming, kudzu will invade the north early this century. The greenhouse effect brought on by the rising levels of carbon dioxide will greatly benefit and accelerate the northern march of kudzu. Kudzu realizes a double benefit from the higher carbon dioxide levels. Kudzu, like all plants, breathes in a manner that's more or less the reverse of animals. Plants take in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen. They use the C02 to manufacture food. Since kudzu can't stand long periods of freezing weather, its northern migration has been limited to about the Mason-Dixon Line. If the scientists are correct in their predictions, kudzu will soon cross that boundary. The scientist are saying that the C02 content of the atmosphere will double in this century. They are calling for a subsequent 60 - 80 average rise in temperature. Given those changes, it is likely that kudzu will be to the Great Lakes by the year 2030. The rise in temperature and the increased C02 should also speed up the growth rate of this already fast growing vine. Some say it grows so fast you dare not leave the windows open on warm humid summer nights or it will sneak in and smother you in your sleep!.
There are tales, whether true or not, of old hound dogs snoozing under a shady oak tree being totally covered and imprisoned by the plant. Old tales aside, kudzu is really an impressive plant. It can actually grow up to a foot a day during those hot humid Southern nights. Kudzu is native to southern Japan and southeastern China. It was introduced from Japan into America at the Japanese pavilion in the 1876 Centennial Exposition held in Philadelphia. Due to its fast growth and broad leaves, kudzu was an instant hit among those living in abundant sunshine – Southerners! Kudzu’s first use was as an ornamental to provide shade. A few cuttings placed near a trellis would shade the whole front porch in just a few weeks. During the thirties, to control erosion, the government planted millions of the cutting all along roadways and hillsides. Being a legume, a nitrogen-fixing plant, kudzu seemed to be the perfect rotating crop for nutrition depleted cotton fields. It also has high value as a livestock feed, paralleling the benefits of feeding alfalfa or other common hays. The problem however was that once planted, it is almost impossible to eradicate and now is spreading at the rate of approximately 150,000 acres per year. Like Mosby's Raiders, this green invader will probably slip into the North under the cover of darkness. Before they realize it and much too late, kudzu will be established in Ohio. And Pennsylvania. Indiana. Even New York. Yep! The plant that ate the South will finally do what the CSA could never do - conquer the North!
Rentals Available for 1 to 15 Scenic Lots And Vacation Homes for Sale
606.663.0000
September’s Song Yep, it's September again. Already. And we let another summer slip by without Zipping through the air three hundred feet above a wooded Gorge. Without spending that weekend in a Yurt. Never got around to refinishing the deck or removing those holly bushes. Lots of folks think of September in just that way; the month when we realize summer is over. Not me! I like to think of September as sort of a pre-game show. The lead in to Autumn. Sure, there are still some days to come when the temperature and humidity will be high enough to keep us indoors with the AC on full-tilt. The saving factor will be the nights with their end-of-summer "freezing" temperatures of 45-50 degrees. These are the days of feasting on fresh, home grown tomatoes and green beans. Cantaloupes, bell peppers and corn on the cob. Those poor souls in the produce section this time of year are the unfortunate ones. Those without the means for a garden or unlucky enough to be without friends who garden. Now is the time for getting the gear ready for the hunting season to start. For planning the tailgate parties; opening day kick-off is imminent. County fair time. Back to school and year-end close-out sales time. There is still time for that last-summer outdoor concert. For deciding if you are going to split firewood this year or buy it. And choosing new sweaters for that sprint across the mall parking lot in late November with those Christmas packages.
There's enough coolness in the late evening breeze to make you think about getting those blankets and comforters aired out, but not just yet! But still not cold enough to cause worry about the coolant level in the family car. Here in Eastern Kentucky, we have the great fortune to experience this wonderful, slow transition period. A time for re-adjustment without the sudden change from warm to cold less fortunate areas must suffer. We get to appreciate the alternating warm days and cool nights all the way through October. Oh sure, we'll have a real live, gen-u-wine, painted on the trees, leaf-droppin' autumn, but that's still down the road a ways. There's still plenty of time left for us to take advantage of one of those sales. Time enough to get the best deal on a bright plaid flannel shirt to wear on the Halloween hayride. Hey, here’s a tip for ya, you came to the right place for that Zip trip and the opportunity to spend a few nights in a yurt. Or to just sit on the porch of one of the rental cabins and listen to the sounds of silence. Okay, the sounds of almost silence, certainly the sounds of serenity. Thanks for comin’; we’re glad you did. And, I’d bet you a pone of corn bread against a pint of Kentucky’s finest you will be too.
“Oh Deer! It’s those two legged creatures again,” said Momma Doe. “Don’t stare, they’ll want to touch you!”
Peaceful Living Natural Beauty Lots Now Available Model Homes Opening Soon
Lazenbypreserve.com info@Lazenbypreserve.com
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
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.
bryan@theboneyardwell.com