The Official (only!) Newspaper of The

Vol. 1 No. 3 Adventure ~ Relaxation ~ Accommodations ~ Awe Inspiring Natural Beauty ~ Friendly People May 2021

Mother’s (Adventure) Da yyy I’m In Love With A GorgeGorge----ousous Place

Instead of flowers and candy for a I love the Red River Gorge so much and Mother’s Day gift, we have a few felt so drawn to it after my first visit that I more exciting suggestions. moved here fifteen years ago from Cincin- Depending on her A.Q., Adventure nati. I speak with hundreds of visitors each Quotient, the Red River Gorge has year; this is a reflection of why I think they so many adventures and attractions come back year after year. that surely will appeal to her. The people, the culture, the fresh mountain There is the adrenaline pumpin’ air and the natural beauty give this area it's Red River Gorge Zipline at Clif- own unique flavor. I hear from so many people how they suddenly get fview Resort. And the rustic yet that ‘Feeling’ , a lift to the spirit when they get off the Parkway and are luxurious accommodations the Re- heading toward the Gorge. People who were born and grew up here also sort offers. tell me they never lose that wonderful ‘Feeling’ they get every time they Some of Nature’s most spectacular return to the Gorge. scenery is best appreciated from Somewhere south of Clay City the distant ridges and their cliffs come the Eagle’s Eye View when Zip- into view while still miles away. Shortly, they begin spotting the Red ping across thickly forested gorges. River Gorge signs showing the distance to the Slade exit. As the en- For a more relaxed and placid ac- trance to the Gorge gets closer and closer, the heart speeds a little, the tivity, take her to a quiet, soothing breathing becomes a bit easier, and the all the memories begin to come waterborne tour through the Gorge back. Maybe it's the memory of the first time you visited the Gorge and Underground. This huge under- the initial amazement when you first discovered that such a beautiful ground cavern, filled with crystal place exists. clear waters, is really cool , Year Then, more memories come to mind. The trails you hiked, the star- round, the temperature is 55°! studded clear nights by the campfires, friendships made and, for some, You can end the day with a deli- conquering fears of the first climbs on some of the best climbing routes cious meal at the Sandstone Arch in the country. The elation that comes when Zipping 300 feet in the air. Restaurant in the Natural Bridge That ‘Feeling’ is what the Red really offers. A secret - maybe a sensa- Resort Park. (see page 2 for info) tion or an exhilaration instead of secret - that is for all visitors, young and old. You can't bottle it. You can’t buy it. You just have to come and COVID-19 experience it. And - you’ll never forget it! Because the health and safety of guests is Come visit and you can experience that Feeling! first priority speaking for the rental units, cabins, lodges and yurts, we assure that all the C D C protocols are strictly Electrifying News! adhered to. We take every precaution to help We have three Tesla Charging Stations, one universal. Now you can recharge your Tesla, Prius, Leaf, prevent the possibility of virus transfer. Volt, or any electric or hybrid car while enjoying unforgettable time in the Gorge Zipping, hiking or To view all the careful steps we take, visit our just napping. And, we offer this service to anyone, you do not have to be a guest at Cliffview. web site : www.CliffviewResort.com. Oh yeah, I almost forgot - you can charge absolutely free! That’s right. Free! ttthethe HELPFUL WEBSITES & PHONE NUMBERS gorge gazette State, County & City Facilities Natural Bridge State Resort Park General Information The unofficial newsletter of (606) 663-2214 or 1-800-325-1710 (reservations) 2135 Natural Bridge The Red River Gorge Rd. Slade, KY 40376 Trail map & descriptions, park laws and regula- Rogers, tions, lodging, camping, group meeting facilities, group programs "Natural Bridge State Resort Park is hiking, arches, exploring, scenery, Publisher reflection, and making memories." Jenny Ison www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb Kentucky State Nature Preserve Commission Editor www.naturepreserves.ky.gov Jerry Ison Red River Gorge National Geological Area (606) 663-8100 www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/redriver_gorge.shtml Contributors Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center (606) 663-8100 Joyce Belcher www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts/cumberland/gladie.shtml Nancy Hamann Red River Gorge Trail Crew (Volunteers) www.RRGTC.com Nancy Griffin 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 We gratefully acknowledge the in- Dedra Brandenburg Director 606.464.5038 formation and assistance given us by www.visitleecountyky.com the State of Kentucky Parks Depart- ment and the staff of the Natural Private Facilities Bridge State Park and thanks to the Cliffview Resort & Cliffview Retreat 606.668.6222 staff of the Natural Bridge State www.cliffviewresort.com 455 Cliff View Road, Campton, KY 41031 Park’s newsletter, the Natural The Lodge, The Retreat and Lakeside Lodges are available for groups, weddings and retreats. Also available is the 8,000 sq foot ReceptionHall Bridge Hiker . Red River Gorge Zip Lines 855.ZIP.TOUR ( 855.947.8687) The Gorge Gazette is published 606.668.6222 www.redrivergorgezipline.com monthly except January and Febru- Scenic Cabin Rentals 606.668.6487 www.sceniccabin.com ary for entertainment of Cliffview Paul Hamann 513.378.8716 Nancy Hamann 513.919.7150 Resort Guests, Owners, Visitors, Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals 606.668.3272 Staff, Tourists and Friends. All contents including ads www.redrivergorgecabinrentals.com are copyrighted by The Gorge Underground 844.254.6244) Thrillsville.org Jerry Ison/Jay Eye Communications Ian Teal 513.284.2332 Box 271 Talbott, TN 37877 The Gorge Gazette: Jenny or Jerry Ison 865.674.6740 Distributed free of charge Email stories, ideas, suggestions, news to: [email protected] courtesy of our advertisers! Red River Gorge GHENGIS KHAN NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD!

Log Homes Rent one of our

Let Us Build the LUXURY YURTS! Log Home of Your Dreams ! and you too can... Gourmet Coffees ~ Cappuccino LIVE LIKE AN EMPEROR! We always have cabins & lots for sale. Espresso ~ Nutritious Smoothies (At Least for a couple of days!) We offer Project Management Limited Gourmet Grocery Items from the ground up Red River Gorge Just off Slade Exit 33 South Cabin Rentals 513-284-2332 769 Natural Bridge Road (KY Hwy 11) 844.682.2246 www.redrivergorgeloghomes.com 606-663-2549 redrivergorgecabinrentals .com TTThingsThings To Do, Places To Visit, Where To Eat In The Red River Gorge

• Off Road Adventure The Boneyard Hollow OffRoad Park 2400 Barker Branch Rd 606.567.8781 Off KY Rte 1036 @ KY Rte 11 Zachariah, KY 10 minutes • HillTop Pizza: Pizza, Salads, Subs, Spaghetti, Lasagna. Delivery to Cliffview available . 606.464.9990 2034 Hwy 11N Beattyville. Approx 15 minutes south. • Daniel Boone Coffee Shoppe & Deli: Gourmet Coffees, Deli Foods, Camping Supplies

606-663-2549 Natural Bridge Road (KY Rt. 11) near Slade Exit 33 15 minute drive.

• Gorge Underground: A Unique Waterborne Family Adventure On The Water, Underground!

Kayak and Pontoon Boat Tours 844-354-6244 Thrillsville.org 15 Minutes • Natural Bridge State Park, Lodge & Sky Lift: Camping, Hiking, Rooms, Fine Dining parks.ky.gov/resortparks/nb/index.htm • Red River Gorge Hiking, Rock Climbing: fs.fed.us/r8/boone/ • Kentucky’s Unseen Scenes : Guided Hikes to Capture the Beauty the Gorge has to Offer. Uncommon photography opportunities. Newly rediscovered arches 606.560.4949 606.359.4717 • Wild Things of KY Reptile Zoo & Gem Mining: KY Rt. 11 Slade 859-577-0277 15 minutes. • Daniel Boone Trading Post: 606-663-2549; Natural Bridge Rd (KY Rt 11) 15 Minutes • Ye Ole Country Peddler: 606-663-2683. KY Rt 11, 15 minute drive. • Red River Adventure: Kayaking and Canoeing redriveradventure.net 606-663-1012 • Via Ferrata Rock Climbing Park: Great for beginners 606-668-6441 torrentfalls.com 10 Minutes. • Hiking Trail Guide and Descriptions: Kentucky’s Unseen Scenes 606.560.4949 • Beech Fork Golf Club: In Clay City - 606-663-9479 30 minutes. • Sag Hollow Golf Course: In Booneville 606-593-4653 40 min.

• Beattyville Public Golf Course: Off Rt. 52 in Beattyville, KY 606.356.4199 20 minutes

• Ash Cave Rappelling Rappelling, Hiking Camping Climbing

2343 Route 3224, River,KY 606.369.0511

Drive times are from Cliffview Resort to the listed attraction/event .

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 Cen- ter seats up to 250 and has a fully equipped commercial grade kitchen . Our new- est Lodges, the Retreat and Lakeside will each sleep up to 50. Both have dou- ble appliances kitchens and technically compatible theater style media rooms . “On Your Way To The Gorge” Call 606.668.6222 for details.

Join Us For FamilyFamily----FriendlyFriendly Unforgettable Underground Water Borne Adventure Kayak & Pontoon Boat Tours 844844----354354354----62446244

TheGorgeUnderground.com * Take a cell phone with a fully charged battery. Safe Hiking in Federal Make certain there is service in the area you plan to And State Forests of the explore Red River Gorge * Download a GPS app so friends and family can track your progress and always know exactly where Geological Area you are. In areas with no service, inexpensive The hiking season is now in full walkie-talkies are a reasonable alternative . swing. Hundreds, thousands of folks * Always bring waterproof matches or a couple of from all over the country regularly Bic lighters and a knife of some kind. visit Cliffview Resort and the Red * A loud whistle is another good idea. It can be used River Gorge Area to enjoy nature’s bounty. There is to attract attention if ‘confused’ and may convince an no better way to experience all the area has to offer unwelcome animal to leave the area. than to hike the hundreds of trails in federal, state * If hiking in an area bears are known to habituate, and private lands than hiking. We want everyone to make some noise while hiking. Sing, clap your have the best hiking experience possible and leave hands, talk, whatever. Bears don’t like to be sur- the area with fond memories and beautiful pictures prised and if they know you’re approaching, the y’ll and videos. usually go the other way. To make the experience fun, informative and safe we * Remember, you’re a guest, be courteous and ap- offer a few hints and some do’s and don’ts. preciative. If you carry it in, please carry it out! ∗ First and foremost, the Boy Scouts are right, * Take only pictures; leave only footprints and leave Be Prepared! those only on designated trails and areas. Remem- * The Mountains are known for unpredictable ber, when you’re enjoying any federal area, guide- weather. Check the weather forecast for the area. lines forbid the taking of even a pebble from national * Plan your hike--know about the area and how to parks. get there. Get detailed maps. * Never, ever cut a live tree for firewood or any * Take enough food, clothing, and equipment to other reason. keep you comfortable for at least another day and * Be respectful of your state and national forests; night longer than planned in case of emergency. keep the trees and shrubs alive and growing. * Notify others of where you will be, and when you * If hiking with Fido, keep him on a leash no longer plan to be home, in case some one needs to contact than 6 feet. you. Let them know when you return. * If you are a beginner, contact local outfitters or camping and hiking locations for a general check list of needed equipment. It’s a very good idea to have a comprehensive Red Cross approved First Aid kit and manual.

HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM Old Fashioned Milkshakes 1501 Hwy 15 N Jackson, KY 41339 Rentals Available for 1 to 15 HOUSE M ADE F UDGE  J AMS & J ELLIES Hoodies ~ TT----ShirtShirtShirtssss Scenic Lots And Local Artisan Crafts 606.666.5333 Vacation Homes for Sale Slade KY Exit 33 KY Rte 11 606.663.0000 606.663.8885 www.sceniccabin.com JJJoejbo! DDDsffl! Those include the Gorge Underground, Natural SSSftpsuftpsu!!!! Bridge State Park and the Red River Gorge Zipline.

The drive along State Highway 77 will take you Tony Charles past the Raven Rock trailhead and right through the ever-popular Nada Tunnel. The 20 mile drive The Indian Creek Resort is an exciting new devel- from Indian Creek Resort to Slade takes about 45 opment located on the northern rim of the Red minutes. River Gorge. While the Tarr Ridge Picnic Area and trailhead The southern boundary of the gorge (near Slade, are only about 25 minutes from the Indian Creek KY) is at the 'bottom' of the gorge elevation-wise, cabins, water lovers may be surprised to find that while Indian Creek is at the 'top'. Most of the in the same amount of time they can be at the cabins in the Indian Creek Resort sit majestically Longbow Marina of the . on clifftops overlooking the Indian Creek area of Cave Run Lake is nearly 8,300 acres in size and is the Red river Gorge. known as the Muskie Capital of the south. The On a clear morning you can 'almost-but-not- lake is also great for bass, crappie, catfish, and quite' see the popular Courthouse Rock from the trout fishing. rear deck of the Forest View Lodge. Don't expect There are 13 cabins available at the Indian Creek to hike straight there though. Resort, ranging in size from 1 bedroom tiny cab- The Lodge is sitting atop a 225' high cliff, so the ins to 10 bedroom lodges. All cabins are less than driving route to the Courthouse Rock trailhead 2 years old and feature hot tubs, excellent Wi-Fi, will take you almost 40 minutes. fire pits and The Indian Creek Lodge and the Forest View grills. Lodge are situated along opposing ridgelines Hiking, na- which offer breath taking panoramic views of the ture photog- gorge. In fact, we believe that the Indian Creek raphy, fish- Resort cabins offer some of the very best views of ing, boating, the gorge that you will find. beaches - all The Indian Creek area is private and secluded, so a short drive visitors will drive through the heart of the gorge from the to visit Slade area attractions. Indian Creek Resort.

Visit CaveRunLakeCabinRentals.com for more info and to make reservations

P.O. Box 51824 Knoxville, TN 37950 Phone: 865-584-7571 www.MissionofHope.org PPPlanningPlanning Your Wedding, Vacation

Family Reunion or Retreat

It’s the time of year when everyone is looking forward to Summer fun and escape from the boredom brought on by the COVID isolation and re- strictions. Families are planning long anticipated summer vacations, corpo- rations are planning their annual work retreats and new brides are in search of that perfect place to have their big day. Here is a checklist that may help you when deciding the best place to ensure your event will be an awesome one for you and your guests. • Make sure the venue of your choice has the dates available to fit your schedule. Once you get your date confirmed, you are ready to start planning. • Choose the right location that will provide the perfect atmosphere for your type of event. The right setting plays an important role in having a successful experience for your guests. • Don’t forget your guests want to eat during the retreat. Whether you choose catering or plan to prepare a fun meal together as a group, make sure to choose a location that has everything you need for your meals. Once you find that perfect location, make sure the cost is something that is line with your budget. Always call and talk to a reservationist. They can help you plan your lodging needs. Be sure to check us out here at Cliffview Resort when planning your next retreat. We offer the perfect location whether you are looking for a quiet relaxing retreat, or an outdoor adventure of hiking and simply enjoying the outdoors. Let us handle your lodging and meal needs. All you need to do is book your dates and show up ready to have an awesome event for you and your guests. Call 606.668.6222 today to get your dates con- firmed.

Have you Climbed ● Hiked ● Paddled ● Fished ● Slept in a Yurt Rappelled ● Ridden A Horse ● Slung Mud ● Walked In Nature Picnicked ● Snapped A Picture ● Camped Under the Stars Visited the Gorge Underground ● Listened to Live Bluegrass Lately? No? How ’bout Today! You Can Do All That and More Right Here in the Beautiful, Natural Red River Gorge Check Page 3 or Ask One of our Staff

Large Selection of ICE COLD BEER Red River Gorge's Finest Cabin Rentals. Family Owned and Operated. Visit Our Website to Reserve a Cabin! BeerKing1036 on Facebook redrivergorgecabinrentals.com

123 KY 1036 Zachariah, KY 1/4 Mile South of 11 & 715 844.692.2246