The Official (only!) Newspaper of The

Vol 1 No. 2 Adventure ~ Relaxation ~ Accommodations ~ Awe Inspiring Natural Beauty ~ Friendly People April 2021

Mille Creek Lake The Red River Gorge Family Fun & Adventure Now that you are here, a little about the Red River Gorge. The Gorge history dates back more than four hundred million years to when Mill Creek Lake Africa slammed into North America creating the Appalachian Mountains. Kayak and SUP Millions of years later sediment washed down from Pennsylvania and formed Rentals was de- the sandstone that is the defining feature of the gorge cliffs. These cliffs are signed with fam- unique and are the reason the Gorge is one of the most highly regarded areas ily fun in mind. for with 3,000+ clifflines in the Daniel Boone National Forest alone. We take kids 4 Just after the Glacier retreated about 12,000 years ago, people moved into the and older, and Gorge. Those people are known to archeologists as the Paleo Indians. At that we have the PFDs to fit practically time, the weather was cooler and the gorge was mostly covered with ever- anyone. greens. Wooly mammoths, giant bison and mastodons were plentiful and hunted by these early people using only spears tipped with stone points. It is The operational schedule is posted also believed they hunted by stampeding those large beasts over cliffs. on our websites, Facebook and These and later groups of ancient people had the gorge to themselves for about Google. Typically we open at 9am ten thousand years. Around four hundred years ago, they began trading with and rent our last boats at 5pm. Europeans and 100 years later the area became the state of . Three Were are very near Natural Bridge hundred years after that we arrived, constructed the Resort and later the State Park. Simply Google "Mill Zipline and the rest as they say is history! Creek Lake Kayak Rentals " (or So, get out there and experience the joy of the Gorge. Take a hike, climb a anything close to that) a map pops- cliff, Zip through the beautiful forests, catch a fish (but be sure to release it un- up with us on it. That works best. harmed), grill some burgers, whatever. Don’t let this opportunity to appreciate We give a 10% discount for active, one of Nature’s finest examples of her best work pass by. reserve/guard, veteran and retired While you and your family are enjoying this handiwork, remember there will be others to follow and they too would love to experience the Gorge in it’s military, fire, police, EMS with an natural and as pristine state as did you. The rule is simple, leave nothing be- ID card, and groups of 12 or more. hind except footprints ( And please, leave those only on designated trails ), take If you have a valid KY Fishing li- nothing but photographs and pleasant memories. cense or are under 15, you can fish for bass, sunfish and catfish. You can keep your catch or catch and COVID-19 release. Size and number of fish Because the health and safety of guests is first priority speaking for the rental units, limits are posted. cabins, lodges and yurts, we assure that all the C D C protocols are strictly adhered to. We take every precaution to help prevent the possibility of virus transfer. Oh yeah, did we To view all the careful steps we take, visit our web site : www.CliffviewResort.com. mention Mill Creek is the low- est cost paddle Electrifying News! We have three Tesla Charging Stations, one universal. Now you can recharge your Tesla, Prius, venue in the Leaf, Volt, or any electric or hybrid car while enjoying unforgettable time in the Gorge Zipping, area, and is a kid/beginner friendly hiking or just napping. And, we offer this service to anyone, you do not have to be a guest at paddle? Cliffview. 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, Kentucky 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, : 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 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 The Red River Gorge Eastern Kentucky’s Vacation Have nnn

The Gorge is home to a great variety Most climbs are a single pitch and of wildlife including hawks, owls, most cliffs are less than 200 feet woodpeckers, hummingbirds, deer, (61 m) tall. There are numerous fox, black bears, and two venomous traditional and routes snakes: the copperhead and the tim- in the region, although the latter ber rattlesnake. It is also home to sev- seems to be more dominant. The Red eral endangered species found only in River Gorge is also known for its Red River Gorge. numerous hiking trails that range in Rock shelters and other sites in the difficulty from beginner to advanced. Red River Gorge Geological Area Over 60 miles of trails, open only to contain artifacts of prehistoric occu- hiking, are maintained by the Forest Much of the Red River Gorge is pancy by indigenous peoples, begin- Service and are located throughout located inside the Daniel Boone ning with the Paleoindian period. the park (some trails are also for National Forest and the 29,000 acres Rock shelters are particularly valu- horses). has been subsequently reserved as the able as archeological sites because Many campgrounds are located in the Red River Gorge Geological Area. It they are protected from precipitation. area. Primitive camping, also known is a designated National Natural Plant materials and other relics, such as backpack camping, is permitted in Landmark and National as woven mats and leather mocca- the gorge if an overnight permit is Archaeological District, and is listed sins, that would decompose in more obtained. WARNING: Camping is on the National Register of Historic typical sites are well-preserved in the not permitted within 300 feet of any Places. The 13,379-acre Clifty dry, nitrate-rich soils found in rock road or designated trail. No camping Wilderness Area is entirely within the shelters. Sites in the area have in rock shelters or within 100 feet of Red River Gorge Geological Area. yielded some of the earliest evidence the base of any cliff. This intricate system features of the domestication of plants found Coordinates: 37°50'2.44 ″N 83° an abundance of high sandstone in the eastern . 36'28.36 ″W cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls, and The Red River Gorge, Clifty Wilder- natural bridges. There are more than ness, and the Indian Creek area were Thanks to Wikipedia, the USDA For- 100 natural sandstone arches in the designated as a National Archaeo- est Service, Daniel Boone National Red River Gorge Geological Area. logical District and placed on the Na- Forest, Wolfe County and Kentucky The multitude of sandstone and cliff- tional Register of Historic Places in Tourism. lines have helped this area become 2003. The National Register district Some Material modified from origi- one of the world's top rock climbing covers 37,217 acres of land; as of nal Wikipedia text and used under destinations and is home to the Red 2005, it included 29,116 acres in the Creative Commons Attribution River Gorge Climbers' Coalition. national forest and 8,101 acres of pri- Kentucky's Natural Bridge State Park vate land. It contains 664 known pre- is immediately adjacent to this area, historic and historic sites that date featuring one of the largest natural from more than 11,000 years ago to bridges in the Red River Gorge. the 20th century; 442 sites are con- Because of its unusual and rugged tributing sites in the National Regis- ter district. nature, the Red River Gorge features a remarkable variety of ecological The Red River Gorge is also known zones. It is home to many plants as a popular destination for rock which are far from their main range. climbers, with numerous cliffs in the The Red River Gorge's Sky Bridge gorge itself and in the surrounding CE CREAM appears in the the first major motion areas. The vast number of bolted HAND DIPPED I picture to be filmed in Kentucky, the routes in overhanging, pocketed Old Fashioned Milkshakes 1955 film The Kentuckian, starring sandstone draws climbers from all HOUSE M ADE F UDGE  J AMS & J ELLIES Hoodies ~ TT----ShirtShirtShirtssss and directed by Burt Lancaster. over the world to "the Red" as it is Local Artisan Crafts The Red River Gorge Geological known. Climbing in the region tends Slade KY Exit 33 KY Rte 11 Area, including , to be done at a large number of has a very diverse biology. separate small cliffs. 606.663.8885 Get Them Hooked A Zebco 33 on a medium action rod, a couple small hooks, a bobber or two and a can of worms. There While They Are Young are rod and reel combos made just for kids - perfect Pond fishing and kids birthday gifts. If you want to take more than one It doesn’t get any better ! youngster along, put a life vest on 'em and rest easy. Pond fishing also offers the earliest opportunity to "I got one! I got one!" get out there and snag a few. (I'm talking figura- It was Zack screaming at the top tively, Mr. Game Warden; we won't really snag 'em.) of his lungs. All the rest of the The water in the ponds warms up well before flow- boys immediately threw their ing water. If you start the day in the northwest cor- rods onto the little pier and ran to where Zack was ner, then move around as the sun warms other areas, jumping up and down and screaming. We adults you can enjoy a day-long outing. Using worms or joined the rush to see the first catch of the day. It was other live bait almost guarantees the little ones will a "monster" blue gill about six inches long. But it hook into a fish. If the kids are a bit squeamish about was Zack's first fish caught all by himself. The prob- handling slimy worms, bread 'em! Put a little corn lem was, as soon as the fish was over the pier, Zack meal into a baggie and shake the worms around in it. threw it and the rod down and ran towards Dad. No The worms will come out dry and when in the water, amount of persuasion could get him to try to remove trail off a line of "chum", enticing fish to bite. the fish from the hook. His Dad pulled the barely set You may not want to bother with taking the fish hook loose and tossed the little fish back into the home, so carry a camera and you'll capture some pond. The rest of the boys were really fired up. Now memorable times. When planning a catch-and- that Zack had drawn first blood, the next bragging release outing, file the barbs off the hooks. Hold the feat was to see who caught the most. Or the biggest. fish down in the water when removing the hook and My nephew, Don Mitchell, and I had taken his three you'll be able to try for him later when he's bigger. sons - twins Zack and Nat, first born, Isaac along Gather up the kids, grandkids, neighbors, a dozen or with their cousin, my grandnephew, Cory, fishing. so worms and head out to a pond. I guarantee every- We were at the pond behind Sentinel School and it body will have a good time. was brimming with bream. (Bream, pronounced brim , is a Southern term for all sunfish, blue gill, Editor's Note: Fishing in Cliffview’s well stocked pumpkinseed, shell cracker et al. Not to be confused lakes and Mill Creek Lake requires a valid KY fish- with the British pan fish of the same name.) ing license. Mill Creek is a keeper but Cliffview lakes In my way of thinking, pond fishing is about the are strictly catch and release so we ask that you han- best, most enjoyable activity an adult can engage in dle the fish as little as possible, preferably holding with a child. From the age of 4 or 5, little boys and them in the water while removing the hook. girls are just the perfect pond fishing companions. There is probably nothing that costs so little and re- turns so much as taking a youngster pond fishing. All one needs in the way of equipment is an inexpen- sive rod and reel combo.

Rain? - No Problem!

We Have Dry Climbs And Campsites Rentals Available for 1 to 15 Scenic Lots And Vacation Homes for Sale

606.663.0000 facebook/ashcave rapelling www.sceniccabin.com 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 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