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RED
RIVER GORGE GEOLOGICAL AREA, KENTUCKY, USA HISTORICAL AND PICTORIAL INFORMATION |
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The
Red River Gorge Geological Area, surrounding the middle section
of the Red River, is a unique landscape containing more than 80 major natural arches and a most unusual assortment of vegetation. The geological area covers 25,662 acres and the terrain has been sculptured by wind and water for more than 70 million years. Sky Bridge, one of the most spectacular arches, is a solid rock span stretching along the top of a thin ridge. From the summit of this bridge, visitors are treated to a magnificent panoramic view of the Gorge. The Daniel Boone National Forest administers the area for year-round public use and enjoyment, while protecting its watersheds, wildlife, unique natural formations and primitive character. Scenic drives lead visitors to many overlooks and to picnic areas and dispersed camping areas. The 36-mile system of loop trails in the area has been designated as the Red River Gorge National Recreation Trail. It provides access to many scenic and historical attractions and connects with a number of developed recreation areas and the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. The unique geological features of the area are primarily due to the resistance of the sandstone to erosion. Rockshelters, lighthouses, and arches boldly illustrate the power of erosional processes in the area. Where underlying rock is weaker than an erosion-resistant layer above it, differential weathering washes out the weaker layers. This process has led to the formation of hundreds of rockshelters. Where the ridges are narrow, these rockshelters eventually weather through, forming an arch. The area contains the largest concentration of rockshelters and arches east of the Rocky Mountains. There is a complex and prolific plant community in the area composed of some 555 different species representing 100 families and 304 genera. The richness of the vegetation in the Gorge can be related to its diverse topography, proximity to the center of the mixed mesophytic forest, and glacial history. The climate of the area is temperate with moderately cold winters and warm humid summers. Temperatures average 32 degrees in winter and 74 degrees in summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging about 45 inches annually. Prevailing winds are out of the southwest. The Red River Gorge Geological Area contains a high concentration of prehistoric sites which offer a unique opportunity for the study of the prehistoric cultures of the eastern United States. The rockshelters of the Area have been used by humans for protection from the elements for thousands of years. Text courtesy of GORP In 1894, Natural Bridge and the spectacularly beautiful Red River Gorge became accessible to the public when the Lexington and Eastern Railway began twice daily passenger service. Special excursions were run on Sundays, with ten or more cars coming from Cincinnati alone. By 1899, over 25,000 people visited Natural Bridge each year, enjoying amenities such as hiking paths, picnic grounds, dining facilities, a dance pavilion, bowling alleys, and a pond for swimming and boating. Those staying overnight were welcome to use tents set on platforms and furnished with cots and cooking utensils. Others chose to travel five miles further to the L. Park Hotel in Torrent, where one hundred guests could be accommodated, with orchestras from Cincinnati providing entertainment. Travel and recreation in nineteenth century Kentucky offered a sense of excitement, romance and adventure that was unique to the era. Whether traveling by stagecoach, steamboat or train the nineteenth century traveler could expect a memorable experience around every bend. - written by Beth Evans Cooke for the Kentucky Encyclopedia Clifty Wilderness is a part of the Red River Gorge Geological Area in the Stanton District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. This l2,646-acre wilderness area features arches, rock shelters, and towering cliffs encircling steep, forested slopes and narrow stream valleys. The rugged errain offers hikers physical challenges as well as the quiet solitude of a forest setting. The areas features steep cliffs that drop off as much as 200 feet down into the valleys. Elevations are as high as 1,257 feet, while canyons below are dotted with rocky creeks. Numerous rock shelters and arches can be found on the mountain slopes. Clifty Wilderness supports an unusual array of plant and animal life. 750 kinds of flowering plants and 170 species of moss thrive in this area. The diversity may be attributed to geographic location, topography, and glacial history. A significant number of endangered, threatened, sensitive, and rare species of plants and animals exist in this area. - USFS |
PICTORIAL
LINKS - TOUR THE AREA |
THE
RED RIVER SAGA .. Three Decades of Exploration within The Red River
Gorge, Kentucky HISTORICAL INFORMATION |
THE
RED RIVER SAGA THE SPRING OF 1977 HELD THE QUEST FOR ADVENTURE |
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Just where that was to be had yet to be decided. As teenage lads granted new freedom by a driver's license and four wheels our small band was in search of an independent oasis. Many venues were suggested near our home area of Hazard, Kentucky: but, none became more appealing than the idea put forth by our younger friend Waldo (Wesley Young). He spoke of a place in the Red River Gorge (part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky) where he had visited and been enamored. A beautiful, tranquil site to get away from it all . . . by the time his mental picture had been painted, Waldo had become our guide. The initial trip was a wonder, Waldo navigating us through the entrance near Campton instead of Slade. This course lead us through nearly the entire length of roadway which passes through the Gorge before reaching our destination. INDIAN GLEN was accessible by vehicle . . . we drove right up to the spot chosen. Our time here was spent in peace . . . but the effects of the natural beauty of the area would have a lasting impact. Expectations for that first venture were exceeded . . . so much so, that we returned frequently throughout the next 48 months . . . the EARLY YEARS. Waldo would accompany us only for the initial trip . . . his personal travels would prevent him from returning. During our subsequent visits, we explored Arches, Rock Formations, met with the people and discovered this area held a deep history both of the geological past and of mankind. This included the ever popular road trip to the top of RAVEN ROCK, owned privately by Mr. Greenwalde. He maintained a Entertainment Center of sorts on top of Raven . . . including Ticket Booth, Concert Area, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Hang Gliding Launch,and a metal Security Railing encircling the top. He would greet you outside his home with an explanation that his road and equipment were privately owned and a charge of $1 per person was necessary for the upkeep. This was all true, the road to the top was very difficult to maintain and difficult to navigate at times . . . for Jon Morris's old Rambler it was action-filled indeed as she rolled backwards a few times on the steep incline. We still possess today an original RAVEN ROCK FLIER which Mr. E.P. Greenwade handed out at the time . . . he later sold his property to the Government (which dismantled everything except the railing), retired to South Carolina where he passed away some years ago. We shall not forget him. The suspense of RAVEN ROCK's trip and spectacular view were just a part of what kept us coming back time and again. It was Fun here! It was Mysterious!, It was Adventurous! It inspired a sense of wonder and companionship between our people . . . and the sensation of "home" began to take hold. |
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THE
RED RIVER SAGA 1981 AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONLY ONE MAJOR ANNUAL TRIP |
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From the 80's to the present, personnel rarely dipped below 20 people per year. One of those rare exceptions fell during a week-long rainstorm in 1985, known as OPERATION MICHELANGELO - 1985, which holds the record for fewest people (6). At one point it appeared that the whole trip for the year would be cancelled but our own Mike Hughes would have none of that. Working the phones between cities, Mike and his new bride Mary took point and convinced us that we could not break the streak. With the rain continuing to fall, we pushed on, the weather cleared, and experienced a tradition-saving year. Through this decade, as before our base of operation would be forever and always in the same place . . . INDIAN GLEN. From this Site we prepared good food, explored trails, fished, climbed, rappelled, watched movies at nearby Stanton's Mt. View Drive-in, visited and shopped the NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK . . . these activities remain ongoing staples to this day. The 1980's passed with changes to ourselves and to the Gorge both good and bad. It did not go unnoticed that more and more visitors (other than our party) had found the treasures of this Forest . . . . traffic was on the increase. We continued to refine our plans and duty assignments over these years . . . for example, we went from one chef (Captain John Ibanez) early on . . to everyone for themselves . . . to community sharing as we experimented with what would work for 20 plus people. Most Annual trips would last for a week (sometimes more, sometimes less) . . . food, showers, and latrine services were essential to maintain a smooth, happy home base. In addition, we made it our responsibility to keep INDIAN GLEN clean. Many visitors spent time here over the course of each year . . . we would like to think that most packed out what they brought with them. However, there existed a great deal that was not . . . on the average we bagged between 4 to 6 bags of trash each year before our base was even established. The USFS has commended us on our dedication in the past and we continue the labor of cleaning up after others to this day. Our departure includes the ritual of "THE FINAL PASS" . . . a last walk-over the area to ensure that nothing has been left behind while saying our farewells to the Glen and in some cases to each other for another year. One work detail assignment was added late in the decade, Craig Hall came up with an idea which has been praised for years since. Firewood gathering has always been a ponderous task, especially after a day out and about in the Gorge. Spotting a local sawmill a few months before the annual event, Craig suggested that we purchase a truck-load of unwanted sawmill wood and use it throughout the week instead of combing the hillsides for it. That was a terrific idea which we employ to this day; downed wood near INDIAN GLEN can be difficult to find with previous visitors having first crack at it. Sadly, there are many who try to cut down living trees and attempt to burn them . . . we frequently find the remains of green trees in firepits (which we dismantle) . . . left unburnable. One of the Saga's highpoints has to be THE WEDDING. During 1988's QUO VADIS - 1988, Jon Morris and Wendy Terrell met and fell for one another. The next year they decided to marry in the place where they had found each other. In 1989, in formal attire, they were married at INDIAN GLEN before friends, family, and horse-back passersby . . . this unique Saga, influenced by this magical place, was growing richer with its own history. To offer balance, 1989's WRATH OF HUGO - 1989 hit us with fearsome weather . . . the worse thus far. We were forced out early as Hurricane Hugo slammed against the Eastern US Coast and pushed inland to change our perfect weather forecast to a torrential downpour with plunging temperatures. Mother Nature had started a fight which we still hold a grudge for . . . to this day we are not on speaking terms with one another. Few of us have a kind word to say about her even when the weather is beautiful . . . we feel it is due us. If we only knew what she had in store for the next decade. |
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THE
RED RIVER SAGA THE 1990's HELD A EVEN COURSE |
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As the decade of the 90's began it became apparent that our venture had become a well-oiled machine . . . experience having taught us what we could and could not do in the functioning of our base. More often than not, nothing out of the ordinary occurring on the trip meant that a smooth year would be the result but sometimes when things go bad that year will be more memorable. Thus, 1993's DARK SHADOWS - 1993 dealt us our greatest nemesis . . . Mother Nature, still having it out for us, struck us again . . . hard. During WRATH OF HUGO - 1980 we experienced rain, dropping temperatures, and rising water. DARK SHADOWS - 1993 brought this and more heavy rain, mud-slides, hail, damaging wind, thunder, lightning, nearby tornados, and of course The Flood! Indian Glen found itself underwater as we have never seen before or since. A scramble to recover our equipment, much of which was floating away, ensued . . . this exhausting effort lead to an overnight stay in the Abner Motel in Stanton for some of our people. Others returned to oversee INDIAN GLEN and our trapped neighbors across the stream who were in greater danger of losing their vehicle as they had no where to go. With our home flooded this year seemed over . . . surprisingly, our crew agreed to wait out the waters, reestablished base and finished out the trip. That night the flood returned; fortunately, by this time we had sought higher ground . . . the water returns to its banks here very quickly. The next day we relaxed at the MOUNTAIN MEMORIES FESTIVAL in Frenchburg hardly believing what had happened; a make-shift base was established and we completed our year . . . perhaps remembering how we ran in 1989. Any chance of patching things up with Mother Nature were now gone; but, this may have been our finest hour. The 1990's saw the USFS forced to take a stronger hand in the prevention of off-road travel in the area which had increased erosion and created the opportunity for easy littering. The Forest Service began to block off access to all types of motorized vehicles by placing huge boulders at the openings of many off-road areas. This included access to INDIAN GLEN, we no longer could drive down to the site. The adaptation to transporting our equipment to the site really went surprising well and present day we think nothing of it. The USFS fears of human influence were well-founded. Over the decades we had noted the loss of trees to human foolishness and the erosive forces taking place alongside the stream-bed where very apparent; a review of the photographs in PHOTO GALLERY from the early years on will show a steady progression. This decade would see more comforts brought to the Glen as our original crew continued to age. . . credit for hot water showers, updated latrine, Avanti Meat Rotisserie (AMR), Time Capsule, even team caps goes to Andrew Ray. Andrew gave his best so that others would benefit and as a result inject joy into our stay. We welcomed each new innovation which was always something to look forward to during each new year. Change and adaptation continued to provide us with the freedom to relax and explore as the dawn of a new millennium approached. |
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THE
RED RIVER SAGA 2001 SEES THE ARRIVAL OF THE 21ST CENTURY AND OUR 25TH VOYAGE |
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This Era's greatest change thus far has been the Forest Service implementation of a "Parking Permit" . . . the fees being used to improve directly on services in the Red River Gorge. Penalties collected for not purchasing a Permit go out to the Federal Level and these Permits are Enforced. Our adjustment to this new law has been swift. Thus far, 2001 & 2002 have mirrored some of our other past trips. 2001 was a great success with nearly 30 participants and good weather. In contrast, if 2002 had a mirror it could only be that of DARK SHADOWS - 1993 . . . a very difficult and trying time. Yet, as in '93, great credit goes to the survivors of SPECTRE - 2002 for outlasting Mother Nature. Fortunately, THE WICKED WITCH PROJECT - 2003 rewarded us with one of the most memorable times in decades. With a spectacular week of weather (not one drop of rain, wonderful temperatures, and low humidity), we enjoyed great fires, the sights of the Gorge, the Powell County Fair, and the company of one another. If only all our ventures could be so successful. A Strange but exciting THE FOREFATHER LEGACY - 2004 concluded by experiencing the first Annual Trip to be held off site. Due to severe weather over the course of the Spring and Summer, the first Venture in nearly 30 Years had to be postponed from early June to September. Forest Service Road 9 was damaged and closed to vehicular traffic. The extra time ultimately did not help our cause. The roadway did not get repaired in time and we had to settle for an alternate site on Tunnel Ridge Road. Dubbed "Unofficial Ridge" this area served us well. However, the time delay cost us the opportunity for some of our Members to attend as their vacation time was inflexible. Hopes to return to our normal course next year remain high. CHECKMATE - 2005 continued the Indian Glen shut-out as once more we utilized Unoffical Ridge as our base. This year started off shaky by being locked out of our Unofficial Ridge site by Red Tape . . . real tape. Concrete Pads had been poured beside several Rest Areas and were in the process of drying. After a night in Stanton the USFS allowed us to move in as long as we stayed off the concrete. Thus was the beginning of an otherwise wonderful week. Except with our laboring over the Shower System; this year was once again a joy! Cindi & Sue cooked full meals, we explored during a very active time, we investigated new areas, we even had an apple-eating woodpecker! Probably the most guiters ever seen on a single trip filled the forest with music each night. Another dry visit with no rain problems. A terrific week leading up to our 30th Annual Journey next year! |
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1977 FOUNDATION 1978 ORACLE 1979 SOVEREIGN SKY 1980 BEYOND THE MIST 1981 DAWN 1982 THE PEACEMAKERS 1983 HOTEL RED 1984 THE SECRET FIRE 1985 OPERATION MICHELANGELO 1986 MARK OF EXCALIBUR 1987 A HOMEWARD JOURNEY 1988 QUO VADIS 1989 WRATH OF HUGO 1990 THE PEACEFUL FRONTIER 1991 VALLEY OF DREAMS |
1992 THE EDGE OF CAMELOT 1993 DARK SHADOWS 1994 MOONLIGHT SILHOUETTE 1995 IMPACT 1996 NIGHTFALL 1997 BLACKJACK 1998 ODYSSEY 1999 GATEWAY 2000 DRAGONFLY 2001 MARATHON 2002 SPECTRE 2003 THE WICKED WITCH PROJECT 2004 THE FOREFATHER LEGACY 2005 CHECKMATE 2006 TRINITY |
