Wolfe County has plenty of outdoor activities to get you out in the fresh Kentucky air. Right at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, among the Daniel Boone National Forest, the county boasts hiking, climbing, paddling, and biking trails that will satisfy your need for an easy outing or a rigorous challenge.
The US Forest Service serves as the land manager for the Daniel National Boone National Forest that contains within it's vast acreage the Red River Gorge National Geological Area & Clifty Wilderness Area. The Forest Service operates the Gladie Center, which serves as the visitor, historical, and informational center for the gorge. Their website also offers comprehensive resources for official hiking trails, overnight camping permits, safety, and fire conditions.
Website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39458
Address: 3451 Sky Bridge Road Stanton, KY 40380
Phone: 606-663-8100
The Red River is a 97.2 river originating just north of Wolfe County's county seat of Campton and part of the National Wild and Scenic River system.The upper Red is known for some of the most rugged whitewater runs in Kentucky while the lower offers opportunities for flatwater touring and fishing. A significant portion of the river runs through the scenic Red River Gorge National Geological Area and millennia ago was responsible for forming the sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, and other unique geological features nestled among the mountain laurel, rhododendron, and hemlocks of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The area attracts thousands of canoeists, kayakers, hikers, rock climbers and backcountry enthusiasts every year.
Float Trip Information: fw.ky.gov/Education/Pages/Red-River.aspx
Upper Red Gauge: www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/671
Lower Red Gauge: waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03283500
Photo provided by Brandon Jett
Red River.Climbing.Com is a climbing resource website created by Ray Ellington, author of the popular Red River Gorge Climbing Guides. The website offers route information, forums, and updates for the climbing community.
Website: www.redriverclimbing.com
The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team serves the county and general vicinity of the Red River Gorge under a charter from the Commonwealth of Kentucky & direction of the Wolfe County Judge Executive. Since its inception in 2007, the Team has distinguished itself responding successfully to numerous wilderness accidents and lost person incidents. As Wolfe County sits in the middle of some of the most beautiful gorges in the United States, resplendent in waterfalls, caves, and high cliffs, this area attracts visitors from all over the world - who are exposed to the dangers of the rugged terrain. WCSART - comprised of all volunteer citizens - is dedicated to providing specialized search and rescue services both to our local citizens and visitors. Besides being skilled in search operations, the team is proficient in high angle rope rescue of the kind needed for the many cliff accidents that occur within the Red River Gorge.
Website: www.wcsart.com
