My parents and the Red...

[Glenrider]

Let's not sell the RRG short on things to do. True, it does depend on the individual and not knowing TIY's parents doesn't help;
interests, personal and vehicular mobility. But take a look at just some of the things this area has to offer:

1 - Red River Gorge has the second/third largest concentration of Arches in the United States -
http://www.redrivergorgearches.com/
http://www.naturalarches.org/gallery-ky.htm

2 - Home to a species of Goldenrod found only in the RRG. A Vegetation microcosm reflecting that of Canada to Georgia from Gorge rim to valley.
http://www.biology.eku.edu/T&ESpecies/w ... enrod.html

3 - Only one of two places that the Kentucky Cornsnake lives - leave it alone
http://www.kentuckysnakes.org/snake_det ... =patterned

4 - The Peregrine Falcon
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/news/2002/Jul/falcon.htm

5 - Plenty of Hiking Trails (Auxier Ridge view is hard to top), even canoing (if the river & Red River Outdoors are on their feet)
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/recreatio ... _sta.shtml
http://www.redriveroutdoors.com/

6 - Nada Tunnel (a man died during construction - - his life is worth your time for a look)
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts ... nnel.shtml

7 - Check out the area history and events at the USFS's Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center
http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/districts ... adie.shtml

8 - Staying near Slade qualifies as "not too woodsy". Perhaps the Craftshops/Homemade Fudge/Natural Bridge & Skylift could be appealing

9 - Serpentarium - The Kentucky Reptile Zoo. Nationally recognized herpetologist Jim Harrison's lifelong love all under one roof.

10 - Nearby Stanton - - the site of public hangings, salt peter mining for the war effort, the largest iron furnace in the world at one time.

11 - One of the few remaining Drive-in Movie establishments, The Mt. view Drive-in. A lost piece of Americana.

12 - The Red River Museum in Clay City

13 - The people you will meet. From the USFS Rangers to the locals all have a story to tell and sometimes people are what we remember the most.

Still if staying at camp and doing nothing is your thing. Koomer Ridge may perhaps fall more into the parents age group there? Noisy neighbors?
That's a roll of the dice anytime you choose to "mingle with the rest of the herd".

[jacksan]

Koomer Ridge sounds perfect. Get there earlier Friday to snag one of the secluded sites. The 'manager' will gladly take care of any all-night parties. They can do a little biking there, but will quickly realize hiking is the thing to do. The trail to Hidden Arch starts at the campground and is really quite nice. Start with that to gauge their interests.

Easy stuff: Sky Bridge, Chimney Rock, Gladie Visitor Center (amazingly nice place), Nada Tunnel, chair-lift to Natural Bridge (be sure to hike out to Lovers Leap), Sat night at Hoe-Down Island, dinner buffet (great catfish) at the lodge.

If they are up for a little more adventure: hike to Angel Windows, Rock Bridge, D. Boone Hut, Whittletons's Arch.

And if you find you've created a monster: Indian Stairway (Frog head, Council Chambers (don't miss this), Ohm Dome (the trail skirts the cliff edge here so you may want to skip Ohm Dome and take the upper trail), Indian Arch (down the steps) loop), Auxier Ridge, Gray's Arch.

[travelinyouth]

You guys are great! i just keep giving these suggestions to my mom and she is getting excited..... much more so than if I tell her what to do... haha. Cuz if I suggest it, it can't be good, but if all y'all say it is good then it must be! Keep em comin'.

[ynot]

Just don't forget the bug repelent.

[jacksan]

The Repel Lemon Eucalyptus is supposed to work against dem dam biting flies in the gorge The Cutter Advanced (7% Picaridin) worked OK for me.


From other posts...

1) Repel Lemon Eucalyptus spray. Repel prevented bites by an aggressive species for 4 to 7 hours, and more than 12 hours by a tamer type.

2) Cutter Advanced with 7% Picaridin (no odor). This Cutter product prevented bites for about 2 to 3 hours with the aggressive species of mosquitos, 8 hours for the other. They now also make Advanced Sport 15% picaridin for 4+ hour protection.

3) 3M Ultrathon (33% DEET, time released, moisure resistant). Ultrathon revented bites for about 13 hours against aggressive species of mosquitos and protected against ticks for 10 hours.

4) 10% DEET products. 10% DEET prevented bites for about 2 to 3 hours with the aggressive species of mosquitos, 8 hours for the other.

[Pru]

I use the Repel, and it works GREAT. The smell is pretty strong at first, but not so bad after about 15 minutes have passed. Bonus: you can spritz it on your salad!