RRC Archives

It is with a heavy hand that I write this. On Wednesday, December 7, 2016, John Haight left this world and journeyed on. John, who many knew simply as “Hop,” was an avid climber, cyclist, adventure racer, trail runner, whitewater paddler, and all things outdoors. A naturally gifted athlete, Hop is known to many as a co-founder of the Graining Fork Nature Preserve and the proprietor of the Cave Run Outdoor Center. But that description left alone is woefully inadequate because John was so much more than that to so many people. Despite traveling around the world and participating in many great adventures, he was above all else a very proud father who cherished his family. He was also a dear friend and complicé who will be sorely missed. Vaya en paz my friend. See you on the other side. - Grant

In lieu of gifts please donate to any or all of the following for John:
- Triplett Valley Trail Fund, Morehead, Ky
- Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition
- The Access Fund

There are no words...

Grant, thank you for taking the time to tell the community. I'm heartbroken for everyone who knew and loved John. May he rest in peace, and may his family be surrounded by love and support for a long time to come.

I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and condolences go out to john's friends and family.

I was lucky enough to get to chat with John a handful of times and I always came away smiling from just the few minutes of conversation.

The world lost a good man, with a heavy heart I say goodbye John.

You always hate getting those calls or texts or emails. I was shocked to hear about John's passing. I've known him since the nineties but only got to know him well the last couple of years. He had energy and passion to be admired and envied. I'm thankful to have known him and regretful it was not better or longer.

Thank you for letting me know.

To my knowledge I never met John but I would like to share how I believe I was influenced by him.
I first heard of the climbing in the Red around 94 and didn't know any better than to drive the Interstates up from central Carolina then, about 1am, hitting the country roads, winding down through Frenchburg and dropping out disoriented and exhausted about 3am.

The only guidebook I was aware of was the pamphlet, amazing as it was, from Porter and Chris. Pocket Wall was the golden prize, with limited options for noobs, but there was 'To Defy' and, Roadside. The idea that there were such incredibly cool people providing such an amazing experience, free, remains a guiding principle in how I'd like to think of life. I watched over the years as the coalition, personalities, and attitudes changed, even as Roadside closed, but the ideas of caretaking, access, and generosity persisted.

Long live John.

Hell of man. Will be missed

To me John was one of those constants in the community and I always enjoyed his wit and conversation. He will truly be missed. My condolences to April and his family.

Thanks for everything sir John.

I remember chatting with him at roadside a couple of times. A really nice guy. Im so sorry to hear about this

My dad used to tell me stories about this guy he worked with that would leave work on Friday afternoon, hop on his road bike, and ride some 60 miles from Lexington to Cave Run Lake so he could sail all weekend. Until I talked to my dad this evening, I hadn't connected those stories from my younger days to Mr. Haight. I never met John but I was always impressed by the spirit of adventure demonstrated by the man of whom my dad spoke.

Rest easy John.