RRGCC

5 minutes could help shape the future of climbing in the Red River Gorge - and score you a free 60m Sterling rope! 👀

The Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition has partnered with Dr. James Maples to conduct an updated Economic Impact Study of climbing in the Red.

📈 This research helps demonstrate the value climbers bring to the region and provides critical data for advocacy, policy work, and grant funding that support climbing access.

Want in? It simple -

1️⃣ Complete the 5-10 minute survey

2️⃣ Email [email protected] with the subject line “EIS” by Friday, June 5 to be entered to win a free Sterling rope!

Why does this matter? 👉 The 2021 study found that climbers bring more than 102,000 visitors and $8.7 million in local spending to the Red River Gorge each year. Those findings have since helped support major access and advocacy wins, including updates to Kentucky’s Recreational Use Statute and funding for expanded climbing access.

Quick survey. Real impact. 🌟

🔗 Survey link here: https://surveys.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=bialssNzeQcECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

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🥳 Registration for JATD 2026 is officially open! 📣

Each year, the RRG community comes together at our largest annual trail day event to give back to the land that gives us so much. 🫶

Join us as we divide & conquer – tackling trail projects across the Gorge that create sustainable access for generations to come. 🥾🌱

JATD wouldn’t be complete without the usual shenanigans – lunch and drinks provided by and , dinner from , plus cold beer 🍻, a silent auction, raffle 🎟, and live entertainment to close out the day. 🎙 Every registration includes lunch, dinner, snacks, and an official JATD shirt courtesy of . 👏

The event was first created to honor John Bronaugh – an early RRGCC volunteer, prolific route developer, guidebook author, and key figure in the PMRP purchase – and his son Alex, who grew up climbing alongside him. After John’s death in 2004 and Alex’s tragic passing just months later, the day became a way to celebrate their lasting impact on the Red and give back to the climbing community they loved.

JATD honors their legacy through stewardship, service, and community – the same values that they quietly embodied without ever asking for recognition. ♥️ Swipe to the end to see their photo.

Johnny and Alex Trail Day (JATD) will be held on Saturday, June 27th at Land of the Arches Campground.

➡️ Register at this link: https://rrgcc.networkforgood.com/events/101949-johnny-alex-trail-day-2026

We'll see you there! ✨

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The RRGCC is thrilled to announce the addition of a THIRD full-time staff member to the team! 🥳

Please join us in welcoming local climber and developer, Brian Kramer, as our first ever full-time Land Manager! 🥾🌱⛏️🪨

👇 A little about Brian:

Since 2010, Brian has spent the majority of his time climbing. First at the Salisbury University climbing wall, then at the Movement Climbing Gyms in Baltimore, MD. He worked full-time for Movement (then Earth Treks) doing just about anything he could get his hands on—from teaching rock & ice climbing to route setting, his life revolved around sharing his climbing passion with others.

When he wasn’t working, Brian was making the long drive out to the New, Seneca, the Gunks, or the Red, trying to squeeze every last ounce of climbing out of the days. Every year, he’d spend a few months traveling around North America’s climbing destinations looking for the best rock only to realize that he didn’t need to go past Kentucky. In 2025, he left his job at the gym and moved to Beattyville with his wife and their cats, Puff & Lola. When he’s not working, Brian is usually out developing routes, looking for the next 5-star classic.

We are thrilled to bring Brian on board for his love for the Red, kindness, eagerness to help and learn, team spirit, and (most importantly) funny jokes. 😉 He will be working closely to learn from the best in the business, Curtis and Audrey Gale-Dyer, who have been taking excellent care of our beloved climbing areas for decades.

The addition of a third full time staff member marks an important landmark in the growth of the RRGCC that we are excited to celebrate alongside our community. 🌟 This is your money at work – going straight back into the care and conservation of our RRG climbing lands.

You’ll likely see Brian out on our property before too long, but til then, drop a 👋, 🙌, or even a 🤜🤛 in the comments and help us welcome Brian to the team!

Photos 1 & 6 📷:

Are you an Adaptive Climber? 👀 This is your sign to try climbing outdoors!

🧗‍♀️ Catalyst Sports () and the RRGCC are teaming to bring you a FREE outdoor climbing day at the Red River Gorge designed for adaptive climbers! 🙌

👇 Here's what you need to know:

📅 When: Saturday, June 13th, 10am-4pm.
📍 Where: The beautiful Red River Gorge, Kentucky!
🚐 Transportation from Louisville and Lexington will be provided by the – more details in the signup form!
🔗 Pre-registration is required! 📢 Sign up at the link below.

https://catalystsports.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/catalystsports/event.jsp?event=120355&

🤜 🤛 Interested in volunteering for this event? See if you’re a good fit in the volunteer registration form 👇

https://catalystsports.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/catalystsports/event.jsp?event=121421&

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or trying it for the first time, we invite you to come climb, connect, and celebrate community outdoors. We hope to see you there! ✨

📷: Photo courtesy of the Adaptive Climbers Fest Photo Team