RRGCC, PO Box 22156, Lexington, KY (2026)

05/29/2026

🥳 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! ✨

Cover 📷:

05/26/2026

🌱📢 Calling all conservation enthusiasts! 📢🌳

The RRGCC is teaming up with local experts to bring you a free guided hike exploring how the forest at Cave Fork Recreational Preserve has regenerated since it was extensively logged 100 years ago. 🌻🌿🥾

🪻This walk will be led by Wildlife Biologists Dan and Judy Dourson, and University of Kentucky Geologist Andrew Hawksley. The hike will cover Red River Gorge ecology as well as some history of resource extraction in the area.

The Doursons are co-authors of “Wildflowers and Ferns of the Red River Gorge and Greater Red River Basin,” and “Wild Yet Tasty: Wild Edible Plants of Eastern Kentucky,” both essential resources on plant life in this region of Kentucky.

Interested in attending? Here’s what you need to know! 👇

➡️ Registration is required for this event – group size is limited! Carpooling and hike location details can be found at the registration link in our bio.

➡️ The Forest Regeneration Hike will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 10am-2pm.

➡️ Expect a 2 mile hike on uneven terrain – be sure to bring water and appropriate attire.

Did we mention, this hike is 🌟 100% FREE 🌟 and open to all! Spots are limited spots, so make sure to snag your spot while you can here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdBB4LY79Eu1vyZC0LOovTVC9WRGuZBizQ_fuMsm62jrSdgw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110058983675670074935

We’ll see you there! 👋

05/18/2026

Save the Date: The RRGCC's largest annual trail day event is just around the corner! 🥾🌱

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

Each year, the RRG community comes together to give back to the land that gives us so much. Join us in creating and maintaining the trails that allow sustainable access to some of the best climbing in the world right here in the RRG. ⛏🪨

JATD wouldn't be JATD without our usual shenanigans – you can look forward to lunch and bevs provided by & , and fresh dinner provided by . 🔥 After work is done for the day, we'll head on back to LOTA for some ice cold bevies, dinner, a raffle, silent auction, and live entertainment 🎙.

More details & registration coming soon – keep an eye out! 👀

📷:

05/13/2026

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 📷:

05/12/2026

Quick survey – real impact: we love a good win, win situation. 🤝

5 mins of your time could:

✅ Help inform local organizations on how climbers impact the RRG economy
✅ Enter you to win a freshy 60m !

The RRGCC is hosting Dr. James Maples for a third round of an Economic Impact Study in the Red River Gorge! These studies survey climbers to learn about how visiting climbers spend their money while on trips to the Red.

The results of the 2021 study have been instrumental in:

👉 RRGCC’s efforts to amend the Kentucky Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners that allow rock climbing on their private property
👉 Winning grants in order to make the Ashland acquisition possible in the Red
👉 Generally helping us understand how climbers impact the local economy

(Check out the full 2021 impact results pdf here: https://rrgcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RRG-EIS-2020-final-report-62121.pdf)

Want in? It’s simple –

1️⃣ Fill out the easy 5-10 min survey found at the link in our bio
2️⃣ Email [email protected] with the subject line “EIS” before the end of May & you’ll be entered to win!

We will draw for the winner on Monday, June 1st. 🗓️

✍🏼 These surveys are one aspect of the study — Dr. Maples’ team is also conducting interviews on community perceptions of climbers in the region. The interviews help identify local views, potential partnerships, and current or emerging challenges.

🌟 Best of luck to ya & THANK YOU for your help!

Huge thank you to our friends at for joining us in co-funding this study and to for providing grant funds to help cover the costs. 👏

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

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05/11/2026

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

04/28/2026

As our fundraiser for Oil Crack & Arena winds down, we just want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible support we’ve experienced so far. 🫶

Your generosity, psych, and willingness to show up have been a powerful reminder of just how strong and connected this community is – and we’re so grateful to be a part of it!

✍ A note on incentives: Winners were randomly selected this past Sunday – if you are a recipient of the rad gear from , , or , you should have received an email Monday morning from RRGCC. 👀

🔗 Of course, this fundraiser is not going anywhere, and there is still ample time to donate. The link can be found here: https://rrgcc.networkforgood.com/projects/298944-oil-crack-arena-fundraiser

We couldn't have done this without your support – thank you for showing up! 🤝

04/25/2026

LAST CALL! 🚨👀

Donate before 11:59pm TONIGHT to be entered to win gear from , , and !

🔗 Oil Crack & Arena info & donation page can be found here: https://rrgcc.org/about/ocaa/

🎉 Winners will be contacted tomorrow to retrieve sizing info, preferred styles, etc.

Any amount helps – we are incredibly grateful for the community response and the massive support so far. THANK YOU to all who have contributed! 🤜🤛

📷: Josh at the 5-star 5.10 wall at The Arena, photo by

04/23/2026

Only 2 days left! ⏳ Don’t miss your chance to win ✅ and support something meaningful! ✅

The support so far has been incredible. Truly, thank you to everyone who’s shown up, shared, and donated. This community is something special. 🫶

Last year, your support from the Ashland campaign helped us open 11 new crags. This year, we’re building on that momentum. In 2026, we’ve continued working to open even more Ashland crags – now that work continues alongside restoring and caring for these beloved classic crags to get them open as soon as possible.

Your donations will go toward building sustainable infrastructure, think:

🥾 Trail mapping & cutting
⛏ Rock splitting, moving & setting
🪨 Belay base stabilization & various erosion control methods
🪾 Removing dead trees from the cliff line in order to keep y’all safe

🎟️ Donate by 11:59pm THIS SATURDAY, April 25th�& you’ll be entered for a chance to win gear from , , and .

🔗 See the full donor incentive deets here: https://rrgcc.org/about/ocaa/

THANK YOU to our wonderful community & to each person who has supported this campaign so far, we cannot do this work without you. ✨

📷: 5.11 wall at Oil Crack, photo by Mike Wilkinson,

04/21/2026

A long-awaited homecoming for the climbing community of the Red River Gorge: the RRGCC is thrilled to announce that we have restored access to Oil Crack & Arena after 22 years of closure!

👇 Here are the cliff notes (pun intended):

• 22 years in the making (down to the very month)
• 2 world class crags
• 83 routes
• 130 acres
• Dozens of 5 star moderates
• Two sought after 5.14s
• Twenty high quality 5.12s

Securing access is just the beginning – now, we need your support to help us open these crags for climbing asap.

The best part? Our friends over at , , and have generously gifted over $8.5k in gear to make your donation even more rewarding! 🤜 🤛

We have ambitious goals of opening these crags by this fall, but we need your support to meet that deadline.

🔗 Learn more about the deal and how to support this work here: https://rrgcc.org/about/ocaa/

A few notes from the coalition:

➡️ RRGCC’s Land Management Team asks that the public does not access this land until the necessary infrastructure is in place for sustainable, long-term use.

➡️ The RRGCC has secured a recreational lease from a private landowner, which means that the RRGCC does NOT own this land. This situation demands that climbers be respectful neighbors and good stewards. Please follow RRGCC's posted guidelines as we work to re-open these crags.

And last but not least, some key acknowledgments are in order:

This access win is the result of two decades of effort across several parties. You can read about the full history of this land at the link in our bio. ✍

What this means is that there are dozens of people whose actions over the last two decades have amounted to this access win that we have today. 🤝 The RRGCC wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this massive effort, namely Jereme Ransick, Paul Vidal, Shannon Stuart-Smith, Louie Allen, Adam Peters at , Scott Newell of , Brian Tickle and Daniel Dunn of , as well as the broader climbing community who has supported the RRGCC over the last 30 years.

📷 All photos by Mike Wilkinson,

RRGCC

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