Southeast Mountain Guides

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Southeast Mountain Guides

Welcome to your headquarters for Via Ferrata, guided rock climbing, and guided rappelling in the Sou
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09/04/2026

🌄 Red River Gorge Weekly Conditions | September 4–7

It’s a holiday weekend in the Gorge! ☀️ We’re looking at some pretty great conditions, just be prepared for the heat and keep an eye on those afternoon storms.

🌤️ Weather Conditions

Friday 9/4: Hot and sunny with highs in the mid-90s. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible, so keep an eye on the sky if you’re out climbing.

Saturday 9/5: Hot and sunny with highs around 90°. There’s another chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Sunday 9/6: A little cooler, with highs in the low 80s. There’s a small chance of morning rain showers, but otherwise a great day to get outside.

Monday 9/7: Partly cloudy with highs in the mid-80s. Great Labor Day weather! 🙌

🚙 Road Conditions

PMRP / Lode Hill: Lode Hill is still a pretty rough from the summer storms, so proceed with caution, especially if you don't have a lot of clearance as some of the ruts are very deep! As always, we recommend 4WD/AWD.

🧗 North Gorge Reminder

If you’re climbing in the North Gorge this weekend, keep in mind that the holiday weekend could mean crowded crags and busy parking areas. Please park in designated parking areas only and avoid blocking roads, pull-offs, or access points.

Have a great Labor Day weekend, get outside, and enjoy the Gorge! 🍂☀️

09/01/2026

🎉 25 YEARS AGO TODAY… 🎉

On September 1, 2001, something pretty extraordinary opened on a sandstone cliff in the Red River Gorge.

The first Via Ferrata in the United States. 🇺🇸🧗‍♀️

What started as a wild idea brought to Kentucky by a family with an adventurous spirit became 3,400 feet of steel cable and iron rungs above and 25 years later, it's still here.

But how did a European mountain tradition make its way to eastern Kentucky? Who built it? What was it like to open an activity that almost no one in America had even heard of?

We dug into the history of the Via Ferrata and the story of how it all came to be. From a six-person French construction crew hanging from the cliffs to the very first paying customer, there's a lot more to the story than you might expect.

Read the full story on our blog: "The First Via Ferrata in the USA: 25 Years in the Red River Gorge."

And tonight, we get to celebrate that history and the people who have helped shape the last 25 years, with our 25th Anniversary Party! Come celebrate with us tonight at 6:30 pm. 🎂

Here's to the first 25. And whatever comes next. ❤️

08/31/2026

25 years. One cliff. A lifetime of stories. 🧗‍♀️

As we get closer to our 25th anniversary, Nicole took some time to look back at the journey from being a kid watching the first Via Ferrata in the United States being built, to becoming a guide, manager, and eventually owner of Southeast Mountain Guides.

It's a story about climbing, business, the Red River Gorge, the people who have shaped Southeast, and all the ways a business can shape the person building it.

There have been plenty of adventures, hard lessons, changes, challenges, and a whole lot of people who made this place what it is today.

"I Grew Up on This Cliff" is Nicole's reflection on 25 years in the Gorge and a look toward the next 25.

Read the full story on our blog. ❤️

And if you've been part of the Southeast story along the way, we'd love to hear from you. What's your favorite memory? 👇

08/26/2026

📸 Last call for our Photo Contest! 📸

We’re down to the final few days, so if you’ve been meaning to submit a favorite Southeast Mountain Guides or Red River Gorge photo, now’s the time!

And here’s a little extra incentive… 👀 With only a few days left, your chances of taking home one of the prizes are looking pretty good! 😉

Dig through your camera roll, pick your favorite shot, and get those submissions in before the deadline!

📷 Ready to enter? Click the link in our bio to check out the blog with all the contest details and rules for entry.

Good luck, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve captured! 🧗‍♀️🌲

08/19/2026

🌧️ A little rain wasn't going to stop this crew! 🧗‍♀️

This family kicked off their guided rappelling adventure with a rainstorm, but it didn't dampen their stoke one bit. If anything, it made the experience that much more memorable!

Strong work to everyone for overcoming fears, challenging yourselves, and encouraging each other along the way. That's what we love most about getting outside together—it's not just about the adventure, but who you share it with. 💪

Thanks for spending the day with us in the Gorge! 🌲

08/17/2026

Our SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST is still going strong!

Got an epic shot from your latest Red River Gorge climb, hike, or via ferrata adventure? Send it our way for a chance to win!

1st: $100 + 2 Via Ferrata Passes
2nd: $75
3rd: $50
4th: $25

HOW TO ENTER:

Name your file with your name + email
Email it to [email protected]
Deadline: August 31, 2026

Judged by our team of creative experts. By entering, you certify your photo(s) show only fully clothed, helmeted adventurers, and grant SE Mountain Guides permission to feature your shot on our website and socials.

Tag us and show us your best moments in the mountains!

08/14/2026

🧗 Weekly Conditions Report | 8/14–8/16 🧗

It's going to be a hot one in the Gorge! ☀️ With afternoon thunderstorms possible Friday and Saturday and temperatures climbing into the 90s, plan accordingly and stay hydrated if you're heading out for a day of climbing or exploring.

🌤 Friday (8/14)
Partly sunny with afternoon thunderstorms possible. Highs in the upper 80s.

⛅ Saturday (8/15)
Partly cloudy with a 40% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Highs in the low 90s.

☀️ Sunday (8/16)
Mostly sunny with highs in the mid 90s. HOT! 🥵

💧 Heat Reminder:
Make sure you're drinking plenty of water, especially if you'll be outside for several hours. Start hydrating before you hit the trail and bring more water than you think you'll need.

🚙 Road Conditions — PMRP:
The Lode Hill is looking a bit torn up after the recent heavy rains, and the bottom road is quite rough in places with erosion and water flowing across the road. Use caution if you're heading into PMRP, and 4WD/AWD is highly recommended right now.

🌧️ Flash Flood Potential:
With thunderstorms in the forecast, flash flooding is possible. Keep an eye on storms moving into the area, especially if you're recreating near creeks, drainage areas, or other low-lying spots.

Stay cool, stay weather-aware, and have a great weekend in the Gorge! 🌲🧗‍♀️

08/13/2026

🎉 25 Years of Southeast Mountain Guides! 🎉

Can you believe it? Southeast Mountain Guides turns 25 on September 1st! And we want to celebrate with the people who have been part of the journey along the way.

Join us for an evening of friends, family, food, stories, and community as we celebrate 25 years of adventure in the Red River Gorge.

🍽️ Potluck Dinner — bring a favorite dish to share
🔥 Campfire — pull up a chair and stay awhile
🎶 DJ — music and good vibes all evening
🎤 Open Mic — share your favorite Southeast Mountain Guides stories, memories, and adventures

Whether you've been with us for 25 years or you're brand new to the Southeast family, you are part of the celebration.

📅 September 1st | 6:30 PM
🎉 25th Anniversary Picnic Party
📍 Southeast Mountain Guides

Please RSVP using the QR code on the flyer so we know how many folks to expect!

Here's to 25 years and to all the adventures still ahead. ❤️🧗‍♀️

08/12/2026

Big views, big adventure, and a whole lot of determination. 💪🧗‍♀️

This young adventurer was absolutely crushing it on the Via Ferrata! From navigating the course to stopping to take in the views, she took on the challenge with a smile and plenty of confidence.

We love seeing climbers of all ages discover what they're capable of while experiencing the Red River Gorge from a whole new perspective. 🌄

Who’s ready for their next adventure?

Address

1617 N Ky 11
Campton, KY
41301

Telephone

+16066686613

Website

http://www.southeastmountainguides.com/

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