In 2001 Mark and Kathy Meyer opened up the country’s first Via Ferrata, providing the public with a thrilling, yet easily accessible way to experience high adventure on our sandstone cliff lines. Their daughter Nicole became the company’s first rock climbing instructor in 2004, and she’s been guiding and managing the business ever since. After all these years, the Via Ferrata and guided activities remain the key services offered. Keeping it in the family, Nicole and her husband Daniel took ownership of the company in November 2017. Their passion for rock climbing continues to open new doors for guiding and instruction possibilities. As with all growth, change is inevitable, and we feel that the name Southeast Mountain Guides embodies the true purpose behind what we do. Here at Southeast, we remain your friendly, professional instructors. As a sport, rock climbing is growing and changing. So are we.

Thanks for your continued support and dedication,

-Southeast

The origins of Via Ferrata can be traced back to the Alps. For centuries, simple, protected paths through mountainous terrain connected alpine villages to their pastures. In WWI, Via Ferratas were built to help troops move through the mountain ranges of the Dolomites. Some of those wartime routes were restored with modern Via Ferrata hardware (iron rungs and steel cable) and are now used for recreation.

Our Via Ferrata became the first commercially operated course in the United States on 9-1-01, and has been enjoyed by folks all over the world since then!

It all began during finals week at the University of Kentucky while studying for Statistics 201…that Nicole & Daniel’s relationship started its roots. During that semester back in 2006, Nicole & Daniel discovered that they were both double majoring in Business Finance and Management. And furthermore, they both were rock climbers and passionate about the outdoors! Upon graduating with a business degree in 2009, Nicole took over management of her family’s rock climbing business, Torrent Falls Climbing Adventure. A year later, Daniel & Nicole were wed. At which point, Daniel joined the family business and soon became the head climbing instructor for the company. In November of 2017, Nicole and Daniel purchased Torrent Falls from Nicole’s folks and changed the name of the company to Southeast Mountain Guides. Now owners, Nicole and Daniel continue their passion of operating their climbing business. Their passions truly set fire when working with their outstanding crew and clients.

Nicole and Daniel have climbed all over the United States. Daniel is an AMGA Rock Instructor and Nicole is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor. Both are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified.

Matt was born and raised in Paducah, KY, and is now proud to call The Gorge his home.  He is an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Eastern Kentucky University.  When he’s not climbing for work (or fun!) he spends his time reading, cooking, and staying healthy.

“Every day is a gift and I want to fill each one with as much good as I can.”

This is Amy’s fourth season at Southeast and she is living the dream! Having climbed for 10 years now, she loves getting the chance to introduce people to her favorite activity every day. Amy hails from Ithaca (“is Gorges!”), NY, where she also graduated from Ithaca College, but is now happy to call the Red her new home. Amy is an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor, and holds Wilderness First Aid certification as well.

Passionate guides turn a climbing trip into an adventure. Dillon’s passion for adventure began not on a cliff, but the seat of a bicycle. In 2014, Dillon completed a solo bicycle tour spanning from Portland, Oregon to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dillon’s cross-country tour traveled through 14 different states and covered nearly 4000 miles. Inspired and confident after completing this adventure, Dillon pursued his other passions in the outdoors. Dillon commits most of his time to rock climbing and has climbed in beautiful areas all across the country. He recognizes the significance of these experiences and is dedicated to share climbing with as many people as possible. Dillon is an AMGA certified single pitch instructor, a wilderness first responder, and an aspiring rock guide.

Travis grew up in North Carolina, where he began rock climbing as a teen. He is a US Army Veteran, an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide and a Wilderness First Responder. He discovered his love for adventure on a solo backpacking trip to Patagonia and his passion for teaching on a NOLS outdoor educator semester in Wyoming and Utah. Following these experiences, he traveled around the world, climbing in Spain, Patagonia, Morocco, Japan, and throughout the western United States before finding his way to the Red River Gorge. He is dedicated to sharing his passion for rock climbing and respect for the wilderness with others. Travis is an easy going, patient and knowledgeable instructor, who strives to tailor each trip to the needs of his clients.

Ever since he was a child, Luca has always had a natural urge to climb things. This led him towards a life that revolves around being in the outdoors. Luca discovered rock climbing while living in Armenia during a gap year in high-school and was instantly hooked. He returned to the U.S. and studied at Johnson State College in Northern Vermont, majoring in Outdoor Education with a concentration in Wilderness Leadership. During that time he worked on zip lines, tree-top obstacle courses, climbing gyms, and ski resorts. While working various jobs in the outdoor industry he realized his love for teaching and the joy of providing other people with life-changing experiences. He is now happy to call the Red River Gorge his home, and gets outside as much as possible! He is currently wilderness first responder certified and is an AMGA certified climbing wall instructor.