Red River Gorge Summer 2026 Photo Contest

Nicole Meyer • July 6, 2026

We're excited to announce our 2026 summer photo contest!

Do you have a shot from your latest climb, hike, or via ferrata adventure? How about a great Red River Gorge landscape photo?
Show it off — and win a prize!

We're looking for your best action shots, scenic overlooks, and candid moments from the trail or the rock. Whether you caught the perfect sunrise over the Gorge or your buddy sending a classic route, we want to see it.

Prizes

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

How to Enter

  1. Choose your best photo(s) from the Red River Gorge.
  2. Name your file with your name and email (example: JaneDoe_jane@email.com.jpg).
  3. Email your entry to southeastmountainguides@gmail.com. Include your instagram handle if you would like to be tagged.
  4. Submit before the deadline: August 15, 2026.

Judging

Entries will be judged by a team of creative experts. Winners will be announced on August 31, 2026 and images will be featured on Southeast Mountain Guides website and social media pages.

Entry Requirements & Disclaimer

By submitting a photo, you certify that:

  • The photo features only fully clothed and helmet-adorned people.
  • You grant Southeast Mountain Guides unrestricted permission to use your submitted photo(s) on their websites and social media channels, including southeastmountainguides.com and climbredrivergorge.com.

Good luck, and we can't wait to see what you've captured this summer!

Weekend travelers hiking a ridge trail in the Red River Gorge canyon in Kentucky

How to Plan a Weekend Trip to the Red River Gorge from Lexington or Louisville

By Nicole Meyer • July 16, 2026
Your complete guide to planning a weekend at the Red River Gorge from Lexington or Louisville -- directions, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and what to book ahead.
Hiker standing beneath a large natural sandstone arch in the Red River Gorge Kentucky on a sunny day

Red River Gorge for Non-Climbers: Adventures That Don't Require Ropes

By Nicole Meyer • June 24, 2026
Not a climber? The Red River Gorge has plenty for you -- via ferrata, rappelling, hiking, underground kayaking, zip-lining, and more. Here's your complete guide.
Corporate group climbing together on the Via Ferrata at Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Corporate Team Building in the Red River Gorge: Why Outdoor Adventures Work

By Nicole Meyer • June 5, 2026
Looking for a corporate team building experience your team will actually remember? Here's why outdoor adventure at the Red River Gorge works — and how to plan it.
First-time climber in athletic clothing and harness after climbing a sandstone route at the Red

What to Wear Rock Climbing for the First Time (and What to Skip)

By Nicole Meyer • May 15, 2026
First-time climber wondering what to wear? Here's what actually works -- and what to leave at home -- for a day of outdoor rock climbing at the Red River Gorge.
Happy dog resting at the base of a climbing crag in the Red River Gorge surrounded by trees

Red River Gorge with Dogs: What You Need to Know

By Nicole Meyer • April 30, 2026
Planning to bring your dog to the Red River Gorge? Here's what to know -- trail rules, dog-friendly hikes, tick prevention, safety tips, and what to pack.
Climbing guide helping a client with harness and gear setup at the base of a crag in Red River Gorge

How to Choose a Rock Climbing Guide Service in the Red River Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • April 16, 2026
Not all guide services are the same. Here's what to look for -- certifications, private vs. group trips, local knowledge, and the right questions to ask before you book.
Climber on a sandstone sport route at the Red River Gorge in spring with green foliage in the back

Spring Climbing in the Red River Gorge: What to Expect

By Nicole Meyer • March 31, 2026
Planning a spring climbing trip to the Red River Gorge? Here's what the weather, crowds, crags, and conditions are really like -- so you can show up ready.
Road sign on a scenic Kentucky highway leading toward the Red River Gorge Geological Area

How Far is the Red River Gorge from Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Nashville?

By Nicole Meyer • March 17, 2026
Drive times, directions, and trip planning tips for visiting the Red River Gorge from Lexington, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Nashville. Closer than you think.
Sweeping winter view from a Red River Gorge overlook with leafless trees and distant ridgelines

The Best Winter Hiking Trails in the Red River Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • February 24, 2026
Discover the best winter hiking trails in the Red River Gorge — from sweeping overlooks to hidden arches. Fewer crowds, wider views, and a quieter side of the Gorge await.

Cave Fork Climbing Area: A Conversation with Route Developer Jarek Voyles

By Nicole Meyer • February 19, 2026
The Cave Fork Recreational Preserve is one of the newest additions to the Red River Gorge’s growing network of climber-owned land. Recently protected by the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition, the area features expansive cliffline, existing climbing zones, and significant room to grow—all guided by a conservation-first approach to access and development. To get a better feel for what this means on the ground, we caught up with Jarek Voyles , local climbing guide and route developer, to talk about what makes Cave Fork special, how development is unfolding, and what climbers can expect as this new area continues to take shape.