Summer Community Nights

June 25, 2025

Summer Community Nights at Southeast Mountain Guides: Craft, Connect, and Celebrate Together


Summer in the Red River Gorge is magical—long days, warm nights, and a community of climbers and friends who know how to make the most of it. That’s why we’re so excited to bring you Summer Community Nights at Southeast Mountain Guides: a monthly gathering where we slow down, connect off the rock, and share good times together.

From June through September, we’re hosting themed evenings to create, play, watch movies, swap stories (and gear!), and of course—eat delicious food. Whether you’re a local, a weekend warrior, or just passing through, all are welcome.

Each night is free, casual, and open to everyone. Come for the crafts, stay for the friendships. 



June Community Night: Rope Rug Weaving

Monday, June 23rd | 6:00–8:30 PM (Instruction begins at 6:30)
📍 Southeast Mountain Guides, Red River Gorge

Whether you’ve got a coil of retired rope lying around or you just want to try your hand at a unique and functional craft, this evening is all about creativity, connection, and giving old gear a second life.

What to bring:

  • 30–40 meters of retired rope (or use some of our stash!)

  • Mix & match with a new friend for a two-tone rug

  • A snack or drink to share
    These are         retired ropes only—no climbing on them after crafting!

This event is free, beginner-friendly, and guided. Expect a chill evening of weaving, chatting, and maybe discovering your inner rope artist.


🎬 July Community Night: Outdoor Movie Night

Tuesday, July 22nd | 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Movie starts at 8:00)
📍 Back deck of Southeast Mountain Guides

Join us under the stars for an outdoor movie night surrounded by the sounds of summer. We’ll be showing Flow — a stunning animated film that follows a courageous cat through realms natural and mystical after a great flood changes everything.

Bring:

  • A cozy chair or blanket

  • A snack or drink to share.
    We’ll provide the popcorn!

Let’s sit back, relax, and watch a little magic unfold on the screen.


August Community Night: Gear & Clothing Swap + Yard Games

Tuesday, August 19th | 6:00–8:30 PM
📍 Southeast Mountain Guides

Have some gently used outdoor gear or clothing collecting dust? Bring it along to swap with friends! And while you browse, enjoy yard games, music, and easy summer vibes.

What to know:

  • Limit: 10 items per person

  • Gently used, fully functional items only

  • No soft goods (no harnesses, dog bones, slings, etc.)

  • Don’t have gear to swap? Come anyway—but know you’ll pick last!

Accepted items:

  • Outdoor clothing

  • Climbing shoes, hiking shoes

  • Carabiners, belay devices

  • Packs, camping gear

  • Etc.

All leftover clothing will be donated!


September Community Night: Cultural Potluck

Tuesday, September 16th | 6:00–8:30 PM
📍 Southeast Mountain Guides

Let’s wrap up the summer series with a celebration of good food and shared stories! For our Cultural Potluck, we invite you to bring a dish that represents your heritage or a beloved family recipe that tells a story.

Bring a dish, drink, snack—or just a hungry belly.
All are welcome—no RSVP needed!

This is a night for full plates and full hearts as we close out the season in the best way we know how: together.


Whether you make it to one night or all four, we hope you’ll come celebrate summer with us. These evenings are a reminder that the strength of our climbing community isn’t just in the routes we send—it’s in the connections we build along the way.

See you there!


Relax after a day in the Red River Gorge at Firefly Hills farmhouse lodging and RV park camping

A Better Place to Stay After a Day on the Rock: Firefly Hills

By Nicole Meyer • January 11, 2026
If you are coming to the Red River Gorge to climb, your days are probably full of early mornings, long approaches, and sore hands by sunset. Where you stay matters. You want a place that is quiet, comfortable, and welcoming without paying resort prices or feeling boxed into a hotel room. Just a short drive from the climbing areas, Firefly Hills offers something different. It is a small, thoughtfully designed property that feels like home base rather than just a place to sleep. Designed for Outdoor Lovers Firefly Hills was created with people who love the outdoors in mind. After a long day on the rock, you can come back to a peaceful setting where you can actually rest. No loud hallways. No crowded parking lots. Just open space, fresh air, and a front porch that invites you to slow down. Whether you are traveling solo, with climbing partners, or with family, Firefly Hills offers lodging that works for real life and real trips.
Winter climber on a hanging on a rope in the Red River Gorge, wearing cold-weather layers

Winter in the Red River Gorge: What’s Open, What to Do, and What to Know

By Nicole Meyer • January 9, 2026
The Quiet Magic of Winter in the Red Winter in the Red River Gorge brings fewer crowds, crisp air, and peaceful cliffs that feel worlds away from the busy fall season. While climbing doesn’t stop in winter, it does shift with slower starts, sunnier walls, and a little more intention behind each day. It’s important to remember that winter hours, weather, and access can vary throughout the Gorge, and flexibility is key. This guide is here to help visitors plan realistically and confidently so they can make the most of a winter trip to this special place.

Why Fall 2025 Was a Fantastic Season for Climbing in the Red River Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • January 8, 2026
If you’ve spent any time in the Red River Gorge this fall, you already know — 2025 has been one for the books. From crisp sending temps to breathtaking color and some major new additions to our climbing landscape, this season has given us everything we love about autumn in the Gorge… and then some.  Here’s why Fall 2025 has been such an incredible time to climb in the Red: 1. The Weather Has Been Perfect for Sending This fall blessed us early. Humidity dipped out sooner than usual, ushering in those ideal, dry conditions climbers dream about. Pair that with consistently cooler temps that have stuck around well into November, and you’ve got prime friction season. Whether you were battling sandstone slopers or dancing up crimps, the rock felt crisp, grippy, and as welcoming as it gets. The kind of weather that makes you dig a little deeper, try a little harder, and maybe even send that project that’s been haunting you all year.
Woman climbing the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata in the rain, clipped into the safety cable as water f

What to Do in the Red River Gorge on Rest Days or Rainy Days

By Nicole Meyer • November 25, 2025
Discover the best rainy-day and rest-day activities in Red River Gorge—from cozy indoor spots to climbing the Via Ferrata, even in the rain.
Red River Gorge shuttle van picking up hikers and climbers at a trailhead, ready for transport to po

Red River Gorge Shuttle Service for Hikers, Climbers & Adventurers

By Nicole Meyer • November 19, 2025
Discover shuttle options in Red River Gorge for hikers, climbers, and adventurers. One-way, round-trip, airport drop-offs, and private bookings available.
Lead Climber reading a route in a climbing gym | learn to climb outside

Gym vs. Crag: Key Differences for Climbers (+ Checklist & Transition Roadmap)

By Nicole Meyer • October 30, 2025
Learn the key differences between gym and outdoor climbing. Get your checklist and transition roadmap for climbing safely at Red River Gorge.

Via Ferrata vs. Guided Climbing: Which Adventure is Right for You?

By Nicole Meyer • October 14, 2025
Red River Gorge is famous for its sandstone cliffs and world-class climbing opportunities. At Southeast Mountain Guides, we often hear the question: “Should I book the Via Ferrata or a guided climbing trip?” Both are unforgettable experiences , but they’re quite different. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which adventure is the best fit for you, your group, or your next date in the Gorge.
Red River Gorge Climbing guide tackles challenging section of a steep route

From Gym to Crag: Transitioning to Outdoor Climbing at the Gorge

By Nicole Meyer • October 7, 2025
Learn how to transition from gym to outdoor climbing at Red River Gorge. Gear, skills, safety, and why hiring a guide makes all the difference.

How Hard Are the Most Advanced Sections of the Red River Gorge Via Ferrata?

By Nicole Meyer • October 6, 2025
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How to Get the Most Out of Your First Guided Climbing Trip

By Nicole Meyer • August 22, 2025
If you’ve booked your first guided rock climbing trip —whether it’s in the Red River Gorge with Southeast Mountain Guides or elsewhere—you’re in for a rewarding experience. A guided trip offers personalized instruction, expert insight, and the chance to enjoy climbing without the stress of figuring everything out on your own. That said, a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of your day. Here’s how to show up ready, dialed in, and primed to learn.