Two weekend incidents at Red River Gorge in which a camper died and a hiker was injured are serving to reinforce the importance of safety in the popular scenic area. Experts and regular visitors say such tragic incidents are far from rare.
A Cincinnati man fell to his death early Saturday at Chimney Top Rock and a hiker survived an 80-foot fall at another spot in the Gorge. Greg Whitis is a member of the McCreary County Hiking Club. He says designated trails are always the best way to go, "Some of those marked trails will take you right along the edge, but when you got off the trails is where you start getting into some problems."
Whitis says wearing the right clothing and shoes and bringing sufficient supplies are also important steps to help ensure a safe experience. Members of his club hike on a monthly basis, except for the summer months.?
