Contact Us

Southeast Mountain Guides, LLC

email@southeastmountainguides.com
CALL ONLY (No texting): 606-668-6613
TEXT ONLY (No calling): 859-428-7573

Physical & mailing address:
1617 N KY HWY 11
Campton, KY 41301

GPS units have a hard time locating us! Please use this map for our location or get directions.

Southeast Mountain Guides, LLC

www.southeastmountainguides.com
email@southeastmountainguides.com
CALL ONLY (No texting): 606-668-6613
TEXT ONLY (No calling): 859-428-7573

Physical & mailing address:
1617 N KY HWY 11
Campton, KY 41301

GPS units have a hard time locating us! Please use this map for our location or get directions.

Reservations

Currently all of our reservations are made over the phone. Please call us at 606-668-6613.

Please note that RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OF OUR ACTIVITIES. However, reservations do not require a deposit.

We recommend making reservations AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. At our facility anything less than 2 weeks is considered last-minute. That said, we do our very best to accommodate last-minute reservations and last-minute reservation changes. We take reservations up to 1 year in advance. Please note that in general, WEEKENDS tend to fill up the most quickly, meaning it’s advisable to make reservations MORE THAN 2 weeks in advance when possible.

Cancellations & Reservation Changes

Have Changes? No problem, simply contact us & we will work with you to accommodate the changes that we can.
We are open RAIN or SHINE!

We understand plans change, and will work with you to update your reservation as things come up. However, you MUST inform Southeast of ANY changes to your plans. This includes changes in the number of participants, health and medical concerns, or scheduling conflicts (late arrival, date change or cancellation, etc.).

We will accommodate changes dependent on our availability.

In the rare event that Southeast needs to cancel, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit at a pro-rated amount will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees from a change or cancellation in your flight plans, lodging, or any other accommodations.

Weather

We are open rain or shine. Weather is unpredictable but generally speaking the actual weather is not as bad as predicted and clients typically have a great time even if the weather is not ideal. However you know your own comfort levels, and are welcome to cancel at any time. See our cancellation policy above.

  • If you are reserved for a guided climbing trip, often you can still climb on dry (or dryish) rock because the Red River Gorge has expansive natural rock roofs that protect the climbs below from getting wet.

  • If you are reserved for a Via Ferrata day, the rock and rebar are still climbable even when wet. We do not see any increase in clients needing aid when it is raining. Generally Via Ferrata clients make three comments during raining days 1) What a cool experience, especially to see the waterfalls flowing. I am glad I came. 2) That was great having the place to ourselves since everyone else canceled. 3). The muddy trails were the worst part.

With all that said, you need to understand when we do not climb or rappel due to weather. Thunderstorms. Once again, weather is unpredictable but generally speaking Red River Gorge thunderstorms pass through in 30-45 minutes. If a storm rolls in during activities, all clients and crew are asked to get to shelter (building or vehicle) as quickly as possible. It is at the instructor’s discretion as to when activities will resume but this will not be before 30 minutes from the last lightning or thunder roll.

Waiver Forms

We must have properly completed waivers. You may print our waiver found here, fill it out correctly, and then bring it with you on your arrival date. Please note that participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver and it MUST be signed by the participant and the parent or legal guardian.

Date of Arrival

  • Location: Trips meet at our main facility in the Red River Gorge*: 1617 N KY 11 Campton, KY 41301. The map above shows our exact location. The Via Ferrata climbing course is located directly behind our office building, which means you will be no further than a 5-minute walk from your vehicle. If you are participating in our guided activities, you will also meet at our main facility, however it is at your instructor’s discretion as to whether you will stay on site or travel to another location in the Red River Gorge region. If you travel to a different location, you will be driving your own vehicle, following the instructor in their vehicle.
    * If you booked a trip that is not in the RRG, you will not be meeting at our main facility. Follow the instructions provided to you.
  • You must check in at our facility 10 minutes prior to your reserved time. Our facility is located in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST).
  • Total Balance Due: The day of your reservation, the balance will be due in full based on the actual number of participants. Keep in mind that a change in your numbers will change the pricing per person.
  • We accept cash and all major credit/debit cards. We do NOT accept check payments.

What to Bring

Essentially you should wear and bring whatever you would for a short day hike.

  • Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes like tennis shoes or hiking boots.

  • Clothing that is appropriate for the weather and comfortable.

  • We sell cold drinks and snacks but we do not have a food service. Many people have a pack-able lunch that they will either eat on our picnic tables when taking a break from our Via Ferrata course or while out in the woods on a guided trip. Understand that food/snacks/water is not provided by Southeast.

  • We also recommend:

    • Small backpack or fanny pack for your phone and other small essentials. A sealed pocket might also work (just keep in mind wearing a harness).

    • Rain jacket and rain pants if predicted to be wet.

    • Layers of clothing so you can adjust to temperatures as the weather changes throughout the day.

    • Sunscreen and bug spray.

Southeast Mountain Guides provides all necessary climbing/rappelling equipment. You may bring your own equipment, simply understand that your equipment will have to be approved by a Southeast crew member before use during our activities.

Age Restrictions

Via Ferrata: All participants MUST be 10 years of age or older. An adult (18 years of age or older) must be climbing with youth ages 10-14. An adult can accompany up to 5 youth at a time.

Guided Activities: There are no age restrictions for our guided activities, however Southeast highly recommends that participants be 6 years of age or older. An adult is required to be present for guided trip if participants are under 15 years of age.

Weight & Height Restrictions

There are no weight restrictions, but you must be able to properly fit in our harnesses ranging up to size 54” waist. There are also no height restrictions.

Medical Conditions/Pertinent Past History

During the reservation process, Southeast Mountain Guides must be informed of any allergies, medical conditions, or any pertinent past/present information. You will also need to update Southeast of any changes in medical conditions and inform your instructor(s) upon arrival. If there are any medical conditions please do not forget to bring medications (including EpiPens/inhalers, etc.). Our activities are NOT recommended for anyone that has a serious health or medical concern.

Pets

We highly encourage you to leave your pet at home, however if you are going to bring a dog with you, here’s what you need to know:

  • Dogs at our facility must be leased – at all times – and with their owner – at all times – which means you can not tie your pet to your car, our trees, our picnic tables, etc. and leave unattended.

  • Muir Valley is a pet-free facility. On occasion we take guided trips to Muir Valley. If you are on a guided trip with us, make sure your reservation specialist knows you are bringing a dog, so that we can inform your instructor.

  • Natural Bridge State Park does not allow dogs. To get more specific info on dogs at this state park, please contact them directly. Our services are not offered at the state park, but this a common question from our clients.

Gratuity

Our instructors strive to provide the best service and experience for you. This takes time, dedication, and training towards their craft. Please consider providing gratuity for your instructor. Management recommends 10-20%.

Where We Climb

Other Locations

Most of our trips are in our home base of the Red River Gorge. However, we also have the capability to guide in the following other areas: Jackson Falls, IL; Breaks Interstate Park, KY/VA; Seneca Rocks, WV.

We are here to help, please contact us if you have any questions. You may also click below for more information on where and how we climb!

SOUTHEAST ROCK CLIMBING

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