POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Red River Gorge is a beautiful place to explore, but it can be quite dangerous.
“Lots of times, here’s a trail made by the forestry. But then 50 million other people made a new trail and you go off on that trail thinking you’re on the same trail,” said Lisa Johnson with Powell County Search and Rescue.
Johnson is part of a team that runs about 65 to 70 rescue operations a year for Powell County. Recently, three hikers were rescued within 18 hours, unharmed.
Johnson said that not every rescue mission ends with the same result.
The next time you’re packing a bag to hike the Gorge, Johnson suggests taking these items to stay safe: dry socks in a plastic bag, a lighter, food, a poncho, hand warmers, antibiotic cream, Benadryl, aspirin, water and a whistle.
Johnson also says that there’s another thing that you can use to be prepared, and it won’t cost you a dime.
“Just use your common sense. You already own it, you have it. It’s free! Use it!” Johnson said.
