No camping or fire-building is now allowed within 100 feet of the base of a cliffline or in a rock shelter. One of the main concerns was trampling of vegetation in areas where threatened or endangered plant species could be present. Richardson said 500,000 people visit Red River Gorge annually. The unique area of Daniel Boone National Forest is popular with hikers, anglers, hunters, rock climbers, paddlers, nature enthusiasts and photographers. Most of the problems in the Gorge are associated with increased use.
Litter is an ongoing problem.
Visitors are encouraged to pack out their trash and whatever else they find and can manage to bring out. We have a lot of people that just throw down stuff and walk off. Camping has the biggest effect on the delicate, fragile environment of Red River Gorge. In fact, visitors can be cited for cutting trees. For a stream its size, Red River is one of the cleanest in the state.