Development-in-the-Red-River-Gorge

Change in Landcover Types in Wolfe, Powell, and Lee Counties

The Red River Gorge has seen a boom in tourism due to the increasing popularity of rock climbing and a burgeoning need for people to enjoy the great outdoors. As a result, the region has one of the hottest real estate markets in the US as of 2024. Cabins, rental properties, and AirBnBs have proliferated in The Gorge due to this increased exposure.

This map depicts the change in land cover type in The Red River Gorge from 2001 to 2019. It shows land that has been developed from both forest and pasture into residential land use.
Caption of Map

Link to high-resolution version

This map was made by Nick Gray for GEO 409, Spring of 2024, University of Kentucky, Department of Geology. Data acquired from the National Map Download Service (apps.nationalmap.gov) and MRLC (mrlc.gov) in April, 2024.

Coordinate Reference System (CRF) is EPSG: 3089