Fellowship of the Gorge Awarded $149,767 to Expand Regional Wayfinding

Finding your next adventure in the Red River Gorge region is getting a little easier, thanks to continued collaboration among five neighboring counties and a new $149,767 USDA grant award.

USDA Rural Development Kentucky State Director Travis Burton and staff traveled to Beattyville Town Square on Wednesday, October 21, to announce funding for additional regional wayfinding signs and the development of a regional tourism website.

The award supports the work of the Fellowship of the Gorge, a tourism partnership representing Lee, Powell, Wolfe, Menifee, and Estill counties. Through shared planning and promotion, the group is helping visitors discover more of the communities, attractions, and local businesses throughout the Red River Gorge region.

Building on Earlier Investments

The regional wayfinding project was initially supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded through the Kentucky Department of Tourism’s multijurisdictional grant program in 2023. That investment supported development of the regional wayfinding plan and its initial implementation. 

The first phase introduced the distinctive red directional signs now seen throughout the region, with completion in December 2024. The new USDA funding will build on that foundation, helping carry out more of the established plan through additional sign fabrication and installation along area highways.

October 2024 sign reveal ceremony press release link here: https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/red-river-gorge-wayfinding-sign-project-unveiled-in-5-counties

These signs do more than point the way. They help visitors connect one community to another, discover attractions beyond familiar destinations, and find more reasons to explore the five-county region.

A Regional Effort

The Fellowship of the Gorge secured the new funding through USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant program. Beattyville/Lee County Tourism serves as the lead grant writer and fiscal agent, coordinating the application and grant administration with neighboring tourism partners.

The application received more than 25 letters of support from local governments, tourism organizations, community partners, and businesses. That support reflects a shared commitment to improving the visitor experience while strengthening opportunities for rural businesses.

Along with additional signs, the project includes a regional tourism website with an interactive map, connecting travelers with information about local attractions, lodging, restaurants, businesses, and outdoor recreation. Together, the signs and online resources will help visitors plan their trips and discover more along the way.

Celebrating on Main Street

Following the grant announcement, the tourism directors headed to Herman’s Brew on Main Street for lunch and a chance to celebrate the partnership. The visit also included a group photo with Herman the possum—a memorable addition to a day focused on regional collaboration and small-town hospitality!

Thank you to USDA Rural Development, Director Burton and his staff, our elected leadership, community and tourism partners, and everyone who supported the application. This investment will help more visitors find their way through the Red River Gorge region and experience the communities that make it special.

Powell County Tourism

Wolfe County Tourism

Estill County Tourism

Menifee County Tourism

Beattyville Lee County Tourism