It’s BAAACK!  Introducing the resurrection of Red River Gorgeous’ very first off-grid Backcountry Cabin.  A favorite of past renters, a stay at this end of the road abode is so much more than a cabin rental!  Your booking allows you EXCLUSIVE access to 20 acres of pure magic as you hike the loop trail past intricate house-size boulders and a waterfall to the Moss Garden.  Be careful!  The Moss Garden is not only home to rare plants but reportedly a family of wood fairies live there!  Take the loop trail up to the property’s own private arch, Ashley's Arch.  If you hike to Ashley’s Arch at night, turn off your flashlights and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness and then look around.  You can often see glowing objects on the hillside and arch that are bioluminescent fungus gnat larvae!  Renting Backcountry Cabin also gives you exclusive rights to hike up the trail to Inspiration Point, a spectacular vista.  On past Inspiration Point, you hike up till you access a user trail that leads to Gray’s Arch, one of the most spectacular arches in the Red River Gorge.  Rent Backcountry Cabin today to have your own private piece of the Red River Gorge!

This was the ORIGINAL Backcountry shelter we started with years ago...now renovated...complete with electricity and running water!

You will literally be at the cabin at the end of the road...up the holler...hiking into the backcountry of the Red River Gorge!

As it was before, The Backcountry Shelter is the perfect getaway for those who like camping but wish for the simplicity of a tiny house get-a-way.  Our Backcountry Shelter offers the prefect combination of modern amenities with the simple way of living.

Please note that this shelter is at the end of a long, bumpy, sometimes muddy, gravel road.  Small two-wheeled vehicles can make it to the cabin, but four wheel drives have an easier time.  There is also a lovely 1/2 mile walking trail that connects from our main office parking lot to the cabin.  Many guests enjoy leaving their car, and the modern world, behind them and choose to fully hike to the shelter.

A little more history:  Backcountry Cabin is indeed a family affair.  The property on which it sits is owned by former US Forest Service Biologist Dan Dourson and his wife, Judy.  Dan has owned the property since the 1980’s and has lovingly cared for it over the years.  The first structure was the beginnings of a storage shed, built by his nephew, Aaron Dourson, where he cut his proverbial building “teeth” on the property when he built the original Backcountry Cabin in 2008, thereby pioneering the off-grid rental option for the gorge.  It was a huge success and since then Red River Gorgeous has added other off-grid choices.  Then, in 2014, Dan and Judy remodeled the cabin, especially adding water and electricity, and made it their residence after a seven-year stint in Belize, helping to lead a rainforest educational center.  In October of 2017, their son, Tyler, returned to his roots from living in the city and stayed until February.  Niece-in-law, amy batchman dourson, took on the renovation of the cabin and now, daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Colby Christensen are leasing Backcountry to add to their rental portfolio.  Indeed, a DOURSON FAMILY AFFAIR!!  We invite you to join our family by falling in love with Backcountry Cabin and the extremely special property in sits on!

-- Amenities --

Backcountry Shelter is an off-grid cabin. We hope you’ll enjoy our low-tech approach to a high-quality experience during your stay!

Kitchen:  Gas stove, Half size fridge with small freezer, coffee pot, cookware, dishware, soap and kitchen linens.  Running water at kitchen sink seasonally. In the colder months, 5 gallon jugs of filtered water are supplied.

Living/Dining:  A small indoor kitchen table has seating for two, outdoor table seating for four.

Bathroom:  A private composting outhouse is down a short trail near the cabin (about a 30 foot walk). You are also welcome to use our guest shower and bathroom at the RRG Headquarters (3546 Nada Tunnel Rd) at any time during your stay.

Bedroom:  Full-size bed, twin-size futon and twin-size trundle bed.

Additional Amenities:  Charcoal grill, propane wall heater, battery powered box fan, 2 hammocks on the large porch, and a private fire pit, access to 15 private acres and 1 mile loop trail, outdoor shower.

**The outdoor shower can be enjoyed in the spring, summer and fall, cold water only.  We must disconnect it when temperatures are below freezing.**