Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team

Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team A dedicated, volunteer technical rescue team, operating in the beautiful Red River Gorge. Wolfe County Search and Rescue is an equal opportunity provider.

The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team serves the Red River Gorge and Wolfe County (including Muir Valley) under a charter from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and authority of the Wolfe County Judge Executive. Since its inception in 2007, the team has responded numerous rock climbing accidents, cliff falls, wilderness emergencies and lost person incidents with nationally and internationally-recogni

zed success. Wolfe County Kentucky sits in the middle of some of the most beautiful gorges in the United States. Resplendent in waterfalls, caves, and high cliffs, this area attracts visitors from all over the world. And although our rock formations are magnificent, they are also potentially very dangerous. The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team – comprised of all volunteer citizens – is dedicated to providing specialized search and rescue services both to our local citizens and to the many folks who come here to enjoy the natural beauty of our area. Besides being skilled in search operations, the Team is proficient in high angle rope rescue of the kind needed for the many cliff accidents that occur within the Red River Gorge. These rescues often need to be carried out in extreme conditions of weather, terrain, and location. They often require highly-complex technical rope systems be set up quickly and efficiently to reach, treat, package, and evacuate seriously injured persons to definitive care. This requires the Team to dedicate a significant amount of time in training for these types of rescues.

Our team enjoyed meeting all the folks who visited our booth at Bigfoot Fest this weekend in Stanton. Visitors interacte...
06/01/2026

Our team enjoyed meeting all the folks who visited our booth at Bigfoot Fest this weekend in Stanton.

Visitors interacted with the gear we use, and we discussed trails, handed out free Red River Gorge maps, and discussed activities and educational materials about being better prepared outdoors.

This is also our first public event where we sold our new gear, including Wolfe County Search & Rescue Challenge Coins, which are $20 plus $5 for shipping, and hand-made leather dog leashes for $55, which are made from retired life-saving ropes. WCSART is building an online store to get these online for orders and more communication is coming soon about how to get them. All proceeds help our team buy medical supplies and equipment for rescue missions. Stay tuned for more information soon. Stanton Tourism and Convention Commission

05/25/2026

Lowered safely. Thumbs up. A team photo that says it all. Chief May explains why this rescue is one we’ll never forget — unusual, challenging, and carried by calm climbers and a crew determined to bring her home.

Don’t miss the full episode “Pinned in Stone: The Rescue at Dunkan Rock.” See the first comment for links to listen or watch the interview.

05/24/2026

She’s stuck. He arrives. She looks up and laughs: “Oh man, it’s Kloeker.” From that moment on, everyone knew she was in good hands during a rescue Memorial Day weekend a year ago.

Don’t miss the full podcast episode “Pinned in Stone: The Rescue at Dunkan Rock.” See the first comment for links to listen or watch the interview.

Great team work on a very busy holiday weekend.
05/24/2026

Great team work on a very busy holiday weekend.

A climber. A crack. A knee pinned deep in stone. What happened next became one of the most unusual rescues Wolfe County ...
05/23/2026

A climber. A crack. A knee pinned deep in stone. What happened next became one of the most unusual rescues Wolfe County Search & Rescue has ever faced.

One year ago on Memorial Day weekend, thirty feet up in a crack at Dunkan Rock, various techniques were tried — including rope systems and lubrication — until the team made the call to bring in a hammer drill. Through it all, the climber stayed calm, focused and determined.

We sat down with both climbers who were involved to relive the climb, the moment her foot went numb, the problem solving that followed and the teamwork that brought her safely home.

This is our latest podcast: “Pinned in Stone: The Rescue at Dunkan Rock.” See the first comment for links to listen to it or watch the interview.

Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m., WCSART received a 911 call for a hiker who was lost in the Red River Gorge Area. A locato...
05/17/2026

Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m., WCSART received a 911 call for a hiker who was lost in the Red River Gorge Area. A locator link was sent to the hiker that identified his location in a very remote area North of Tower Rock. This is an extremely rugged area and gaining access to the top of the cliff line at night was challenging. Team members hiked in nearly 1.5 miles to the hiker's location to retrieve him and exited the area at 2:30 a.m. this morning.

We want to remind the public that attempting dangerous or remote areas without proper preparation can quickly become life-threatening.

Recently, rescue teams have responded to repeat incidents involving individuals becoming lost in difficult terrain. While we are grateful for successful outcomes, these situations place both the individual and rescue personnel at serious risk.

Before heading out:
• Do not hike or explore remote areas alone
• Leave your exact plans and location with someone you trust
• Carry enough water, food and emergency supplies
• Bring lighting, navigation tools and gear suitable for an unexpected overnight stay
• Respect weather conditions, terrain and your physical limits

The Gorge is beautiful, but it is also unforgiving. Preparation matters.

Please make smart decisions so everyone makes it home safely.

05/16/2026

If you are visiting the gorge today, please use a little extra caution from SkyBridge Station to Chimney Top Road on Hwy 715. Team members will be conducting a roadside cleanup from 9am until completed.

When a life hangs in the balance in the Red River Gorge, our team answers the call. We are 100% volunteer-funded and rea...
05/12/2026

When a life hangs in the balance in the Red River Gorge, our team answers the call. We are 100% volunteer-funded and ready 24/7.

It’s Kentucky Gives Day! While we aren't officially registered on the main event site this year, we are still 100% committed to the mission. We’re running our own "unofficial" campaign to ensure every dollar goes straight toward the specialized gear we need to bring them home.

Your donation saves lives. Support the team directly. See the link in the first comment.

Big news! WCSART has officially earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar)—the highe...
05/09/2026

Big news! WCSART has officially earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar)—the highest level of recognition a nonprofit can achieve.

What does this mean? Candid evaluates over 1.8 million nonprofits nationwide, and this Platinum status proves that the Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team operates with total financial accountability, top-tier strategy, and clear results. When you support our lifesaving missions, you can trust that every dollar goes directly toward saving lives in the wilderness.

https://www.guidestar.org/profile/83-1723458

Two members of WCSAR, along with some of the best in the state from other agencies, participated in this joint training ...
05/05/2026

Two members of WCSAR, along with some of the best in the state from other agencies, participated in this joint training exercise. The new Bell 429 helps expand hoist capabilities across the Commonwealth.

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P. O. Box 822
Campton, KY
41301

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