About Us
At Leave No Trace Adventures, we believe in the transformative power of nature. As a family-run business of adventure guides, we are dedicated to taking people out into the wild to teach and inspire. Our energetic and fun-loving team thrives on sharing unique experiences with our guests, ensuring that everyone not only enjoys themselves but also learns something new about the environment and our precious natural resources.
Our Story
We are a family-owned and operated adventure guide service born out of a simple need to escape the daily grind and share the magic of the Red River Gorge. What began as weekend hikes to show friends and neighbors the hidden canyons, arches, and quiet sandstone overlooks quickly turned into a passion for connecting people with the backcountry—especially the remote, lesser-known places that make this region special.
As we grew, our mission expanded beyond leading trips: we now mentor and train aspiring guides, helping more people discover Kentucky’s outdoor treasures safely and responsibly. We’re committed to sustainable stewardship, local knowledge, and welcoming families and first-time adventurers so more people can experience the beauty of the Bluegrass State for years to come.
Christie Abrams
Christie was born and raised in the Appalachian hills and maintains a deep connection to the region's culture. Her summers as a child involved practical, hands-on activities: tending gardens, picking berries, and canning jams, jellies, and various vegetables. Each autumn she and her family prepared and processed meat for the winter, while warmer months were used to collect fabrics and sew or layer warm blankets. As she matured, Christie developed a sustained appetite for learning and found satisfaction in acquiring new skills and knowledge. That curiosity led her to travel beyond familiar surroundings to gain broader perspectives and professional experience. During her travels, she recognized that the elements she valued most were the natural ones she had grown up with—the soil beneath her feet, fresh air on her skin, and the quiet pleasure of picking berries.
This recognition prompted a professional interest in adventure tourism, enabling her to integrate regional traditions with guided outdoor experiences. Aware that many people lack exposure to nature's measurable benefits, Christie commits to educating others about practical outdoor practices such as walking barefoot and forest immersion. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management and psychology and is furthering her qualifications through certification programs in earthing and forest bathing instruction. Her objective is to encourage consistent outdoor time to support measurable improvements in physical health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being. She communicates evidence-based practices with clarity and care.
Tim Abrams
Tim relocated to Kentucky during his childhood, where he found solace and comfort in rural life. He developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, relishing experiences such as observing the melodic chirping of birds, savoring the fragrance of blooming flowers, as well as engaging in hunting and fishing—activities that allowed him to connect with the abundant offerings of the forest.
Upon completing high school, Tim enlisted in the military, subsequently spending several years traversing Europe before returning to the United States to embrace fatherhood. His primary focus became providing for his family, dedicating himself to work with a formidable commitment. In 2012, he relocated his family to an area adjacent to the Red River Gorge, and in 2013, he accepted a position as a maintenance technician at Cliffview Resort.
It was not uncommon for Tim to work between fifty and seventy hours each week. However, he sought respite by embarking on morning or evening adventures into the woods. The inception of Leave No Trace Adventures invigorated Tim, who envisioned a future where he could earn a living immersed in nature. In his limited spare time, he collaborated with Christie to lead outdoor excursions.
Unfortunately, his life underwent a significant disruption in May 2024, following a motorcycle accident that necessitated his transport to the hospital via helicopter. This incident resulted in a knee replacement and an eight-week immobilization of his leg. While the path to recovery appeared daunting, Tim maintained his determination to regain his former lifestyle.
In the following months, he focused on rehabilitating his new knee, beginning with shorter trails as part of his physical therapy regimen. During these hikes, often undertaken barefoot, he found a profound sense of healing. On days when he did not walk, he experienced considerable discomfort. However, each hiking experience propelled him to aspire for greater distances, and by November 2024, he was able to successfully traverse over three consecutive miles within the rugged terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Derek Rose – HikEE-D
Meet Hikee-D, Derek Rose—the guy who believes every great hike should include incredible views, unforgettable stories, and at least a little bit of harmless chaos. A passionate outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for the Red River Gorge and helping folk, Derek enjoys sharing both the iconic landmarks and the hidden gems that make this area so special while utilizing his 11 years as a float PCA at U of L hospital to keep everyone safe.
Known for being completely off the chain funny, Derek keeps every adventure entertaining from start to finish. There's a good chance he'll spark a few shenanigans, have the whole group laughing, and turn an ordinary hike into a story you'll be telling long after you leave the Gorge. Beneath the humor, he's committed to safety, stewardship, and the Leave No Trace principles that help protect the places we love.
If you're looking for a guide who's equal parts knowledgeable, adventurous, and unforgettable, Hikee-D is ready to hit the trail with you. Just be warned—you'll probably laugh as much as you hike!
Do you have what it takes to be a LNTA guide?
We're seeking experienced outdoor guides to partner with across all kinds of outdoor recreation—hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, sea kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, mountain biking, trail running, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, fishing, wildlife and interpretive trips, and more. Ideal partners bring strong technical skills, First aid and guiding certifications, local route knowledge, safety-first decision making, reliable gear and a commitment to sustainable land use and excellent client experiences.
I'm interested in collaborators who want to co-develop itineraries, run seasonal or one-off trips, lead education clinics, support corporate/team-building outings, or cross-promote specialty experiences to broaden offerings and reach. If you’re a solo guide or represent a small outfitter and want to build a mutually beneficial partnership that expands opportunities for clients and grows our businesses together, let’s connect to discuss availability, qualifications, and how we can create safe, memorable outdoor adventures.
Join Us for an Adventure
Ready to Explore?
Book a tour with us today and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while learning from the best. Experience our passion for the great outdoors and leave with memories and knowledge that will last a lifetime.