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
Our journey began well before it formally started. Living and working in a tourist community has a unique way of inspiring entrepreneurship. The Red River Gorge gained significant attention starting in 2012, coinciding with Christie and Tim's arrival in the region, and by 2017, Leave No Trace Adventures (LNTA) had transformed from a simple hobby to a burgeoning venture.
Christie served as the manager of a property management company while Tim worked as a maintenance supervisor. Their passion for the outdoors, combined with their deep understanding of the region's rugged landscape, positioned them as ideal guides, eager to lead visitors to the breathtaking attractions the area has to offer.
They found immense joy in adventuring with newcomers and sharing the rich history and folklore that define the Red River Gorge. What began as a personal escape into nature evolved into Leave No Trace Adventures. As interest in their services grew, Christie and Tim contemplated the future of this promising venture.
In November 2018, LNTA was officially established and received the necessary permits from the U.S. Department of Forestry to operate as a legal commercial operation. The following year was particularly thrilling, as Christie transitioned to working full-time with LNTA, Tim maintained his construction job, contributing part-time to the business.
In 2020, a new chapter unfolded when Christie accepted a part-time role as a tourism director, coinciding with significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the temporary closure of many outdoor activities, including access to forests. However, LNTA adapted effectively.
During the summer of 2020, we facilitated outdoor experiences for hundreds of individuals, many of whom were exploring nature for the first time. As life gradually returned to normal, LNTA continued to expand its offerings and grow its team. Unfortunately, in May 2024, both Tim and Christie Abrams', owners and operators of Leave No Trace Adventures, faced a life-altering accident that necessitated multiple hospital stays.
Tim underwent surgery for a kneecap replacement, while Christie worked to recover from a dislocated hip and fractured toes. It wasn't until November 2024 that they could resume their professional lives. The six-month cessation of operations had a significant impact on the business. To revitalize LNTA, we began offering complimentary hikes, a strategic initiative aimed at reaffirming our position as the premier provider of guided services in the Red River Gorge area.
Christie Abrams
Christie is a proud native of the Appalachian hills, deeply connected to the region's rich culture. Her childhood summers were filled with meaningful activities, such as tending to gardens, picking berries, and canning jams, jellies, and a variety of vegetables.
Each autumn marked the tradition of processing meat for the winter, while the warmer months were spent gathering fabrics to create warm blankets. As she matured, Christie discovered her love for learning and the joy it brought her whenever she acquired new knowledge. This desire for exploration led her to venture beyond her familiar surroundings in search of broader horizons.
However, while traveling, Christie realized that the elements she had left behind—the soil under her feet, the fresh air on her skin, and the simple pleasure of picking berries—were the things she cherished most. This realization sparked her interest in adventure tourism, a field that allowed her to marry her background with her enthusiasm for exploration.
Understanding that many people are unaware of the benefits of connecting with nature, Christie is committed to sharing her knowledge of outdoor experiences, such as walking barefoot and the therapeutic effects of being in a forest. With a bachelor's degree in business management and psychology, Christie is advancing her education by pursuing certification in earthing and forest bathing instruction. Her mission is to encourage individuals to spend more time outdoors to enhance their physical and mental well-being.
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.
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.
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