Economic Impact Research for Appalachia and Beyond
James N. Maples is a sociology professor at Eastern Kentucky University. His work examines the economic impact of outdoor recreation in rural transitional economies. His main focus is the economic impact of rock climbing.
His book, Rock Climbing in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge: An Oral History of Community, Resources, and Tourism, is now available from Amazon and West Virginia University Press.
Research with a purpose.
Dr. Maples’ work examines the economic impact of outdoor recreation activities in transitional rural economies. He has conducted over 50 economic impact studies across the nation.
Dr. Maples’ Blog
The oral history of rock climbing in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge continues to tell itself even today. Check out Dr. Maples’ blog for updates on that history as well as special conversations about the history of climbing in the Red.