I think this would destroy the Gorge as we knew it. I went yesterday when the temperature was about 35 and beautifully sunny, and spent about 15 minutes just sitting all by myself at a special outlook just off of Rough Trail. 2 nice, polite adults joined and out of respect for them I explained that I had just had the privilege to enjoy this particular area by myself for several minutes and I would move along so they could do the same...that this was an uncommon experience now because it is so popular. I went back on Rough Trail and enjoyed about 10 minutes at Gray's Arch again by myself.
I share that just to say that I understand how uncommon it is to get to enjoy the Gorge without a parking lot full of people going with you as well. To enjoy some quiet, peaceful time and to have it in such nice conditions.
A move such as this could destroy that mystique and sense, however small and uncommon as it is, of being outside and remotely removed from the developed areas most of us inhabit. I don't go there to rub elbows with others and wait in line for my 30 second photo op. I go to relax, see some of EKY's best collection of beauty, and to feel reinvigorate about the place in general. I live in Prestonsburg, and RRG as well as the other special places helps me feel thankful for that .
Maybe I'm just being selfish, but I don't understand why they cannot simply overhaul Hemlock Lodge. The state parks could be awesome but they have been allowed to go downhill. I think people would use them more if they were polished up some. May Lodge was revamped some a few years ago after a fire, and they really half-you-know-whatted that opportunity in my opinion.