Our Story

Doe River Gorge

Since its inception, Doe River Gorge has been a series of God’s miraculous provisions. He has provided in ways and at times that could only have come from His hand. He has done “exceeding abundantly beyond all that we could have asked or thought…to Him be the glory forever and ever.”

This written history is meant to glorify God and Him only. Names of people He has used to accomplish His will are simply servants who have been honored and humbled to be a part of His work. This history is still being written and will not be complete until He returns.

Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.
Psalm 102:18

Since his college years, Terry Maughon had a dream of beginning a new ministry in East Tennessee for the purpose of reaching young people for Christ. During his years of training at Moody Bible Institute and working in camps during the summer, his dream was greatly enhanced. In 1981, working as a youth minister for Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City, Tennessee he began conducting summer camp programs using rented facilities. As these programs grew from year to year, others began to see the need and value for an expanded ministry and a new facility.

Two of those who would become instrumental in the formation and development of Doe River Gorge were Dr. Larry Graham and Mr. Jeff Blackburn. For several years, both of these gentlemen had encouraged Terry to pursue his vision and had joined with him in praying for God’s will and timing. Through the encouragement and prayer support of Larry and Jeff, as well as that of many friends, God began to work in miraculous ways to bring this dream to reality.

In 1985, Terry and a friend, Gary Gilliam, hiked the Doe River Gorge. As they walked along the old railroad bed they were awed by the beauty and majesty of God’s creation as well as the potential to develop programs within the Gorge for the purpose of reaching young people for Christ. When they got to the second trestle bridge, Terry and Gary sat down on the bridge and prayed, “Lord, if there is to ever be a new camp in East Tennessee, it should be here.”

A Dream Becomes Reality

In July of 1987, two and one-half miles of property in the scenic Doe River Gorge were purchased at a cost of only one-fourth its appraised value. A new non-profit organization was formed, money began to be raised, and the dream of creating a place to share the love of Christ with young people was on its way to becoming a reality.

Although weekly Bible studies and small weekend retreats began almost immediately there was much work to be done before full-scale summer programs could begin. Site plans had to be developed; buildings and recreational facilities needed to be built; programs had to be planned and staff had to be hired. In addition, the facility had to be maintained. With no money for maintenance, much less development, the task seemed impossible. Many said that it would never happen. But God delights in doing the impossible and almost immediately He went to work.

Terry tells the story

The History

1987

Property acquired at one-fourth its appraised value
Small group retreats begin
An effort to develop a financial base of support is begun

1988

Missionary Tech Team is acquired to develop long-range site plan

1991

Long-range plan is completed
Metric Constructors agree to build mountain, ball fields, lake, roads, plaza, grading of plateau for hobo condos – all for free!

1992

January: CSX Transportation donates five railroad boxcars

October: Metric Constructors completes its projects at the Gorge

1993

April: The Feldspar Corporation donates 2000 tons of white sand for the lake

July: Lake opens

1994

November: Office unit is purchased and reassembled at the Gorge.

December: Terry leaves his position as youth pastor at Grace Fellowship Church to go full-time at DRG.

Duke Ingram, Buddy Fontaine, Mike Bauguess, and others head up campaign to raise money so that week long programs can begin.

1995

January: Inmates from the Carter County Work Camp begin renovation of railcars into “Hobo Condos”.

April: Tepee Village is built.

June: First summer of week-long programs known as Adventure Quest begins … 7 years after purchase of property.

2000

Over 1 mile of railroad track restored with new cross ties
40 acres of pasture land acquired between main campus and Miracle Mountain
Footbridge built across river to access cabins.
Large riverfront cabin built on south side of Doe River
Horses added to programming
Antique steam locomotive “Rachel” arrives on loan from Gaylord Entertainment. Video Here

2001

Two small riverfront cabins built on south side of Doe River
Roof extension added to maintenance building by volunteers from Maury Baptist Association, Columbia, TN. Video Here

2002

Single lake zipline converted to triple zipline

Video of Construction

2003

Water Main installed to cabins across river. Video Here
Two double-wide office units added tp existing unit – renovated three joined units and added covered porch.
Paved access road and office parking areas.

2004

Office renovation completed
New Big Top Tent, audio/visual & stage added
Plymouth Diesel Locomotive restoration completed
UNIMOG 4X4 (4×4 ATV) donated
Adventure Quest Explorer&LEADPrograms added
The Depot is renovated, bathrooms & storage added
New Dining Tent installed next to Depot
Storm Drainage-Phase 1- completed
Construction begins on 2 80-bed lodge/dormitories
Installed 2 temporary dorm mobile buildings
Mountain Board course built on 70 acre tract above lake
Via Ferrata adventure activity added

2005

Adventure Quest Expedition & Dual Track Programs are added
Mountain Meadows Lodge completed
Underground Infrastructure: Storm Drains & Electrical completed. Video Here
Landscaping and Lighting of the Depot Plaza completed
Electric Railroad Track vehicle donated

2006

Cedar Mountain Lodge completed. Video Here
Removed 2 temporary housing units. Video Here
Gazepee Village relocated to riverfront
Bath House for Gazepees relocated adjacent to Gazepee Village
Riverfront and maintenance areas cleared to provide for Gazepee Village relocation. Video Here
Health Center installed adjacent to offices
Fairmont Railroad Track vehicle donated
Regulation Sand Volleyball court constructed near Cedar Mountain Lodge
Paintball activity added

2007

Vertical challenge course joined with 250′cable bridge

2008

Gazepees air-conditioned and porch roofs added
Maintenance Area Enclosure
Maintenance area enclosed with attractive fence and gate.
Riverfront, and ramp to bridge made more accessible and useful for program needs. Video Here
Riverfront recreation area enhanced for program activities. Video Here
Removed unstable rock on rappel area over tunnel. Video Here

2011

Horse Arena and Equestrian programs added
Mountain Meadows Steps
Rifle Range and Riflery program added
Gazebo built at river’s edge overlooking the Doe River
Wakeboarding program added

2013

Ford pickups repainted
Double wide Health Center converted to resident staff housing.
Unimog replaced with newer, diesel model

2014

Exponential gap year program launched with 5 male interns and a resident advisor.

2015

Kawasaki Mule 4010 ATV donated by local physician, Arnold Hopland, M.D.

2016

child on climbing wall at doe river gorge

Acquired donated climbing tower (formerly located on the campus of ETSU)
Exponential program expanded to include female interns

2017

Added the Mud Course activity
Remodeled the Annex dormitory unit for the Exponential program

2018

Yamaha Golf Cart donated by former board member, Ted Rich.

2019

Added the Outdoor Education program focused on school field trips.

Acquired 15 acres of land between Miracle Mountain and the frontage highway. This property provides necessary area as well as several structures that will facilitate the development and operation of The Christmas Train.