Search and rescue groups around Red River Gorge are asking people to stay home, even though the park is not closed, as hikers continue to get lost in the park as spring hiking season kicks off.

Powell County Search & Rescue said they are expecting Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Park to be "more overcrowded than it already is" with good weather in the forecast and people wanting to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.

The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is closed for two weeks and officials said the gorge will likely see huge numbers of people over the next few weeks.

"We ask that everyone please find a place close to home to get your fresh air and exercise. The crews that watch over the gorge will be busy and the extra people in the area will put everybody at more of a risk," Powell County Search & Rescue said.

Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team has rescued a number of lost hiker reports over the past week, including 6 on March 20.

"During these challenging times, we are encouraging folks wishing to get outdoors to do so in an area they are familiar with and close to home. The gorge is overcrowded at the moment and putting serious pressure on the agencies overseeing the safety of the visitors. It's also putting everyone at risk," Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team said.

The Wolfe County team has developed a response plan for rescues in the new world of COVID-19, which includes social distancing, but it's challenging in a back-county environment.

"We ask anyone visiting the area to please be prepared," officials in Wolfe County said. "If you aren’t familiar with the area or at least have some reasonable outdoor experience, now is not the time to take an adventure to a new area. Turn on NatGeo and chill."