Hanson’s Point Out and Back

Sep 28

Elevation Profile of Hanson's Point Out and Back, Red River Gorge

Overview. This is the easiest five miles in Red River Gorge and a glorious clifftop vista. Following Pinch ‘em Tight Trail out to an unmarked spur off Rough Trail, this view is among the best in the region and ideal for sunrise. It’s also a popular backpacking overnight spot with large campsites littering the trail approaching the point.

Route Type | Out and Back
Total Distance | 5 miles
Elevation Gain | 836 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy

GPS Waypoints
Gray’s Arch Parking | 37.808114, -83.657519
Trailhead | 37.807592, -83.656322
Pinch ‘em Tight-Rough Trail Junction | 37.810678, -83.636828
Turn to Unmarked Spur | 37.811556, -83.636472
Hanson’s Point | 37.816633, -83.626572
Red River Gorge Area Map

Parking. Plenty of parking is available at Gray’s Arch Recreation Area/D Boon Hut Trailhead, and at the Pinch ‘em Tight or Archaic Parking Lots nearby. Arrive early or late on weekends when parking fills up with backpackers and day hikers. Do NOT park on Tunnel Ridge Road to provide adequate traffic flow for emergency vehicles - tickets have been issued here.

Trail Navigation. Locate the trailhead a few dozen paces east on Tunnel Ridge Road. Follow Pinch ‘em Tight Trail/Sheltowee Trace out on the ridge line. Stay right at the intersection with Rush Ridge Trail. Stay left at the intersection with Buck Trail. Turn left at the intersection with Rough Trail and keep your eyes to the right. You’ll gently descend for a very short time and come to a large downed tree. The unmarked trail to Hanson’s Point is a right (north) turn just behind this tree. Follow the sandy trail out, passing through a number of campsites in a generally eastern direction until eventually reaching Hanson’s Point. As you make your way through the various campsites, keep tracking eastbound toward the GPS waypoint provided. After taking in the views, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

HIKER NOTE - Sunrise/Sunset. This is an ideal, year-round sunrise spot with expansive views east, north, and south - a big reason backpackers and dispersed campers setup here. Sunsets at the point are best nearest the Summer solstice when the sun takes its most northerly track.

HIKER NOTE - Official Trail Addition. This trail will be added to the official trail system in the not too distant future. Along with this change will come modifications to the expansive impacted campsites found along the trail. It would be ideal to have these put into the future designated backcountry campsite (minimum one mile from road/parking lot) program.

HIKER NOTE - Campfires. With thin soil, above average wind exposure, and water a long way off, I generally don’t build fires here.

CAUTION - Deadly Drops. Long falls from high places are the #1 non-health related cause of death for hikers in Kentucky. Keep your distance from the edges of cliffs to avoid a deadly fall. Young children should be kept close.

CAUTION - Poisonous Snakes. Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes can be found in the area. Should you encounter one, stop and slowly back away. Always give venomous snakes a wide berth. Know Before You Go => University of Kentucky Venomous Snake Guide

CAUTION - Black Bears. Ursus Americanus - a.k.a. the American black bear is growing in population throughout much of Kentucky. Know Before You Go => US Forest Service Black Bear Safety Tips