Hanson's Point Group Hang
Just the Facts
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 3 days/2 nights; temp ranged from upper 20s to low 40s; approximately 5 miles
Menu: Oatmeal, Chicken & Noodles, Pasta & Meat Sauce, Rotisserie Chicken, Pudding, Snacks
Shelter: Warbonnet Black Bird hammock, Underground Quilts Top & Under Quilts, Warbonnet Mamajamba Tarp w/DIY Door Kit
Location: Red River Gorge Geological Area - Slade, KY
General Rules and Regulations: Overnight permits are required (available at gas stations in Slade). No camping within 300' of a marked trail or road. No camping or fires within 100' of rock structures. Fires are permitted unless there s a fire ban in place - No cutting standing timber (dead or alive). Bear precautions are required.
Please see the USDA website, which is over Red River Gorge, for details on the rules.
Trip Highlights: 3 days/2 nights; temp ranged from upper 20s to low 40s; approximately 5 miles
Menu: Oatmeal, Chicken & Noodles, Pasta & Meat Sauce, Rotisserie Chicken, Pudding, Snacks
Shelter: Warbonnet Black Bird hammock, Underground Quilts Top & Under Quilts, Warbonnet Mamajamba Tarp w/DIY Door Kit
Red River Gorge (The Gorge) is located within the Daniel Boone National forest. For this trip the trail head was along Tunnel Ridge road at the Pinch-em Tight trail head. Since this was a group hang it was best to have a base camp which was at Hanson's Point. Hanson's Point is a great campsite for views. However, it is a dry campsite with the nearest water source maybe a half to three quarters of a mile away. The view, however, makes it worth it with arguably the best vista of The Gorge.
Day 1: I arrived at the Pinch-em Tight trail head around Noon on Friday. As I organized my gear another hiker as part of the meetup came in. Since he had not been to Hanon's Point we made the hike together. The hike from the Pinch-em Tight trail head to Hanson's Point is a relatively easy couple miles along Pinch-em Tight trail to Rough Trail. After a short hike on Rough Trail an unmarked trail leads toward Hanson's Point. This would be an easy hike as well if not for all the dead fall, which makes it a bit aggravating at times.
After arriving a camp and making introductions I got set up. After some time around the fire with the group I made some dinner and headed back to the fire. I retired early to the hammock for some reading before dozing off.
After arriving a camp and making introductions I got set up. After some time around the fire with the group I made some dinner and headed back to the fire. I retired early to the hammock for some reading before dozing off.
Day 2: After making coffee I hiked to Hanson's Point. Unfortunately, the overcast skies prevented any hopes of catching a sunrise. Back at camp I made some oatmeal before we went in search of the Ledford Arches. After a few feeble attempts to locate the arches I had the location pretty well narrowed down...Plus I had some GPS coordinates to confirm! Happily, I can report that after some bushwhacking, and a bit of wandering, we found the arches! I also hadn't realized how close Hanson's Point and the Ledford Arches are to the Sheltowee.
Dinner on day 2 was not your typical backpacking meal...The trip organizer brought chickens to roast over the fire. After stuffing myself on rotisserie chicken and pudding I again retired to the hammock for some reading. That night's reading was all about bear maulings and general mayhem...For some reason I heard every leaf fall and wind gust!
Dinner on day 2 was not your typical backpacking meal...The trip organizer brought chickens to roast over the fire. After stuffing myself on rotisserie chicken and pudding I again retired to the hammock for some reading. That night's reading was all about bear maulings and general mayhem...For some reason I heard every leaf fall and wind gust!
Day 3: For the return hike I continued on Rough Trail to an unmarked trail to The Veranda. At The Veranda I took a short snack & water break while I enjoyed the view.
There are a couple campsites at The Veranda, both are fairly small and, yep, dry.
I have been to The Gorge multiple times but, I am still learning my way. My main goals for this trip were to meet some fellow backpackers and to find the Ledford Arches and The Veranda - I'm happy to report that all goals were met!
There are a couple campsites at The Veranda, both are fairly small and, yep, dry.
I have been to The Gorge multiple times but, I am still learning my way. My main goals for this trip were to meet some fellow backpackers and to find the Ledford Arches and The Veranda - I'm happy to report that all goals were met!
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