Hanson's Point - Veranda Hike - Red River Gorge

Join Hikers of the Bluegrass for our first hike in 2026! Whether you’re a new hiker or seasoned adventurer, let’s start this New year off right together on the trail.

Hanson's Point, Jerrell Goodpasture in his book "Hinterlands" wrote: "This is, without a doubt, one of the best hikes in the Red...The massive overlook at the end is unsurpassed in beauty, ruggedness, and exposure."

Our route-From the Grays Arch Trailhead, we will start our hike on the Pinch-em Tight Trail, travel to the Veranda via Rush Ridge trail then pick up the Rough trail to Hanson's Point. On our way back, we will hike the Sheltowee trail, the total mileage for our hike is an estimated 5.5 miles. Much of the hike is relatively easy ridge-top traveling; however one segment of the Rough drops 400 feet and quickly regains it for moderate challenging (with a reward of impressive rock houses.

Bonus: It’s Winter, it’s a great time to get offtrail and do some exploring. Not far from Hanson’s Point are the Ledford Arches, This will require a bit of bushwhacking and a few rock scrambles to reach them. This part of the hike is optional.

Dog friendly hike,

Directions from Lexington
From the 1-64/1-75 southern split, drive east on 1-64 16.4 mi, exit 98 Combs Mountain Parkway; drive 32 mi to exit 33, Hwy 15 (Slade); from exit go left, (look for sign posted Park & Ride) then immediate left (west), then another immediate left into Park & Ride parking lot next to GoTime gas station.
Meet here at 9:00AM
the carpool will leave for the trailhead no later then 9:15.