Red River Gorge Spring Backpacking Trip
Details
What's up everyone??!! Plans have (finally) been solidified for this trip!
While there are many, many campsites scattered throughout the gorge, most of them are too small to accommodate such a large group. Given the size of the group (10 +/-), I thought it would be best to setup a basecamp for the weekend. Given that, we will camp at Hanson's Point both nights. I am planning a group day hike in the morning on Saturday and a really cool adventure before dinner on Saturday evening as well, both of which are optional. You are also welcome to do your own thing on Saturday if you would prefer. Be as adventurous as you so desire, and be sure to share your plans in case someone else wants to join you!
The primary objective here is to get outside with like minded people. To have fun... To take in the views... And to have fun... (Did I mention that already?) ;)
With that, if you are arriving on Friday, plan to meet at the trailhead by 12:30 PM so we can break trail by 1 PM. My cellphone # is 503-757-2795, so if you are running behind schedule, please notify me ASAP.
Here's a link to the exact hike and trailhead we are meeting at to start the adventure, and below that are the trip details:
Friday, 5/3/19 (Day 1):
Meet at the trailhead at 12:30 PM. The trailhead is the first one on the left once you turn onto Tunnel Ridge Rd. going north. The plan is to follow this exact route to Hanson's Point (link to map & description above), which is one of the best view points in the Gorge. I was just up there last weekend with Hammock Forums and it was amazing! The hike in is only 2.6 miles with minimal elevation gain/loss. For those of you that are looking for a more adventurous option for the hike in, read on:
Alternate Option: Instead of starting with the group, we can drop you off at pretty much any other trailhead in the gorge. You'll need to do your homework prior, but if you pick out a starting point and route, we can get you to whatever trailhead you want and you can meet us out at Hanson's Point later in the day on Friday! Be sure to contact me IN ADVANCE to work out those details.
Saturday, 5/4/19 (Day 2):
On Saturday morning at around 10 AM, let's plan to take a group lollypop hike to check out Gray's Arch. I estimate that will be about 5.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain & loss. I'd like to plan on having lunch at Gray's Arch, which is about the 1/2 way point of the hike. We'll need to haul in water containers so we can re-supply on the way back up to Hanson's Point.
For those of you meeting us on Saturday, please plan to meet us out at Hanson's Point. I believe we will be back to our campsite by 2 PM +/-. As you hike towards the point, you will walk right through 2-3 campsites. I'm going to setup a sign or landmark or something (details TBD) so that if you arrive before we return, you will know it's our campsite.
Later Saturday evening, I'm planning a little bit of an adventure... There's an unofficial trail (I believe it's called "Pinchem' Tight") that leads out from the campsite to a different point. It goes down a ways and likely requires some scrambling. I'm not sure if you can get all the way to the forest floor or not, but I'd certainly like to find out. I shot some aerial footage of that exact spot last weekend. Check out the following points on the video below (15:46 - 16:00, then 16:43 - 16:51):
Again, if you want to do your own thing on Saturday to knock out more miles, be my guest! If you want to hang out around camp and take in the views, have at it. It's all about having a good time and being safe!
Sunday, 5/5/19 (Day 3):
On Sunday, I'm planning to break camp by about 8 AM and hit the trail by 9AM. It's only an hour hike back to the trailhead.
I have room for up to 2 more people coming from Indy. Let me know if you need a lift!
Cheers!
Garrett