Gray's Arch and Hanson's Point Loop

Red River Gorge Geological Area, Daniel Boone National Forest (Tunnel Ridge Road, near Slade)

This loop strings together two of the Red River Gorge’s signature sights: Gray’s Arch, which Great American Hikes calls “the largest naturally formed arch in Red River Gorge,” and Hanson’s Point, a cliff-top overlook off the Rough Trail. Great American Hikes lays it out as a 7.3-mile backpacking loop with camp near the point, timed for sunset and sunrise over the gorge.

Backpacker lists the Red River Gorge first among its Kentucky backpacking picks, and the gorge has its own rules: an overnight parking permit, strict camping setbacks, and a 600-foot no-camping buffer around Gray’s Arch.

The hike

Great American Hikes starts at the Pinch ‘Em Tight Trailhead on Tunnel Ridge Road and follows Trail 223 down to the Rough Trail (Trail 221). Kentucky Tourism describes the Rough Trail as cutting “east and west across the center of the Red River Gorge,” with climbs and descents that aren’t “prohibitively strenuous,” but warns that “novices should beware.” It notes a crossing of Rush Branch and the Sheltowee Trace junction at Pinch ‘Em Tight Ridge.

From the Rough Trail, an unmarked spur leads out to Hanson’s Point. Great American Hikes says that “though not often mentioned as a sunset spot, Hanson’s Point excels in this regard,” and that morning brings fog lifting out of the gorge as the sun rises to the east.

The return passes Gray’s Arch, which Great American Hikes describes as “spanning nearly 80 feet and rising more than 50 feet tall,” and finishes at the Gray’s Arch Trailhead on Tunnel Ridge Road. King Branch, about 5 miles into the loop, is its only reliable water, according to the guide, so most hikers will carry water to camp and refill the next day.

The Rough Trail continues beyond this loop. Blue Ridge Outdoors describes it as an 8.6-mile spine trail from Route 77 near Nada Tunnel to Route 715, passing Gray’s Arch and Military Wall, a climbing area, with side trips to the Daniel Boone Hut Trail, Pinch ‘Em Tight, Hanson’s Point, and 22 Windows. A Cincinnati hiking guide, Select Hikes, calls it “the most common backpacking trail, with many variations.” The Sheltowee Trace, blazed with a white turtle, also runs through the gorge.

For a quieter, wilder overnight a few miles away, see Swift Camp Creek in the Clifty Wilderness.

Tips

Buy the overnight pass. The Forest Service requires an overnight recreation permit for backcountry camping in the Gorge between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., sold at Forest offices and local vendors.
Know the setbacks. No camping within 300 feet of a developed road or trail, or within 600 feet of Gray’s Arch (Forest Service order 12-01-15).
Stay back from cliffs. No camping, fires, or stoves within 100 feet of the base of a cliff or the back of a rock shelter, according to To Red River Gorge. Watch your footing at overlooks, especially in the dark.
Carry water to camp. King Branch is the reliable source, about 5 miles in.
Leave alcohol at home. Explorer Chick says it’s prohibited.
Go early on weekends. Select Hikes warns that the Martin’s Fork lot on the Rough Trail is often full.

Camping

There’s no designated campground on this loop. Camping is dispersed, subject to Forest Service Order 12-01-15: except at designated sites, no camping within 300 feet of any developed road or trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area or within 600 feet of Gray’s Arch. Climbing and rappelling are also banned within 300 feet of Gray’s Arch. Explorer Chick notes that black bears live in the Daniel Boone National Forest, so store food carefully.

Inside Intel: Great American Hikes recommends camping near Hanson’s Point for both sunset and sunrise, describing several established sites within a quarter mile, including a group site about 0.1 mile away with room for six or more tents. Before you pitch, check that your site meets the 300-foot and cliff setbacks.

Trail facts

Distance: 7.3-mile loop (Great American Hikes)
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsites: Dispersed; established sites near Hanson’s Point
Water: King Branch, about mile 5; carry water to camp
Permits: Overnight recreation permit (parking pass) for camping in the Gorge
Setbacks: 300 feet from developed roads and trails; 600 feet from Gray’s Arch; 100 feet from cliff bases and rock shelters
Dogs: Allowed on leash (Great American Hikes)
Trailheads: Pinch ‘Em Tight and Gray’s Arch, Tunnel Ridge Road
Last verified: October 7, 2026

The Lowdown

Morning fog at Hanson's Point:

Great American Hikes says morning brings fog lifting out of the gorge at Hanson's Point. We compared the Arc'teryx Beta SL with two cheaper rain shells to see if it's overrated.

Read the comparison →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.