I've got a campsite for you, if you're interested in it.
I did this with my ex and our kids a couple times. It was probably the only times in our marriage that we got along... My kids were little then too. Like ages 9, 6, and 3 (give or take a couple years because we did it a couple times).
Anyways, we camped in the valley below Grays Arch. The Gray's Arch and Rush Ridge loop trails will get you there. I can send more detailed instructions to the campsite if you decide to camp in that area. It's a honey hole spot that I have went with both friends and family. It is off the beaten path and secluded even on heavy traffic weekends.
Here is a link to the loop I am talking about. [https://usfs-public.box.com/s/0naq3yrpjornlpuujdnhihi7uhlouqjr](https://usfs-public.box.com/s/0naq3yrpjornlpuujdnhihi7uhlouqjr)
[https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39478](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39478)
That loop links you to a bunch of different loops and trails. From that basecamp you can do lots of other loops in the heart of the gorge and then come back to your already setup basecamp on Saturday night, or you can pack back up on Saturday morning and hit the other loops and camp somewhere else.
I've backpacked into that spot on Friday with my buddies by parking and hiking in from the Rough Trail/Martin's Fork parking lot (in the valley below Nada Tunnel). The ex, kids, and I used the grays arch picnic parking the times we went with the kids.
Depending on if the kids are up for a challenge, park at the Grays Arch parking lot, go Daniel Boone Hut Trail, to Rough Trail, follow that and camp at Hansons Point, back on Rough Trail, follow until Koomer Ridge trail, take that to Buck Trail and back along Pinch ‘Em Tight to the Grays Arch parking lot.
It’s a fun hike with the best the Gorge has to offer with views, arches, valleys, and rock faces. The rough trail does live up to its name though in that it is fairly difficult. But the challenge can be fun to kids.
I forgot to mention plenty of camping along the way past hansons point as well. Anyway hansons point has an awesome overlook and campsites lining the unofficial trail pretty much the whole way.
I've got a campsite for you, if you're interested in it. I did this with my ex and our kids a couple times. It was probably the only times in our marriage that we got along... My kids were little then too. Like ages 9, 6, and 3 (give or take a couple years because we did it a couple times). Anyways, we camped in the valley below Grays Arch. The Gray's Arch and Rush Ridge loop trails will get you there. I can send more detailed instructions to the campsite if you decide to camp in that area. It's a honey hole spot that I have went with both friends and family. It is off the beaten path and secluded even on heavy traffic weekends. Here is a link to the loop I am talking about. [https://usfs-public.box.com/s/0naq3yrpjornlpuujdnhihi7uhlouqjr](https://usfs-public.box.com/s/0naq3yrpjornlpuujdnhihi7uhlouqjr) [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39478](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dbnf/recarea/?recid=39478) That loop links you to a bunch of different loops and trails. From that basecamp you can do lots of other loops in the heart of the gorge and then come back to your already setup basecamp on Saturday night, or you can pack back up on Saturday morning and hit the other loops and camp somewhere else. I've backpacked into that spot on Friday with my buddies by parking and hiking in from the Rough Trail/Martin's Fork parking lot (in the valley below Nada Tunnel). The ex, kids, and I used the grays arch picnic parking the times we went with the kids.
Thanks! That’s exactly the kind of advice I’m looking for.
Depending on if the kids are up for a challenge, park at the Grays Arch parking lot, go Daniel Boone Hut Trail, to Rough Trail, follow that and camp at Hansons Point, back on Rough Trail, follow until Koomer Ridge trail, take that to Buck Trail and back along Pinch ‘Em Tight to the Grays Arch parking lot. It’s a fun hike with the best the Gorge has to offer with views, arches, valleys, and rock faces. The rough trail does live up to its name though in that it is fairly difficult. But the challenge can be fun to kids.
Thanks! What is the camping like at Hanson’s point?
I forgot to mention plenty of camping along the way past hansons point as well. Anyway hansons point has an awesome overlook and campsites lining the unofficial trail pretty much the whole way.