- Highlights: Views, ridgeline, even more views
- Distance: 10.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Change 1,972 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with some rocky sections
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Trailhead Parking: Redman/Hickory trailhead, Smoke Hole Road, Cabins WV; a small parking area has room for 6-8 vehicles.
- Trail Markings: Blue blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Hiking Upward
- Beer Pairings: Hermitage Inn & Taphouse—Weapons Free IPA & Cold Trail Blonde Ale
Trail Map:
The Hike:
The North Fork Mountain Trail (NFMT), Trail 501, is over 24 miles of great views as it passes along a ridge from US 33 at Harmon Rocks to Chimney Top. NFMT has been called the trail of relentless views, and it’s true. A short bushwhack to the west leads to impressive views on most sections of the trail. North Fork Mountain has many outstanding campsites and many hikers make this a multi-day backpacking trip. While our camping days are behind us, we have hiked several sections of NFMT and we can’t get enough of the trail and the views.
The North Fork Mountain Inn has been our home base for several long hiking weekends in West Virginia. This wonderful inn has a connector trail in their backyard to the Hickory Trail, trail 507 (also known as the Redman Run Trail). The red-blazed connector trail (shown on AllTrails as a private trail) eliminates the fire road section of Hickory/Redman. From the Smoke Hole Road trailhead, follow the fire road to the rock cairn on the right marking the blue-blazed Hickory/Redman Trail.
It’s a steady climb of 1.7 miles to the junction of the North Fork Mountain Trail (NFMT). The Hickory/Redman trail is one of the more gradual ascents to the NFMT At the junction, bear right and follow the blue-blazed NFMT a few hundred yards north to an unmarked spur trail with some nice views to the west. AllTrails returns to the trailhead for an out and back hike of 3.6 miles.
We elected to follow the NFMT further south for even more views. On this short section hike, the trail passes by a nice overlook to the east, great views from the narrow, razor’s edge section of the ridge, and several great overlooks to the west. At 5.3 miles, a short unmarked spur on the right leads to even more great views.
Retrace your steps northbound on the blue-blazed NFMT to the first junction on the right for the Hickory Trail, which is also blue-blazed. Follow the Hickory trail as it descends to Smoke Hole Road. We turned off on the private trail back to the inn where a cold beer and a chicken pot pie dinner were waiting for us.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Hermitage Inn & Taphouse in Petersburg WV is located about 20 minutes from the trailhead. They offer six taps of craft beer, a variety of craft beer in cans, and a full bar. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a decent menu with a variety of food options.
Kathy enjoyed Weapons Free (9% ABV • 30 IBU), a double IPA from High Ground Brewing in WV. This hazy New England-style IPA is brewed with Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, and Citra hops. Pete wanted something cold and refreshing in a glass. Cold Trail Blond Ale (5.5% ABV) from Mountain State Brewing is a wheat beer with a crisp, clean finish.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.