North River Gorge

Dog Friendly, Long > 6 Miles, National Forest, River, Virginia / / By / fall foliage, stream crossing, wildlife
  • Highlights: River views and crossings, swinging bridge
  • Distance: 10.9 miles out and back
  • Elevation Change 367 feet
  • Trail Surface: Dirt and rocks
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Trailhead Parking: Wild Oak Trailhead parking area, Forest Road 95, Mount Solon VA.
  • Trail Markings: No blazes, signs at trail junctions
  • Website: AllTrails and US Forest Service  
  • Beer Pairings: Redbeard Brewing Company—221B Baker Brown & Melivin DIPA

Trail Map:

The Hike:

This hike crosses the North River 9 times each way—and only one is traversed by a bridge.We hiked in early September and water levels were low so all river crossings were easy. We parked in the Wild Oak trailhead parking area on Forest Road 95. AllTrails and the US Forest Service indicate there is parking on the forest road but we felt Wild Oak was a better option. It does add about .5 miles each way to the hike. It’s also possible to park at the North River campground.

The Wild Oak trail crosses over the fire road and just past the swinging bridge, it reaches a junction with the North River Trail. Bear right on the unblazed (but obvious) North River Trail crossing the river eight times before reaching the North River campground at 5.4 miles. We saw lots of mushrooms and fungi on this hike. We were too early for fall foliage, but October would be ideal for foliage. Retrace your steps back over the river nine times to return to your vehicle.

Hike Photos:

Wild Oak Trailhead parking
Swinging Bridge
Swinging Bridge
North River Crossing
North River
North River Trail
North River Crossing
North River Trail
North River Crossing
North River Trail
North River Crossing
North River
North River
Swinging Bridge

Beer Pairing:

Redbeard Brewing in Staunton is about 20 miles from the trailhead. This nano-brewery has 12 taps of craft beer, indoor and outdoor seating, and are kid and dog friendly. Outside food is welcome and their resident food truck, Yummy Hibachi Express, serves up a nice variety of sushi.

We ordered a flight to taste a variety of beers. Pete’s favorite was 221B Baker Brown (5.8% ABV • 20 IBU) a classic English brown ale. It’s brewed with East Kent Goldings hops and has subtle notes of toffee and chocolate. Kathy really liked Melvin (8%) a hazy double IPA brewed with Citra and Galaxy hops. Nice people with really good beer—we’ll be back. Hoppy trails!

Redbeard Brewing Co.

Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.