North River Gorge Trail (Forest Trail #538)

Area Status: Open

A scenic trail that traverses through the North River Gorge, and winds between Lookout and Trimble Mountains. The North River Gorge Trail has gentle grades but requires fording the North River nine times.

Trail Open To:

Trail Hiking Bicycle Riding Horse Riding

At a Glance

Fees:	No fee
Open Season:	Open year round
Closest Towns:	Mt Solon, VA - AUGUSTA COUNTY
Water:	No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Restroom:	None
Operated By:	North River Ranger District: (540) 432 - 0187
Information Center:	Trail is located on National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map #791. It is recommended that all trail users carry a reliable map at all times. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website.

General Information

Directions:

From Harrisonburg, VA: Take SR 42 south passing through the town of Bridgewater. Continue for 3.2 miles to the intersection of SR 42 and 809/747. Continue straight on 809/747 for 3.4 miles and you will come to a 4-way stop sign in the town of Mt. Solon. Continue straight on 747 for 2.3 miles to a 3-way stop sign. Continue straight for 3.4 miles to the intersection of FR 95 and FR 101. Turn left on FR 95 and travel approximately 1.25 miles. The trail is on the left. Users can park at the wide paved parking area on the left.

General Notes:

Trail Length: 4.64 miles
Blazes: Purple
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Connecting Trails: FT #716 - Wild Oak National Recreation Trail
Elevation: 1650 feet to 1850 feet
Trail Access Points (Approximate LAT/LONG):
- LAT 38.360053 LONG -79.181933
- Lat/Long Conversion Table
Trail Etiquette: Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.