North Fork Mountain Trail is one of the more unique trails in West Virginia. It starts at the bottom of the ridge, near the confluence of the South Branch of the Potomac River and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, and runs south for about 23 miles along the ridge top.
Access points are limited to the north end, south end, two trail access from the east, and a little known dead end road.
IMBA North Fork Mountain Trail info
West Virginia Trail Inventory
This trip was a short out and back from the south end of the trail. Access is off of state route 33 between Judy Gap & Franklin. There is a radio tower at the very top of the ridge on route 33, with enough room to park a few cars on either side of the tower access. The North Fork Mountain Trail is directly behind the tower, and is blazed.
The trail runs very close to the ridge line for much of the distance, so amazing views over the North Fork are available whenever you feel like breaking through the trees, or following the side trails to the nearest overlook. There is no water on the ridge, and it handles rain very well.
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| Typical dry and slightly overgrown trail. |
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| Don't be surprised to find a couple of trees down. |
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| Trail is well blazed, but would be hard to lose anyway. |
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| Wildflowers near the ridge line. |
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| A more open section of trail. |
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| Lady Slipper orchid near the ridge. |
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| View to the west from the trail near it's south end. |
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| View looking northwest. |
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