There’s a reason there isn’t much written about the North River Gorge Trail on Virginia is for Lovers: It’s underwhelming. It’s certainly not bad, but I don’t consider it worthy of the “Bucket List Hikes” for Virginia. It does look like a really nice place to camp, however. We passed one nice spot that looked like several tents could be pitched. From watching other videos, it seems like there were plenty further down the trail also.
This Can’t Be the Place…
When we arrived at the parking lot, we drove past it three times because there were no markers or clear trail entrances. We finally realized the small parking lot was the only possibility and when Doug walked to the wood line, he could finally see the trail, so we unloaded and got ready to explore.
Yellow Jackets are Jerks
July in Virginia is bad for ticks and mosquitos so we sprayed on the deet. Then the four of us, plus our dog Maggie, started down the rocky, overgrown path. At the bottom, Caleb showed us where he’d just been bitten by bugs twice – once on his arm and once on his head. His complaint and reaction were so minor, I surmised it was a horsefly since they aren’t often deterred by bug spray. We learned on the way back that they were yellow jacket stings. On the return to the car, I was the last person to go over the nest – apparently, it’s the fourth person they go after.
Thankfully I was only stung once but it felt like that sting was spring-loaded. I swatted it with my flip-flops that then flew out of my hand (and still remain on the trail because I wouldn’t let anyone go back for them. I regret littering but it seems like the right decision.) How did those buggers make a sting feel like it was shot at me? Jerks. I’m glad it wasn’t worse and really glad Maggie didn’t get stung for being the closest to the hive.
Back to the Trail
Once we descended about 50 feet, the path was wide and gently sloped. Since we’d be crossing the river, we took off our hiking boots and put on flip-flops. They weren’t the safest footwear choice but seemed like the only option other than hiking in soggy boots. The water was about calf-deep in the middle and the riverbed was rocky but fairly predictable. It took us a few minutes to cross; the biggest challenge was getting a footing on the uneven rocks. While the water wasn’t very forceful, it still affected our balance. We took our time and enjoyed the scenery and the cold-water wade.
The trail followed the river, and at times became narrow because of the vegetation. We were extra cautious to stay away from poison ivy – I avoid contact with any leafy greens in nature – so it concerned me a little. In the end, none of us had any signs of being in contact with poison ivy. The trail crossed the river again and then we passed a nice camping area (mentioned above).
We Bailed Out
Soon we realized this effort of having to change shoes with each cross wasn’t worth the low-value scenery. We turned around and headed back, only completing about half of the 4.2 mile out-and-back hike. We saw a total of four other people on that trail so apparently it is not popular. It IS still in the woods, still in nature, and still with my favorite people, so good, but it was my least favorite hike so far. The (yellow jacket) jerks sealed that deal.
Check this list of my recommended Virginia hikes.
Before Bringing Kids or Dogs
Fording the river is the main consideration for this hike. The moving water is usually low but don’t underestimate its power.
Check the water level. We intentionally waited until summer to try this one when the level would be lower, so we kept an eye on the amount of rain in the days leading up to it. The USGS gauge shows the level varies from about 1.5 to 3.5 feet but tends to be under 2.5 feet as long as there haven’t been heavy rains.
Lunch in Staunton, Virginia
With the dog, we sought out an outdoor lunch option in Staunton, about 20 minutes away, also in Augusta County. Byers Street Bistro confirmed that they allowed dogs on the patio so we parked in the nearby lot and enjoyed a beverage and tasty lunch. With family in this area, we’ll definitely go back for the nice atmosphere, friendly service, and tasty pizza, burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
Is there more than meets the eye on North River Gorge Trail?
Comment below if you’ve been there and had a better experience – and what we should try next time. I’d like to be wrong about this!
