North Fork River in West Virginia is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure, relaxation and a bit of solitude. The North Fork River is a tributary of the South Branch of the Potomac River, and is located in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. The river is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque mountains, which make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. In this blog post, we will explore the North Fork River and all that it has to offer.
North Fork River is known for its excellent trout fishing, which attracts anglers from all over the world. The river is stocked regularly with rainbow, brook and brown trout, which are a delight to catch. The best time to fish on the North Fork River is during the spring and fall, when the water is cooler and the fish are more active.
One of the most popular spots for fishing on the North Fork River is the Catch and Release area, which is located just below the Jennings Randolph Dam. This area is strictly catch and release, and the fishing is limited to artificial lures only. This means that the fish are generally larger and more plentiful, which makes for a great fishing experience.
Kayaking and rafting on the North Fork River is a thrilling experience that is not to be missed. The river is classified as a Class I-II, which means that it is suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers. The river has a few rapids, but they are not too difficult to navigate. The best time to go kayaking or rafting on the North Fork River is during the spring and early summer, when the water is high.
There are a number of outfitters in the area that offer guided tours and equipment rentals for kayaking and rafting. These tours are a great way to explore the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Some of the outfitters also offer multi-day trips, which include camping along the river.
Hiking on the North Fork River is a great way to explore the surrounding forests and mountains. The North Fork Mountain Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The trail is 24 miles long, and is suitable for experienced hikers. The trail is challenging, with steep ascents and descents, but the views from the top are worth the effort.
Another popular hiking trail in the area is the Seneca Creek Trail. This trail follows the Seneca Creek, which is a tributary of the North Fork River. The trail is 14 miles long, and offers beautiful views of the creek and the surrounding forests. The trail is rated as moderate, and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
Camping on the North Fork River is a great way to experience the beauty and serenity of the area. There are a number of campsites along the river, which offer beautiful views and easy access to the river. Some of the campsites are primitive, with no facilities, while others have basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings.
One of the most popular campgrounds on the North Fork River is the Smoke Hole Campground. This campground is located just a few miles from the river, and offers easy access to the river for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The campground has a number of campsites, as well as cabins for rent.
The North Fork River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for trout. Here are some of the best places to fish on the North Fork River in West Virginia:
Smoke Hole: This is a popular fishing spot on the North Fork River. The area is located in the Monongahela National Forest and has plenty of public access for anglers.
Spruce Knob Lake: This is a high-altitude lake in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. The lake is stocked with trout and is a great spot for fly fishing.
Judy Springs: This is a catch-and-release section of the North Fork River that is known for its large brown and rainbow trout. The area is easily accessible and is a popular spot for fly fishing.
Circleville: This is a small town along the North Fork River that has several public access points for fishing. The area is stocked with trout and is known for its great fly fishing opportunities.
Cabins: This is another small town on the North Fork River that has several public access points for fishing. The area is stocked with trout and is a great spot for both fly and spin fishing.
Seneca Rocks: This is a popular tourist destination that also has great fishing opportunities. The North Fork River runs through the area and is known for its large trout.
Upper Tract: This is a small town located along the North Fork River that has several public access points for fishing. The area is stocked with trout and is a great spot for both fly and spin fishing.
Overall, the North Fork River offers some of the best trout fishing in West Virginia. Whether you prefer fly fishing or spin fishing, there are plenty of great spots to choose from along the river.