The area of Todd Lake in northwestern Augusta County was a favorite place for home school families while my kids were growing up. During summer months, moms and kids would meet on the sandy beach of Todd Lake for picnic lunches and swimming.
In the spring and fall, hiking was on everyone's minds. There was no shortage of trails around Todd Lake including one that crosses its dam, but a favorite was the North River Gorge Trail, a four-miler that followed the North River through the George Washington National Forest hardwoods. Beautiful yet fairly level, this path crosses the North River nine times causing hikers to make their way over rocks during low-water times. We never hiked it during high water ... it would have been practically impossible.
The North River, dammed at Elkhorn and Todd Lakes, originates from Shenandoah Mountain (elevation 4,000 ft.) and splashes its way down the mountain through a gorge formed by Trimble and Lookout Mountains.
Since it is a one-way trail, we would park a vehicle at each end for shuttling our hikers back to the starting point. Wildflowers, a wide variety of trees, rock outcroppings, and scenic views of the river along with its easy grade make it a popular route for many. It is located on Forest Road 95 and well worth the trip ... especially with a large group of teenagers.
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