North Slope

At A Glance

TODO: #32 Boilerplate

Moderate

3.7 mi one-way

Difficulty Rating: 4.95
Steepness: Hilly
Tread Condition: Some Obstacles
Lowest Elevation: 2150 ft
Highest Elevation: 2550 ft
Climb Total: 500 ft
Blaze Color: Orange
Trails Illustrated Number: 97
USGS Map Number: 359

This neat little loop starts and ends in the Davidson River campground, making it a must-hike if you're staying there. Described counterclockwise, but can be hiked in either direction.

Starting at the campground's amphitheater, the trail climbs an out-and-back portion to a split; turn right. The trail circumnavigates the campground near the bottom of the ridge, then joins with the Seely Memorial Trail. It reaches a junction with the Exercise trail; turn left to begin following the Davidson River upstream.

The trail then pulls away from the river, steepens, goes 'round a ridge, and follows smaller stream up through a shallow cove.

At the junction with North Slope Connector, turn left to stay on North Slope. The trail levels out and starts traversing North Slope Ridge in a sidehill fashion. It dips into small coves goes out around little ridges. There is one interesting bridge over a deep gully, and there are a couple of smaller log bridges.

The forest is mostly mixed hardwoods; Hemlock groves in this area are mostly dead due to Hemlock Woolly Adelged infestation. There are some neat mountain laurel and rhododendron tunnels.

The trail then descends moderately again to the amphitheater and campground.