Other Trails Of the many side trails that intersect with the Wild Oak Trail, probably the most popular is the North River Gorge Trail , which descends for six miles along the river toward the North River Campground. The trail winds through an environment of moist earth and humid air that encourages lush vegetation. It should be hiked with caution during high water because it crosses the North River nine times. Other side trails including the Little Skidmore Trail , Groom's Ridge Trail and Bear Draft Trail . Forest Management Visitors can expect to encounter a number of Forest Service management activities adjacent to the trail.
Timber is harvested and used for firewood, pulpwood and saw timber.
Controlled cutting of timber provides areas where wildlife can flourish and helps renew the forest. Other forest management projects include wildlife habitat improvement, timber stand improvement, road and trail construction and maintenance, recreation area improvement, maintenance and clean up, and erosion control. Visitors are encouraged to inquire about these and other Forest Service activities that will be visible from time to time along the trail. The first 4.5 miles of this segment, to Grooms Ridge Trail, is particularly lovely in early summer when long stretches of mountain laurel are covered with light blooms. Parts of this segment are steep and rocky, with grades up to 32 percent.