Poudre River Trail North

Poudre River Trail North is a 9.8-mile out-and-back from Corral Creek Trailhead to the mapped end of the route at the Cache la Poudre; the trail line is about 4.8 miles each way. Allow around six hours. It drops along Corral Creek, then follows the river corridor through forest, open meadows and the Cameron Peak fire scar. It is a long, remote walk, and you return the way you came.

Stay on the northbound route at the three-way junction with Corral Creek, Big South and Poudre River trails. Farther on, the trail opens into a meadow with views toward the west side of the Mummy Range. The mapped route ends at the Cache la Poudre without a bridge. Some descriptions continue farther toward Chapin Creek, but the crossing and continuation are uncertain; I’d use the river as your turnaround unless you have current local confirmation.

The Cameron Peak Fire left open grassy stretches where the tread gets faint; cairns mark the general line. Watch for falling trees and stump holes, and avoid the drainage during heavy rain because burned slopes raise flash-flood risk. Moose are commonly seen along the river. Water is nearby for much of the walk, but treat it before drinking.

Corral Creek Trailhead is reached from Long Draw Road, which is seasonal and not plowed in winter. The lot is small, with room for about eight vehicles and no trailers. The nearest toilets are at Long Draw Campground, about 0.3 mile farther up the road. Dogs can use the leashed Forest Service section, but are prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park, so they can’t come on this full route.