North Fork Trail

North Fork Trail is a 13.53-mile, one-way route from Yucca Flat to Hidden Spring. It follows an old Civilian Conservation Corps road upriver along the North Fork Kaweah; the long river-and-canyon walk is the payoff. Expect roughly 4,200 feet of climbing on lightly maintained terrain. Around 10 hours is a planning estimate for the hike itself; plan your return or onward route before starting; the trail ends in backcountry at Hidden Spring.

At the North Fork Trailhead, a short connector on Yucca Creek Trail joins the main corridor. The early access includes a Yucca Creek ford, so water level matters. Lightly maintained tread makes a topographic map useful; bring one offline and allow time for route-finding.

The old road follows the North Fork upstream on river left. After roughly four miles, the route continues about nine more through similar terrain toward Hidden Spring. Several natural pools lie off the tread near the far end; reaching them involves steep ground, and high water can make them inaccessible. Reaching them means leaving the mapped route for a steep descent. The pale granite shelves and river bends make the strongest view; frame the water with the canyon slope from the trail-side rocks.

Reach the trailhead via North Fork Drive off Highway 198. The final four road miles are very rough dirt, and a truck or all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. The trailhead has auto parking and an information board; no toilet or potable-water amenity is listed. Pets are prohibited on park trails.