November 16, 2020

By Tim Briese

8.3 miles, 1200’ elevation gain, 5:45 roundtrip time

In a spirit of new adventure Teresa and I did a late season hike on the Platte River Trail north of Lake George. It turned out to be a pleasant gem. From CR 77 north of Lake George we turned right onto CR 112 and followed it a couple of miles along the South Platte River to the trailhead on the left side of the road. The trail climbed a few hundred feet up into the forest for a mile or so in order to skirt around private property along the river below.  Minimal snow on the trail was helpful. 

view of the river below shortly after we left the trailhead

Then the trail gradually descended back down to the river in the national forest. From there the nice trail pleasantly ambled along the river for the next mile.

along the river

Then the river entered a narrow rocky canyon, thundering around huge boulders with some rushing waterfalls.

the river began plunging down a rocky canyon here.  the rock at the lower left was a great spot for lunch on the way back.

The trail became much more adventurous and also more faint, climbing up and down through rocky areas. The water roaring through the gorge below was quite dramatic.

The route became increasingly difficult to navigate and after a half mile or more we decided to turn back.

a view of the river below on the way back

We enjoyed a nice late lunch on a broad rock beside the river in the pleasant November sunshine, then hiked back to the trailhead and headed for home.