This trail largely parallels the Big Wood River. Traveling on it you will sometimes hear the sound of the river, and at other times, the sound of passing traffic on the nearby highway. Most of the time you don't really see the highway at all, but it is visible along some sections of the trail. But mostly, the trail is back in the trees, which contributes to the trail's overall pleasant quality. At times it is simply a native surface (dirt) two-track road. At other times it is a nice singletrack ribbon of fun.

Taking Northwood from the lodge area will provide trail users with connections to other trails on the west side of the highway, including Enid's and Big Wood Loop trails. People also use Northwood as a connection to the Old Toll Road and Crosscut trails. Crosscut forms a link across to the east side of the highway and to the trails in the Horse Creek drainage and beyond.

The Northwood Trail can be accessed directly across the highway from the lodge bike shop/lawn area. Pick up a free trail map at the bike shop, then safely cross Hwy 75. Drop down to cross the footbridge over the river. You will quickly arrive at a road-like intersection near the proprietors cabin and employee yurts. Turn right to start up on the low end of Northwood Trail.

Going up the trail you will arrive at three main trail-intersections, as you head up-river. Stay right and follow the well signed Northwood Trail to take the trail all of its length; to its intersection with the Old Toll Road Trail, 1.7 miles up the drainage.

For those wanting to access Enid's from the Northwood Trail, its found at the second trail intersection up Northwood, at 0.8 miles up Northwood.

Those wanting to access the Big Wood Loop Trail in a counter-clockwise fashion can continue up Northwood. At the next intersection, past the one for Enid's, stay right and on Northwood Trail. At the next intersection (4th intersection up) you will want to bear left to start the counter-clockwise use of the Big Wood Loop Trail. At this 4th intersection you will be near the top of the Northwood Trail, and close to its intersection with the Old Toll Road Trail.

Head north from Ketchum on Hwy 75. The lodge is about a 24 mile drive from Ketchum and its on the right/east side of the highway. Riding a bike up to the lodge is an option. The highway has a good shoulder for about 8 miles, until you reach the SNRA Headquarters. One can continue up the highway, or people can get on the Harriman Trail. The Harriman is open to non-motorized use, and it runs from the SNRA Headquarters/Visitors Center to Galena Lodge. Watch for areas of loose gravel along the Harriman Trail.