About This Park
North Bend Rail Trail stretches 72 miles across north-central and western West Virginia. This wilderness path takes travelers across 36 bridges and through 10 tunnels and is part of the 5,500-mile American Discovery Trail, which spans the length of the United States. The trail has become one of the most renowned recreational trails through the Appalachians, and is known for its mountainous scenery and varied views of shaded tree canopies, rock cuts and farmland. Highlights include a 2,297-foot tunnel and the “haunted” Silver Run Tunnel.
The railroad that now makes up the North Bend Rail Trail was built by the Northwestern Virginia Railroad before the Civil War. The line was later sold to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and over the years, the line changed ownership and eventually was railbanked. In the 1980s, CSX Transportation sold the line to the state of West Virginia, which began converting it into a recreation trail for the state park system. Initial trail segments opened in 1991, with additional portions added over the next several years.”
The North Bend Rail Trail runs parallel to U.S. Route 50, extending for 72 miles from the community of Wolf Summit west of Clarksburg at its eastern end to I-77 near Parkersburg at its western end. Visitors may access the trail at numerous points along the way.
Contact
- Phone: 304-643-2931
- Email: Paul.M.Elliott@wv.gov
- Address: 202 North Bend State Park Rd, Cairo, WV 26337
History
The railroad that now makes up the North Bend Rail Trail was built by the Northwestern Virginia Railroad before the Civil War. The line was later sold to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and over the years, the line changed ownership and eventually was railbanked. In the 1980s, CSX Transportation sold the line to the state of West Virginia, which began converting it into a recreation trail for the state park system. Initial trail segments opened in 1991, with additional portions added over the next several years.
Additional Information
Trails
The North Bend Rail Trail runs parallel to U.S. Route 50, extending for 72 miles from the community of Wolf Summit west of Clarksburg at its eastern end to I-77 near Parkersburg at its western end. Visitors may access the trail at numerous points along the way.
Click here for the rail trail map.
Trail Updates:
The North Bend Rail Trail is fully open.
Major Access Points
Western Terminus
Parkersburg Trailhead: Take I-77 to the Staunton Avenue Exit. Turn east on state Route 47 and take the first right turn (about 0.2 mile from the interstate) onto Old WV state Route 47. Continue about 0.7 mile and turn right on Happy Valley Road. Travel approximately 0.4 mile until you see a large house on the left. Immediately after the stone wall (Millers Landing) is the North Bend Rail Trail trailhead. Park on the gravel section opposite the trailhead. [Wood County, WV]
Walker: Exit state Route 47 at Walker Road, proceed to where road meets trail (barricade on left). [Wood County, WV]
Petroleum: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto Goose Creek Road and proceed seven (7) miles to town. [Ritchie County, WV]
Cairo: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto state Route 31 and go 4 miles to town; state Route 31 crosses the trail and parking is available on the blacktop in town square.
Ellenboro: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto Route 16 north, .25 mile to trail.
Pennsboro: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto state Route 74: go north 1 mile, state Route 74 crosses the trail at the Depot. [Ritchie County, WV]
Greenwood: Exit U.S. Route 50 at Greenwood exit; access trail behind the WV Department of Highways garage and the Greenwood Motel. [Doddridge County, WV]
West Union: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto state Route 18 north; the longest bridge of the trail is visible as you approach West Union, WV; access in town or park above the athletic field.
Smithburg: Exit U.S. Route 50 at Smithburg, WV exit; turn right at the bottom of the hill onto ole U.S. Route 50, proceed almost .5 mile to Depot and Spencer Park. [Doddridge County, WV]
Salem: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto state Route 23 south; proceed into town to the Depot; trail runs through Salem. [Harrison County, WV]
Bristol: Exit U.S. Route 50 onto Raccoon Run Road, this road crosses the trail almost immediately.
Eastern Terminus
Wolf Summit: Exit U.S. Route 50 at Wolf Summit, WV. [Harrison County, WV]
Nearby Attractions
City of Parkersburg
Located at the North Bend Rail Trail’s western point, the city of Parkersburg has an Art Center, coffee shops, bakeries, old fashioned diners, shops and the Blennerhassett Museum. It’s a great place for a weekend getaway!
North Bend State Park
North Bend State Park offers many recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Water recreation and boat rentals also are available at the park’s 305-acre lake.
City of Clarksburg
Located at the North Bend Rail Trail’s eastern point, the city of Clarksburg offers dining and shopping. Get a taste of small town West Virginia!