Get to Know Your State Parks: North Bend State Park

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Family fun awaits! North Bend State Park has many activities for adults and kids.

The Mid-Ohio Valley, with its rolling hills, lakes and streams, is home to North Bend State Park. This year-round park is within a reasonable drive for most West Virginians, and offers a multitude of recreational opportunities worth traveling for. So, pack up the car, make the trip and get to know this state park.

Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, North Bend State Park is lush with fishing streams, hiking trails and abundant wildlife. And with excellent overnight accommodations at its 29-room lodge, nine cabins or 49 campsites, you won’t want to leave North Bend. That’s OK, because there’s so much to do, you’ll need an extra day — or two.

There’s horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and hiking, and a large outdoor swimming pool during the summer. No matter what time of year you come, there’s something for you and the whole family.

If you need a quiet and relaxing getaway, or if you’re looking for a fun adventure for the family, visit North Bend State Park. Here are just a few of the things this park offers:

North Bend Rail Trail

This 72-mile trail is enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders of all skill levels. And with its gentle 3 percent grade, it’s ideal for a stroll through the park or something more strenuous.

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The North Bend Rail Trail takes travelers through 10 abandoned railroad tunnels.

The North Bend Rail Trail extends from Parkersburg to Wolf Summit, near Clarksburg, and follows the abandoned B&O Railroad corridor. Many tunnels, once used by the railroad, may be seen on the trail, offering picturesque stops along the way.

The trail also is part of the American Discovery Trail, which passes through 14 national parks and 16 national forests, and spans the length of the United States.

Lodging

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The North Bend State Park lodge has 29 guest rooms with solid-oak furnishing.

After a long day outdoors, you need a comfortable place to settle down for the night. At North Bend State Park, there are many options for overnight lodging.

Stay in the North Bend Lodge, which has beautiful views of the woodland river valley below. Get a little closer to nature by spending the night in a cabin. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, pitch a tent at one of the many campsites, which are open mid-April through Thanksgiving. More information about North Bend’s lodge may be found by clicking HERE. For camping rates and details, click HERE.

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North Bend State Park has many recreational opportunities.

Outdoor Activities

Go for a hike or take your mountain bike for a ride along one of the park’s many trails. Or head to the lake for fishing or a boat ride. At North Bend State Park, there’s fun to be had by land and water. Bike and boat rentals are available, generally from spring through fall.

North Bend also has educational nature and recreation programs showcasing the park’s natural and cultural history. They’re sure to delight you and your family.

Get to Know Your State Parks!

So, what are you waiting for? Fun and adventure awaits you and your family at North Bend State Park.

Getting here is easy. Located in the north-western section of the state, North Bend is easily accessible from U.S. Route 50. Driving east, take U.S. 50 to the junction of WV State Road 31 (21 miles). Take WV 31 to Cairo, and follow signs to the park. Driving west, take WV State Road 16 to Harrisville, and follow signs to the park.

And while you’re here, stay a night. You won’t want to leave!