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.
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!