Two-Wheel Adventures Await at West Virginia State Parks
With fall in full swing, it’s time to plan your fall bicycling adventure. West Virginia State Parks have a wide variety of trails for every skill level, ranging from flat trails for families to mountain challenges for avid cyclists. To help you plan your outdoor adventure, we’ve put together a list of our favorites for you!
The North Bend Rail Trail: The Perfect Mix of History and Scenery
Once an abandoned spur of the CSX Railroad System, North Bend Rail Trail is ideal for a short trip or a multi-day marathon. The trail is part of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail and stretches 72 miles from the Parkersburg area in Wood County to Wolf Summit in Harrison County. The path threads through naturally beautiful North Bend State Park and picturesque communities like Parkersburg, Cairo and Pennsboro. It also features 11 tunnels and 35 bridges. Fat tire bicycles are recommended for the packed gravel/packed sand surface.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park: A Mountain Biker’s Dream
Mountain bikers love Canaan Valley Resort State Park and its 18 miles of marked trails. Many of these trails also link with marked trails in Monongahela National Forest, a one-million-acre outdoor playground. Plan your trip to enjoy scenic canyon rims, bogs, woodlands or open meadows. The 22-mile Canaan Loop near Davis, described in trail books as “a classic forest road,” is rated moderate to difficult. The 19-mile Plantation Trail rates as a rocky, moderate to difficult ride. The Plantation Trail loops, branches and crosses many other trails in Canaan Valley.
Once you pick your trail, don’t forget to:
- Check with the park to make sure the trail you selected allows bicycles.
- Make sure the trails are open for riding.
- Wear appropriate shoes. Tennis shoes or boots are preferred for all seasons.
- Pack water and snacks! You never know when you’ll want to stop for a quick bite and take in the scenery.
