The North Bend Rail Trail is a 72 mile multi-purpose recreational trail. The trail was designed for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. The North Bend Rail Trail extends from Parkersburg, WV at the western terminus to Wolf Summit, near Clarksburg, WV, along the abandoned B & O Railroad corridor. With only a 3% grade, the Rail Trail is ideal for all skill levels.
There are opt-outs to well-maintained singletrack from the Rail-Trail within North Bend State Park(See map in photos section) - these trails are race quality having hosted the "Run-Bike-Kayak Adventure Triathlon".
There are 13 tunnels along the North Bend Rail Trail, 10 of which you can pass through. Three tunnels were abandoned by the Railroad but may still be viewed along the trail. The 337 foot long Number 10 tunnel, west of Ellenboro is a "raw" or natural tunnel bored through solid rock: and far more fanciful, the Silver Run Tunnel, Number 19 is said to manifest the image of a young woman in white as recounted in the story of "The Silver Run Tunnel". Great pieces of history, architecture, scenery and recreational opportunities, it is a great place to bike, cross country ski, horseback ride or walk. For more information, please contact North Bend State Park at (304) 643-2931.
The singletrack trails in the park have a little bit of everything. There are some study climbs and some awesome downhill. The trail are well maintained and a lot of fun. Some of the trails are ridden by horse also, but only a few places that have had trail damage by the horses. All in all a good place to ride. Park superintendent very supportive to the mountain bike community.
| ThankThis trail system has something for all skill levels. There is some nasty(in a good way) hills with some sweet downhill sections. Nice technical climbs with rock drops along with chunk rock sections. Some of the trails are multiuse. An awesome trail that follows the lake. There is camping, lodge with pool and if your in to rails /trails.
| ThankYea I know it's him again... This is a great place to ride in the winter. Just make sure the ground is frozen and you can enjoy them like summer. If we receive a warm spell be causious because trails will get soft quickly in the sun and riding will cause damage. Get out in the cold and snow and enjoy the winter splender. Note, on Jan. 1, 2010 I notice several trees down that I was not able to move so expect a few of them. I hope to get over there this month and clear some of them.
| ThankUpdate: The trails are in great shape ride now. Hibbs / Nature Trail is back open and ridable. Note there are a couple trees down on the Nature Trail section between Hibbs Cemetary Trail and the highway (over near 10 Acre Trail) and a couple more down on Nature Trail between the campground and the picnic area. The Park Super has been advised and will request maintenance get them on their schedule if I don't get them first. I'll advise. The rest of the stuff looked great as I removed several trees and over growth on my ride. I haven't been on the Lake Trail yet, however should be soon and will report.
| ThankJust a heads up everyone. The Hibbs Cemetary Trail and a portion of the Nature Trail near it is temporarily closed due to drainage problems. Has been close for a couple months. I will be working on the drainage so it will dry out quicker to get it back open. This trail connects the campground up toward Ten Acre trail and the road. If you plan to do that loop right now, go out onto the blacktop below the dam and ride up the highway to 10 Acre or to continue a loop on Nature Trail.
| ThankGot to ride some more of the trails at North Bend on the 20th of June. The singletrack is just awesome and there are a few technical sections that make it interesting. Overlook trail and Castle Rock can't be missed if you like technical stuff. It's not so tough that an intermediate rider couldn't handle it, but sure is a lot of fun. Posted a few pics of our ride. Copy and paste this link for a good trail map. http://www.northbendsp.com/NorthBendStateParkMap06.pdf
| Thank* Review edited 7/21/2008
There is some awesome singletrack at the park now. Some of the older hiking trails have been modified and are now rideable. Rode a bunch of the singletrack there on the 13th of June, '08 while serving as a sweep rider for their first mountain bike race. I was amazed at how awesome the trails are. There are some steep climbs, so you'll get a work out. However you will be rewarded with some great downhill runs as well. The trail from the Lake / New campground back to the Dam (Lake Trail) is very nice and then the modified Nature Trail will test your skills in every manner. Only a few technical spots but well worth the drive there to ride.
| Thank