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North Bend Rail-Trail:
West Virginia
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Description:
For a weekend getaway filled with small-town charm, wildlife, and beautiful natural scenery, there is no better place than the North Bend Rail-Trail. The North Bend Rail-Trail is a scenic excursion along part of the 5500-mile, coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. Stretching nearly 70 miles from Interstate 77 near Parkersburg to Wolf Summit, the trail travels through an impressive 13 tunnels, crosses 36 bridges, and passes through an assortment of state, county, and local parks. Though it is easily accessible from interstates 77 and 79 and runs parallel to US Route 50, the trail passes through wild and natural areas. You will find an abundance of wildlife, including deer and beaver, and the farmland surrounding the small, rural communities that grew up along the railroad corridor provide prime bird-watching. The North Bend Rail-Trail's many points of interest and history include the former Stage Coach Inn in Pennsboro, a marble factory, hand-blown glass factories, outlet stores, arts-and-crafts markets, fairs and festivals, sites of train robberies, and legends of tunnel ghosts. In the tumultuous years before the Civil War and the creation of the state of West Virginia, the rail corridor was constructed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between 1853 and 1857. Thirteen of the railroad's original tunnels remain. The number 10 tunnel, west of Ellenboro, is 337 feet long and is a 'raw"" or natural tunnel, meaning it was bored through solid rock. Many of the tunnels are quite long and require a flashlight or headlamp to safely navigate them. The true gem of this trail is the stunning natural scenery. Beyond the spectacular bridges and tunnels, the undisturbed beauty you are exploring makes you feel more like the explorers Lewis and Clarke than a 21st century mountain biker or hiker. While safety is always a concern while cycling, remember to keep your head up, too, or you may miss the numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters-especially the bountiful deer. You'll also encounter other trail users, particularly near the many quaint towns along the trail that have wholly embraced the rail-trail, building eateries that will satisfy even the hungriest of bikers and hikers. Towns such as Cairo, Pennsboro, and Salem have all had restaurants pop up next to the trail. The locals are happy to share a story of the old rail line, and the staffs welcome even the sweatiest of customers.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach Parkersburg trailhead, take Interstate 77 to the Staunton Ave. exit and turn east on WV Route 47. Take the first right turn (about 0.2 mile from interstate) on Old WV 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. Park on the gravel section opposite the trailhead. To begin at Wolf Summit, take US Hwy. 50 to the Wolf Summit exit north. The trail crosses the exit.
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Tandem Experience August 2009
By mednat2 on August 17, 2009
My wife and I (60 and 63yrs.old) just completed the trail out and back in four 35+ mile days. Riding our mountain bike tandem, we began each day at a different access point. Parkersburg (Happy Valley) , Pennsboro, Smithburg, and Wolf Summit. Route 50 which parallels the rail is a four lane, 65 mph
route to each access point. The trail itself was fun and challenging at the same time. Some areas between Pennsboro and Happy Valley have large all gravel paths, but most of the trail consists of two gravel paths about a foot wide with a grassy middle. Still other sections of the trail have little or no gravel and are all grass, which makes for very hard pedaling. Take a flashlight for safety in the tunnels. We walked all tunnels because of wet slippery conditions in some areas of many of the tunnels. This trail needs more gravel and some work on the tunnels to give it a broader appeal to more riders. If you come expecting a smooth groomed trail you will be disappointed, but if you are the least bit adventurous and willing to accept changing riding surfaces then give this trail a try. We did. You might even get to play in some mud and feel like a kid again! P.S. The family restaurant in Pennsboro, adjacent to the train depot, has breakfast available all day in addition to a regular menu. Roger and Marilyn
Great Trail But!!!
By Investmentbike on August 07, 2009
We just rode this trail. We stayed at North Bend State Park.

The trail is a beautiful place with lots of wildlife present. We stayed about the middle of the trail and rode west one day and east the next. All told we rode from Happy Valley to West Union.

My reservation on this trail is that there is no place to get water or help if you are riding alone. The repairs on the western section were done in places with fairly large (for bike tires) rip-rap rock. These rocks are completely unacceptable for bike trails but they could be avoided by riding into softer grass areas generally. We experienced 1 flat that I attribute to the surface. Don't expect to buy food along the western section of the trail there is no place from Cairo to Happy Valley. There also is no water going from west union to happy valley. And finally there was only 2 unpleasant pit toilets in fifty miles.

The section from Pennsboro to West Union was unfinished and VERY difficult to ride. When we rode the trail it was damp and the the tires would get sucked into the mud. I ride 700x35 and it was enough for the conditions but was really tough. When damp, plan on going half the distance with the same effort in this section. It is a good thing we had our car in West Union because we were exhausted in riding 21 miles from the state park. The longest tunnel near West Union was under construction when we were there. The west end had new rough rip rap and the east end was a giant mud puddle but passable while walking through the mud.
WHAT A TIME
By scar_cle on July 22, 2009
What a great place to hike....We have been on several hikes on this trail and come down from northern OH. I actually proposed to my fiancee at MM 53.
We like the old tunnels and the old towns you pass through...for someone who lives in the city, its a great get away! Hikers should know as of 6/13/09 Tunnel #6(longest on the trail) Near West Union was COMPLETELY underwater. When we approched we could clearly see that the ??West?? end of the tunnel was underwater, so unless you have waiters...(or a GOOD mountain bike) dont plan on passing thru this tunnel. A good alternative is the eaton tunnel,(tunnel #21) besides spraypaint this is one of the best tunnels, smooth and dry! Silver run tunnel is a little damp in places, but how it bends, it makes it a rush to go through as you cant see the other side! Overall we love the seclusion, and nature on this trail.....we currently hike all areas of it, but have yet to do some sections a little further to the east....(near clarksburg)