North Bend Rail Trail

The trail primarily consists of crushed stone or coarse gravel, with sections ranging from 1/2-inch to 1-inch stones. While there are short paved segments in West Union and Salem, the majority of the surface can be challenging. As a former railroad line, it maintains a gentle grade, typically no more than 3%, but expect continuous slight inclines and declines (1% to 1.7%) leading to tunnels and ridge-top cuts. Some western sections or areas in spring might have larger, loose stones.

No, road bikes are generally not suitable for this trail. The crushed stone and coarse gravel surface demands wider tires, typically 1.5 inches or more (at least 42mm), commonly found on mountain bikes, e-bikes, or hybrid bikes. Cyclists often report slower speeds, around 9 mph, due to the challenging surface.

The trail is rich in historical and natural features. You'll pass through 10 of the original 13 railroad tunnels, including the nearly half-mile long Central Station Tunnel, which requires a flashlight. The Silver Run Tunnel is even rumored to be haunted. There are also 36 bridges, impressive rock cuts, and old, refurbished B&O depots in towns like Pennsboro, Smithburg, and Salem. Don't miss the Eaton Tunnel and the beautiful North Bend State Park.

The trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot deer, wild turkey, turtles, and various bird species like hawks. There's also a chance to see black bears, especially in more secluded areas.

The trail is accessible from various points along its 72-mile length. You can find convenient access and parking in towns it passes through, such as Parkersburg, West Union, Salem, and Wolf Summit. North Bend State Park also provides access points and parking.

Yes, the trail passes through or near charming small towns like Pennsboro, Smithburg, and Salem. These locations, along with North Bend State Park, offer convenient access to food, lodging, and resupply points, making it suitable for multi-day touring.

The trail is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant cycling conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant foliage. Spring can sometimes mean less maintained sections with larger, loose stones, while fall provides stunning views of the West Virginia countryside. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring snow or ice, making some sections more challenging.

Yes, the North Bend Rail Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness and respect other users and wildlife.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to use the North Bend Rail Trail itself. It is a public multi-use trail.

While there are no fees to access the rail trail through North Bend State Park, standard state park fees may apply for specific amenities like camping, lodging, or other recreational activities within the park. It's advisable to check the official West Virginia State Parks website or contact the park directly for current regulations and fees if you plan to use their facilities.

Yes, the North Bend Rail Trail forms a significant part of the much larger 5,500-mile American Discovery Trail. Specifically, the route covers a large portion of the ADT - West Virginia - Seg 4.