Rail trail · West Virginia
North Bend Rail Trail
A 72-mile rail-trail across north-central West Virginia that passes through more than 10 railroad tunnels and over numerous trestles, following the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between Wolf Summit and Parkersburg as part of the American Discovery Trail.
Length
72 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Wolf Summit (near Clarksburg) to Parkersburg
Season
Year-round; spring through fall is ideal; summer temperatures are moderate; tunnels stay cool in heat and can drip in wet weather
Plan your ride or walk
The North Bend Rail Trail spans 72 miles across the hills and hollows of north-central West Virginia on the former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad right-of-way, and its most celebrated features are the more than 10 brick-lined railroad tunnels that punctuate the route. The tunnels range from a few hundred feet to nearly a half mile and are unlit, so a headlamp or flashlight is essential. The crushed-stone surface connects Wolf Summit near Clarksburg west to Parkersburg on the Ohio River, threading small towns and rural communities along North Fork Hughes River and the Middle Island Creek watershed. The trail is a certified segment of the American Discovery Trail, the transcontinental route from Delaware to California. Several trailside campgrounds, cabin rentals, and B&Bs along the corridor make multi-day riding and hiking trips a natural fit. A West Virginia State Parks pass or fee is required at some trailheads.
Getting there
The eastern trailhead at Wolf Summit is about 5 miles west of Clarksburg off US 50, roughly 90 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The western end is in Parkersburg near the Ohio River. US 50 parallels much of the route, providing access points in Cairo, Ellenboro, and Pennsboro. A trail guide with mileages and amenities is available from West Virginia State Parks.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
WV State Parks: North Bend Rail TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How many tunnels are on the North Bend Rail Trail?
The North Bend Rail Trail passes through more than 10 former railroad tunnels over its 72-mile length. The tunnels are unlit and can be cool and dripping year-round, so a bright headlamp or flashlight is required equipment before entering any of them.
Is the North Bend Rail Trail part of the American Discovery Trail?
Yes. The North Bend Rail Trail is a certified segment of the American Discovery Trail, a coast-to-coast non-motorized route from Delaware to California. This designation means it connects to a larger network of trails crossing the country.
Can you do a multi-day trip on the North Bend Rail Trail?
The 72-mile length and the availability of trailside campgrounds, cabins, and bed-and-breakfast lodging in trail towns like Cairo and Pennsboro make it one of the better multi-day rail-trail experiences in the mid-Atlantic. Many riders take two to three days end to end.
What is the surface of the North Bend Rail Trail?
The surface is crushed stone throughout, suitable for hybrid and gravel bikes, walking, and running. Road bikes are not well suited. The grade is gentle as a former rail corridor, with the longest climbs occurring in the eastern sections near Clarksburg.
More West Virginia trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.