North Bend State Park - Cairo, WV - West Virginia State Parks

NORTH BEND RAIL TRAIL
Rail TrailThe 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. During the tumultuous years between 1853 and 1857, prior to the Civil War and the creation of the state of West Virginia, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad constructed this section of the rail corridor that, due to the terrain, required numerous bridges and tunnels. There are 13 tunnels along the North Bend Rail Trail, 10 of which you will 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.

HIKING TRAILS
In addition to the North Bend Rail Trail, North Bend offers 14 hiking trails with a total of 20 miles. Trails are available for all skill levels including the "Extra Mile" trail which is paved and level.

NATURE AND RECREATION PROGRAM
A year-round nature and recreation program is available featuring programs on the park's natural and cultural history. Programs run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special programs or tours can be arranged for groups.

SWIMMING POOL
The outdoor swimming pool at North Bend State Park is located near the River Run Camping area. The pool is unique in that it sits on top of a large hill with huge rocks to lay on for sunbathing. Hours of operation are typically Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Hours are noon-6:00 p.m.; The pool is typically not open on Monday and Tuesday. Note: in mid-August the pool is open on Saturdays and Sundays only through Labor Day Weekend. The outdoor swimming pool is available for after-hours rentals. Private parties are for two-hours. After-hour rentals are by advance reservation only.

305-ACRE NORTH BEND LAKE
The 305 acre lake at North Bend State Park is part of the North Fork of the Hughes River Watershed Project. This project was sponsored by the Little Kanawha Conservation Districtthrough the Natural Resource Conservation Service.The lake is 8.1 river miles. This lake has an averagepermanentpool width of 310 feet. There is a boat launch, a canoe launch and two accessible fishing platforms. The lake has excellent bass, crappie, catfish, and musky fishing. There is a 9.9 horsepower motor limit.

BOAT RENTALS
Boat rentals include canoe, kayak, Jon boats and pontoons. North Bend Outfitter provides this service. Check out the list of boats, operational dates, and rentals fees on the Bikes & Boats rate page.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTALS
Bike rentals are available at the River Run Campground Check-in Station from Memorial Day through September. North Bend is excellent choice for bikers because of our easy access to the 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail with its nearly flat grade. North Bend Outfitter provides this service. Rentals include helmets (most bikes have a water bottle cage, bring your own bottle. Bike sizes available: 16- 20- 24- 26-inch. Bikes and all frame sizes for everyone. Bike rentals available at River Run Campground Check-in Station. Check out the list of bikes on the Bikes & Boats rate page.

RIVER RUN CAMPGROUND
River Run has a total of 49 camping sites, of which 26 sites have electric hookups. This campground is a family favorite. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. There are four ADA sites and a bathhouse.

COKELEY CAMPGROUND AREA
Cokeley Campground is a new place to play, fish, hike, bike, or sit by a campfire on a star filled night. There are 28 sites with water and electric hookups. Each site has a picnic table, campfire ring, and lantern post. There are three ADA sites and a modern bathhouse with coin operated washers and dryers. This area opened May 23, 2008. All sites at Cokeley Campground are first come first serve. Trails have been developed from this area to the main part of the North Bend State Park and the North Bend Rail Trail. There are five miles of multi-use, non-motorized trails. The Cokeley Recreation Area is a recently established area within North Bend State Park. It is part of the North Fork of the Hughes River Watershed Project. This project was sponsored by the Little Kanawha Conservation District through the Natural Resource Conservation Service.