The Mountain State is a hiker’s paradise, and if you’re searching for the best hikes in West Virginia, you don’t have to look far. Of the many paths that our state’s nature trails lead — through woods, across rivers, streams, and waterfalls (yes, over the river and through the woods, in many cases) — there is one that follows an abandoned rail line, through 10 tunnels, and over 38 bridges, making it one of the best hikes in West Virginia that absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
The North Bend Rail Trail, located near Parkersburg, is a 72-mile abandoned rail line that has been repurposed as a hiking and biking trail. The trail passes through 10 tunnels and across 38 bridges.
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The line was originally built by the Northwestern Virginia Railroad between 1851 and 1857, after which it was promptly sold to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
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During the Civil War, the B&O track served as a major supply line for Union troops.
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The rail line was later sold to CSX, who decommissioned the line and removed the tracks in 1988.
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As you pass through the many tunnels of the park, you will notice the many differences between each. Some are old, the jagged natural stone forming the interior...
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...with others reflect post-antebellum construction comprised of brick or stone. Never again were these tunnels raided or burnt, but as a precaution, the wooden structures were removed in the case of possible wartime destruction in the future.
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One of the tunnels near Cairo is even reported to be haunted.
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The trails that run between the tunnels have a variety of different terrain. Often, the trails are gravel, dirt or just beaten grass, but certain sections, near a city or town, tend to be paved. Be prepared for varied terrain when you reach the trail.
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The trail begins near the city of Parkersburg in Wood County and ends near Wolf Summit, a small coal town in Harrison County.
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Have you ever hiked to the North Bend Rail Trail? Do you agree that it’s one of the best hikes in West Virginia? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
The NBRT is not the only West Virginia trail steeped in history. Check out these six hiking trails that lead to some incredible prices of history.
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