The Best Kayaking Lake In West Virginia Is One You May Never Have Heard Of

Whether you are an experienced kayaker who knows and loves the sport or a newbie looking for a novel outdoor adventure to try this year, there's a massive lake tucked away in the West Virginia mountains that you need to know about.

You've heard of North Bend State Park. You've heard of North Bend Rail Trail. You've heard of the North Bend Rail Trail tunnels.

But have you heard of North Bend Lake? Likely not, unless you've actually visited North Bend State Park to take advantage of the rail trail!

Located in the mid-Ohio Valley near Cairo, West Virginia in Ritchie County, North Bend Lake is a 305-acre impoundment lake that stretches for 8.1 miles through and past the town of Harrisville.

It's a beautiful lake rimmed by mountains, like so many West Virginia lakes are. The steep mountain scape gives this lake the feeling of privacy and isolation despite its massive size - a true hidden gem.

Plus, you can camp right along the banks of the lake at North Bend State Park.

There are also private cabins and a lodge with a full service restaurant, a nature center, and a swimming pool available for visitors to North Bend State Park.

The scenery, the amenities, the size, the location - all of these things and more combine to make North Bend Lake one of the best little-known kayaking destinations in West Virginia.

You can bring your own kayak, or rent a kayak, paddle boat, or canoe at the North Bend Lodge.

And, when your arms are tired from paddling, you can hop on a bike and give your legs a good work out on the rail trail that even runs right along the lake for some portions!

To learn more about North Bend, visit the West Virginia State Parks website here. Have you ever taken a boat out on North Bend Lake? What other kayaking spots to do you love to frequent in the Mountain State? Here's another great option.