Posted in West Virginia August 04, 2018 by

Follow This Abandoned Railroad Trail For One Of The Most Unique Hikes In West Virginia

Of the many paths that West Virginia’s nature trails lead — through woods, across rivers, streams, and waterfalls — only one follows an abandoned rail line, through 10 tunnels and over 38 bridges.

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.
AllTrails/Adam Hammel
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.
AllTrails/Alicia Wright
During the Civil War, the B&O track served as a major supply line for Union troops.
AllTrails/Aaron Jones
Throughout the war, several Confederate raids were made on these tunnels. At the time, many of the tunnels were constructed out of wood, so the primary purpose of these raids was to burn them. Southern troops also tore up the tracks along several areas to further halt supply trains transporting weapons and provisions to Union forces. After the war, the tunnels were reconstructed or repaired with stone or brick.
The rail line was later sold to CSX, who decommissioned the line and removed the tracks in 1988.
AllTrails/Megan Acord
Once this occurred, the North Bend Rails to Trails Foundation was formed to re-purpose the decommissioned line into the multi-use recreational trail it is today. The trail is part of North Bend State Park. It is also a small section of the 5,500 mile American Discovery Trail, which stretches from coast-to-coast.
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...
AllTrails/Neal Swick
...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.
AllTrails/Alicia Wright
One of the tunnels near Cairo is even reported to be haunted.
AllTrails/Megan Acord
Tunnel #19, also known as Silver Run Tunnel, is said to be haunted by a pale woman with long black hair. Eyewitness accounts go as far back as the late 1800s. Legend says that the woman is the ghost of a bride who was struck and killed by a train near the tunnel's entrance. The tunnel itself is 1,376 feet long and very dark, even during the day.
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.
AllTrails/Neal Swick
The trail begins near the city of Parkersburg in Wood County and ends near Wolf Summit, a small coal town in Harrison County.
AllTrails/Megan Acord
So, if you would like to hike or bike a truly unique trail, look no further than this one. The trail can be accessed at almost any point along its stretch.

Have you ever hiked to the North Bend Rail Trail? 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 6 hiking trails that lead to some incredible prices of history.