North Bend Rail Trail, Rail trail system in northern West Virginia, United States.
The North Bend Rail Trail is a 72-mile path crossing four counties in northern West Virginia with 36 bridges and 10 accessible tunnels. The route winds through mountainous areas and farmland, offering varied terrain for walking and cycling.
The railway was built between 1853 and 1857 by the Northwestern Virginia Railroad and later operated by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Service ended in the 1980s, after which the line was converted into a recreational trail.
The trail passes through small towns where people have maintained train stations and local exhibitions that reflect their connection to railroad history. Walking through these communities, you notice how the old railway infrastructure remains part of daily life and local identity.
Bring a flashlight when walking through the tunnels, as they are dark inside with little natural light. Bicycles with wider tires work better on the crushed stone surface and make the ride more comfortable.
The Central Station Tunnel, stretching about 2.2 kilometers, is the longest passage on the trail and witnessed a train robbery in 1915. This historical event adds a layer of intrigue to walking through one of the path's most notable structures.
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