North Bend State Park, State park and nature reserve in Ritchie County, West Virginia, United States
North Bend State Park is a state park in Ritchie County, West Virginia, set among wooded hills in the Appalachian foothills. It has a lake, campgrounds, hiking trails, and a small lodge area, all surrounded by a rural landscape of forests and river bends.
The park was established in 1951 after West Virginia's legislature approved the purchase of the land and opened it to the public. Over the following decades, the facilities grew, but the core landscape of forests, lake, and campsites remained unchanged.
The park's Nature Center runs programs throughout the year where visitors can learn about local plants and animals through hands-on activities. Guided walks head directly into the woods, making the experience immediate rather than theoretical.
The park has two camping areas with water and electric hookups, plus a lodge with rooms for those who prefer not to camp. Booking ahead is a good idea, especially in summer when demand is highest.
A trail of about 72 miles (116 km) follows the route of a former railroad and passes through several tunnels that date back to the steam era. Walking it means moving through the region's old transportation history in a very direct way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
