North Bend Rail Trail
WV · Cairo / West Union Corridor
202 North Bend State Park Rd
North Bend Rail Trail has the kind of route identity riders remember. It is long, linear, and full of old rail-corridor character—bridges, tunnels, and that satisfying sense of rolling through a region rather than circling back through the same few miles of woods. For horse travelers who love rhythm, mileage, and the romance of a former railroad corridor, it is one of West Virginia’s most compelling saddle routes.
Riding guide
Highlights
Long, easy rail-trail miles, historic tunnel drama, and multiple horse-access points make North Bend a classic endurance-style ride.
Riding
The riding itself is approachable in the best possible way. Rail-trail grades keep the effort steady rather than punishing, which makes this a strong option for conditioning, mixed-skill groups, and riders who enjoy covering ground. The visual signature comes from the infrastructure and corridor feel: tunnels, bridges, and a long unfolding track bed that keeps the journey elegant and forward-moving.
Rideable terrain
72 miles
Trailer parking
Horse parking is specifically available at Happy Valley, Cairo, North Bend State Park, Ellenboro, West Union, and Wolf Summit.
Horse regulations
Horseback riding is allowed, and other users are expected to yield appropriately to horses. If you are bringing a horse-drawn wagon or carriage, a separate fee applies. As always on a shared rail trail, courtesy, visibility, and thoughtful pacing matter.
Getting here
What makes North Bend especially workable is that equestrian access is not an afterthought. The state identifies multiple horse-parking points along the trail, which gives riders a level of flexibility that is rare on long linear systems. You can choose a shorter out-and-back, tailor the day to your horse’s conditioning, or build a larger itinerary around different entry points instead of feeling locked into one trailhead.
Planning your visit
Bring lights or a flashlight for tunnels, confirm current surface conditions after wet weather, and do not assume you can camp along the trail itself. This is a superb choice for riders who value manageable footing, memorable infrastructure, and genuine point-to-point atmosphere.
Where to stay
Camping is not allowed directly on the trail, but that does not reduce its appeal. The polished way to do North Bend is to pair it with nearby North Bend State Park lodging, cabins, or campground options and treat the trail as the day’s headline ride rather than an on-corridor camping route.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near North Bend Rail Trail yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your property