NORTH BEND STATE PARK
Travel through the Mid-Ohio Valley’s rolling hills, lakes and streams to North Bend State Park, which offers a multitude of recreational facilities in a beautiful pastoral settings. Named after the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, this year-round park is lush with hiking and abundant wildlife. The park is located near Cairo and Harrisville and is best known for the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail, which follows the old B&O Railroad corridor with several tunnels along the way and the 305-acre North Bend Lake, established in 2002. A boat ramp, handicapped accessible fishing pier and other fishing access points truly set this state park apart.
The park offers a multitude of recreational facilities in its beautiful pastoral setting. The fishing streams, lake, hiking trails, biking, rock climbing/rappelling, mini golf and abundant wildlife offer activities for all ages. Excellent overnight accommodations in its newly remodeled lodge and cabins, and the newly remodeled lodge dining room are just a few of the wonderful features available at this year-round park. You’ll find true hospitality at this popular state park.
304-643-2931
NorthBendSP.com
LODGING
The newly remodeled North Bend Lodge sits atop a breeze blessed ridge that peers over the woodland river valley below. With a completely updated look and furnishings, the lodge features 29 guest rooms.
North Bend's nine deluxe vacation cabins are located atop a secluded ridge in a white pine forest. Constructed of solid cedar, the cabins offer fireplaces, central heat and air, telephone, and two, three, and four bedrooms.
North Bend State Park Lodging
CAMPING
River Run Campground has a total of 49 camping sites, of which 26 sites have electric hookups. This campground is a family favorite. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring. There are four ADA sites and a bathhouse.
Cokeley Campground is a new place to play, fish, hike, bike, or sit by a campfire on a star filled night. There are 28 sites with water and electric hookups.
Campgrounds will close Oct. 31, 2023 for the season.
North Bend Camping Rates
DINE
Dine in our glass-enclosed restaurant and delight in a sumptuous menu while enjoying the view of surrounding pristine rolling hills and wildlife.
North Bend Food Options
swimming
The outdoor swimming pool at North Bend State Park is located near the River Run Camping area. The pool is unique in that it sits atop a large hill with huge rocks, perfect for sunbathing. Hours of operation are typically Memorial Day through Mid-August. Hours are noon-6 pm. The pool is typically not open on Monday and Tuesday. From Mid-August until Labor Day Weekend the pool will be open daily on Saturdays and Sundays.
fishing
Fishing licenses are required to fish on the park and may be obtained online at www.wvfish.com or at the front desk of the lodge. Popular fishing spots are our 305-acre lake, which stretches eight miles and the pond at River Run Campground. Our waters contain bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, musky, etc. North Bend Lake (tailwaters) are stocked with trout one time each month (January-April). Golden trout are stocked during the week of Gold Rush.
NATURE CENTER
Programs for all ages Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some programs include creek critters, birds of prey, marvelous mammals, tunnel 13 hike and fire building. Learn about the old growth forest or meet new friends and play games in the Nature Center. Ask about our Trail Traveler Program as well.
EXPLORE
The North Bend Rail Trail is a 72-mile multi-purpose recreational trail. The trail was designed for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.
The 305-acre lake at North Bend State Park is part of the North Fork of the Hughes River Watershed Project. The lake is 8.1 river miles perfect for boating and fishing. Boat rentals include canoe, kayak, Jon boats and pontoons.
Bike rentals are available at the River Run Campground Check-in Station from Memorial Day through September. North Bend is excellent choice for bikers because of our easy access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail with its nearly flat grade.
In addition to the North Bend Rail Trail, North Bend State Park offers 14 hiking trails with a total of 20 miles. Trails are available for all skill levels including the “Extra Mile” trail, which is paved and level.
A year-round nature and recreation program is available featuring programs on the park’s natural and cultural history. Programs run daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special programs or tours can be arranged for groups.
HIKING
Grab a hiking stick and North Bend hiking medallion at the Gift Shop and hit the trails! Go for an easy leisurely woalk on our paved ‘Extra Mile Trail’ and observe the local flora in a relaxing setting (.3 miles). Or, if you have an adventurous spirit, connect multiple trails for a total of 14 miles! Start at Jughandle Day Use area. Jump on the Lake Trail, then catch Waterh’s Edge to Fisherman’s. This will take you back to your car or continue on another loop by catching the Southern Railroad Trail to the pond. When you get to the pond, take the bridge to cabin hill for some elevation, then look for red blazes at the top to the left. Take a left on the Overlook Loop Trail. Instead of crossing the stream take the wide gravel road to the Lake Trail towards the dam and back to Jughandle.
Take a Tour of the Lake with North Bend Outfitters!
