Kanawha State Forest and North Bend State Park have been listed #5 and #7 respectively in the best mountain bike trails in West Virginia by Singletracks.com, according to Steve Jones, superintendent at North Bend. Singletracks.com has ranked the best mountain bike trails in the state using a unique trail ranking algorithm. The best bike trails are rated by factors that include average trail rating, number of members who have ridden the trail and number of members who want to ride the trail.
North Bend Rail Trail and an opt-out single track trail from the Rail Trail to North Bend State Park are cited. The North Bend Rail Trail is a 72-mile multipurpose recreational trail. The trail was designed for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. The North Bend Rail Trail extends from Parkersburg at the western terminus to Wolf Summit near Clarksburg, along the abandoned B&O Railroad corridor. With only a 3 percent grade, the North Bend Rail Trail is ideal for all skill levels. North Bend State Park’s website is www.northbendsp.com.
Kanawha State Forest trails are considered advanced skill level for designated biking trails, based on user reviews. Nine trails at Kanawha State Forest are designated for mountain biking: Ballard, Black Bear Mountain Bike Trail, Davis Creek, Mossy Rock, Pigeon Roost, Pine Ridge Trail to Dunlop Trail, Polecat, Teaberry Rock and Wildcat Ridge trails. The forest’s website, www.kanawhastateforest.com/events.html, has information about the 25 miles of hiking trails, as well as mountain biking trail descriptions. Mountain biking at Kanawha State Forest requires intermediate to advanced skill level.
Other West Virginia state park trails listed among the 65 entries on Singletracks.com include: Greenbrier River Trail, Blackwater Falls State Park, Chief Logan State Park, Little Beaver State Park, Coopers Rock State Forest, Valley Falls State Park, Camp Creek State Park, Pinnacle Rock State Park, Seneca State Forest, Stonewall Resort State Park, Beech Fork State Park, Little Beaver State Park – Railroad Grade Trail, and Cacapon State Park.
