North Bend State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Bend State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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North Bend Lodge
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 North Bend State Park
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | Ritchie, West Virginia, United States |
| Area | 2,459 acres (9.95 km2) |
| Elevation | 981 ft (299 m) |
| Established | 1951 |
North Bend State Park is a fun place to visit in Ritchie County, West Virginia. It covers about 2,459 acres of land. The park is located along the North Fork of the Hughes River, near a town called Cairo, West Virginia.
The park got its name from a special bend in the river. This sharp curve in the river forms three sides of the park's original border. It looks like the river is making a big "U" shape!
A long path called the North Bend Rail Trail is also part of the park. This trail is 72 miles (116 km) long and is perfect for hiking and biking. Plus, a new lake, North Bend Lake, was recently added to the park. It covers 305 acres and offers even more activities.
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Things to Do at North Bend State Park
North Bend State Park has many cool things for visitors to enjoy. Whether you like staying indoors or exploring outside, there's something for everyone.
Places to Stay
- Lodge: The park has a lodge with 29 rooms where you can stay.
- Cabins: There are 9 cozy cabins available for rent.
- Campsites: If you love camping, you can set up your tent or RV at one of the 49 campsites.
Fun Activities
- Swimming: Cool off in the park's swimming pool.
- Mini Golf: Play a round of Miniature golf with your friends or family.
- Hiking: Explore the many Hiking trails that wind through the park's beautiful nature.
- Fishing and Boating: You can go Fishing or Boating on the water. Boat rentals are also available if you don't have your own.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a meal outdoors at one of the park's Picnic areas.
- Basketball: Shoot some hoops on the Basketball court.
- Rail Trail: Walk or bike along the North Bend Rail Trail, which is a long path built on an old railway line.
- North Bend Lake: Spend time at the new North Bend Lake, perfect for water activities.
Park Amenities
- Gift Shop: Don't forget to visit the gift shop for souvenirs!
Making the Park Welcoming for Everyone
North Bend State Park works to make sure everyone can enjoy its features. Experts from West Virginia University checked how easy it is for people with disabilities to use the park.
Accessible Features
They found that many parts of the park are easy to get to. These include:
- The campground
- Picnic areas
- Fishing spots
- The swimming pool
Special Trails and Piers
The park also has two special features designed to help people with disabilities:
- Extra Mile Trail: This is a flat, paved trail. It's great for wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy a walk in nature.
- Handicapped Fishing Pier: At the new North Bend Lake, there's a special pier built for fishing. It's designed to be easy for people using wheelchairs to access and enjoy fishing.
Images for kids
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North Bend Lake
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North Bend Dam
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North Bend Lake Boat Launch
