7 best ways to enjoy a day at North Bend Lake
Hit the water or head to the trail to make the most of this picturesque lake and surrounding land.
If you’re looking for something to do outside this summer, head straight to West Virginia’s North Bend Lake.
While the 305-acre lake is the main attraction, there’s also plenty of camping and hiking in the hills and flatlands around the water. Whether you want to cast a line or go for a paddle, North Bend Lake is the place to go.
Here is our list of 7 activities to make the most of your day at North Bend:
1. Hop on your mountain bike
Those 72 miles of green trails aren’t just for hiking. The rail trail is multi-use, meaning it’s also open to mountain bikers. Don’t have wheels of your own? No problem! Just rent a bike from the River Run Campground Check-in Station during any of the summer months.
Pro tip: Wear orange if you’re riding during hunting season so others can easily see you.
2. Paddle North Bend Lake
The 8 river miles that make up the lake are perfect for paddling. A canoe-specific launch makes it easy to pop your boat into the water, and any level kayaker can enjoy the calm Hughes River. Just steer clear of the tree trunks that rise out of the water.
3. Go horseback riding
Horses are also allowed on the North Bend Rail Trail (but motorized vehicles are not, so you won’t have to worry about your horse spooking). The long distance of the trail and campsites along the way also make this a fun option if you’d like to stay at North Bend longer than only 1 day. You could spend a day at the lake and then hop on your horse for a riding camping trip. Yee haw!
4. Fish for bass
You haven’t really gone fishing in West Virginia until you’ve cast a line at North Bend. It’s home to many types of fish, including bass, muskies, catfish, and crappie, so you’re sure to reel in plenty on these waters. The lake reaches a depth of 36 feet in the center and is a warm-water fishery.
But if you’re trying to catch dinner, head up the river, because the lake is catch-and-release for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. In terms of bait, you can use live minnows. The best part? North Bend Lake is open for night fishing. Just be sure you have a current fishing license on hand.
5. Go pontooning
Is there anything more relaxing than cruising around on a pontoon on a warm, sunny day? The section of the Hughes River that makes up North Bend Lake has incredibly calm waters that are ideal for boating. If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one, or try a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or jon boats.
6. Hike the lake’s surrounding trails
One of the best things about North Bend Lake is the views. And believe it or not, sometimes the water looks even better from a distance. Hit the North Bend Rail Trail, 72 miles of hiking paradise, stretching all the way from Parkersburg, WV, to Wolf Summit. Watch the scenery shift from lake views to farmland to forested parks as it passes through 10 different tunnels that trains zipped through decades ago.
7. Head out on your jon boat
Feel the wind in your hair as you glide over the calm, waveless water in your jon boat. It’s like North Bend Lake was made for its flat, low nose. Plus, you’ll be able to reach some of the more shallow edges of North Bend, where larger boats may get stuck. Motors up to 9.9 horse power are allowed.
This post was last updated on March 1, 2022