North Bend cliffs host climbing adventures beginning in April

Climber at North Bend State Park

North Bend State Park is introducing adventurers to rock climbing and rappelling on cliffs overlooking the North Fork of the Hughes River as part of the park’s outdoor-adventure initiative.

The $175 two-day adventure for two includes overnight camping and climbing and camping equipment and is available April through September, according to park naturalist Ken Zebo.

The climbing-and-rappelling program is part of the park’s new Quest series — an a la carte outdoor-adventure program that can be customized for guests. Individuals or groups can build a program, Zebo said, choosing from back-country camping, canoeing, kayaking, biking, backpacking, hiking, yoga, navigation, nature interpretation, and other adventure activities at North Bend over the course of a year.

A 40-minute drive east of Parkersburg off the U.S. 50 expressway, North Bend is one of the most popular parks in the West Virginia state park system and is perhaps best known as the centerpiece of the North Bend Trail Trail, which follows the route of the former B&O Railway from the Clarksburg to Parkersburg areas.

Zebo said the park is becoming an increasingly popular destination for climbing, especially along the Overlook and Castle Rock Spur trails where the sandstone cliffs rise some 50 feet.

Climbers should notify park officials at the front desk in the park lodge before attempting climbs, he said.

Scheduled Quests for the next few months include a cycling tour in May, a kayaking excursion in June, back-country camping in July and mountain biking basics in August.

To learn more about Quest activity packages and experiences at North Bend State Park, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931.