Ritchie County can fairly be described as the heart of this unique 72-mile corridor. There are tunnels galore, showcasing the ‘trail of tunnels’ and North Bend’s most recognized feature. It’s also a water trail in many respects, criss-crossing several streams, including the North Fork of Hughes River.

Traveling eastward, once you reach the first of a series of four bridges crossing Goose Creek, you are near the community of Petroleum and the first rest area. Petroleum (clearly a reference to its early importance in this regional industry), can easily claim some of the first oil wells in the world. Continuing on, you travel along Silver Run and before you know it you’re at the infamous 1376-foot Silver Run Tunnel (No.19).

Another three miles puts you in Cairo and the first availability for services. There are several interesting shops and restaurants, including R.C. Marshall Hardware and Country Trails Bike Shop. Country Trails offers a full line of biking accessories, including rentals and service year round. The shop is also an excellent source of current trail information 
and conditions.

The trail has made a noticeable and positive difference in Cairo. The developing town square, which will eventually include a gazebo rest area, is a favorite gathering place for trail users. We want to continue to work with all our communities to further these successes.

The trail leaves Cairo roughly following the course of the Hughes River toward Cornwallis and the main facility of North Bend State Park. The iron bridge at Cornwallis is one of the last 19th century structures of this type in the state. Its days may be numbered. Of course, North Bend has long been one of the state’s most dynamic parks, with a variety of offerings for the outdoor enthusiast with all the comforts. A 1000-acre watershed and recreation complex expansion at the park (slated for completion in 2003) will make a day on the trail even more exciting!

Going on down the line, you will experience three tunnels in just a little over two miles. Tunnels 13, 12, and 10 respectively. You will probably be awed by the Dick Bias Tunnel, and wonder about the undertaking of its construction. The bridge at Ellenboro has the steepest grade and is the highest structure on the trail. Ellenboro also serves as an excellent exit or entry point for travelers on U.S. Rt. 50. Ellenboro also has shops and services such as Log Cabin Grill, Dairy Queen, Sam Hogue Marbles, and Happy Trails Cafe Coffee Micro Roastery and Cycle Livery. You can also see glass hand-blown right along the trail here at Mid-Atlantic Glass.

 Four miles further takes you through Tunnel No. 8 to the Pennsboro Trailhead, and the restored, last remaining depot in Ritchie County. Located here, The Old Stone House dates back to 1800 and served as an inn that can truly boast that 'George Washington slept here!' At the other end of town is the 779-foot Tunnel No.7. The next three miles is a tranquil segment finishing up at Toll Gate.