Joe Manchin III, Governor Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : January 18, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Kent Walker, Parks and Recreation (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

10-mile Hike on North Bend Rail Trail October 1, 2005

  West Virginia State Parks will feature a 10-mile hike on the North Bend Rail Trail on October 1, 2005. Hikers will meet at 9 a.m. at Petroleum to hike to North Bend State Park in Cairo, West Virginia.

  “There are many benefits to hiking including weight loss, decrease in blood pressure, improvement of bone density and lower cholesterol,” says Kim McHenry, West Virginia State Parks programming services coordinator. “Along with the benefits of hiking, participants will be able to meet new people while enjoying nature.”

  Participants are encouraged to bring lunch and plenty of water. A shuttle van will be provided to the starting point. Goody bags will be given to walkers.

  Formerly an abandoned spur of the CSX system, the North Bend Rail Trail is part of the 5,500 mile coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. To participate in the 10-mile hike or for more details, please contact Kent Walker at 304-558-2764, parks@westvirginia.com, or at the Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia State Parks , State Capitol Complex, Building 3, Room 709, Charleston , West Virginia 25305.

**DNR**