Can we all just admit that we may be a little bit spoiled by the untouched natural beauty found in the Mountain State? For a state whose main source of income has shifted over the years to tourism, we do a fantastic job of maintaining the gorgeous status quo so that we can enjoy (and share) the peace and serenity found in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Go, us!
One such peaceful and unspoiled tiny little town that flies under the radar is located in Ritchie County among the gently rolling hills of the Mid-Ohio Valley. The town sits along the North Fork of the Hughes River and is so lush, it was incorporated as Cairo — after the city in Egypt along the Nile River.
Flickr/Mike
Cairo was settled long before it was incorporated in 1895 and was originally called “Egypt.” It was renamed after the B&O Railroad station was built in the 1850s. The sleepy community has fewer than 300 residents, but was once a booming oil town.
Flickr/Mike
A quick ride through town doles out a glimpse of the former Bank of Cairo (the brick building pictured above), which juts up on the landscape like a lone spike hammered into the ground. The bank was built in 1897 by the son of a wealthy banker in Egypt. Today, the building houses the Cairo Town Hall and is a stop along the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail.
Google Maps/Robert C
Speaking of North Bend, the much loved state park is located in Cairo. The 2,500-acre park provides an ideal nature break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It features hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and more.
Google Maps/Ron Woodhead
It also provides access to the North Bend Rail Trail.
Google Maps/Chris Ladeaux
The historic rail trail extends for 72 miles and features an astounding 10 old railroad tunnels and 38 bridges. Whether you hike or bike the entire trail or just a segment, either the Town of Cairo or North Bend State Park are great places to start.
Google Maps/Samuel Biehl
North Bend State Park is an ideal place to extend your day trip to Cairo to an overnight or longer. In addition to a restaurant, the park features a lodge, cabins, and two campgrounds. Which one will you reserve for your quiet escape that feels a million miles from everywhere?
Google Maps/David Martin
Ready to check out the beautiful little town of Cairo and North Bend State Park? As a mere point of reference, Cairo is located 25 miles east of Parkersburg, 98 miles north of Charleston, 92 miles south of Morgantown, and 240 miles west of Martinsburg.
Flickr/Mike
Google Maps/Robert C
Google Maps/Ron Woodhead
Google Maps/Chris Ladeaux
Google Maps/Samuel Biehl
Google Maps/David Martin
To learn more about the fabulous North Bend Rail Trail that runs right past Cairo Town Hall, keep reading here!
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