greenbrier river trail

I have ridden this on my bike several times over the years and the surface is better now for bicycles than I have ever seen it.Not many places to catch a snack, or a spare tube along the way, so make sure you come prepared.

Whether you love hiking or biking, you will love the Greenbrier River Trail. The trail runs along the Greenbrier River and we have biked it and hiked it many times. It is beautiful in every season, not only the view of the river but of the beautiful mountains as well. You can picnic along the way or even tent camp. The trail and surrounding land is well maintained. There are bridges to cross and tunnels to go through. You will also pass by small towns and quaint little communities and if you are near the town of Cass, you will hear the sound of the whistle blowing on the train as it echoes through the mountains. It is an easy, enjoyable bike ride and enjoyable even pushing a baby stroller which we have done on several occasions. We have hiked and biked on several different locations of the trail but have never ridden or walked the entirety although that is something we hope to do in the future as we plan on returning over and over again. This is an excellent couple or family activity but be prepared- people see bears and other wild animals frequently.

We were able to ride only 10 miles on this trail-from Marlinton to Seebert-then 10 miles back. But this whetted my appetite for a return vist to further explore the entire 78 miles. The river is gorgeous, the landscape is scenic and diverse, the terrain is level. The trail is extremely well kept with camping and rest opportunities. Marlinton is a great place to start, especially if you need to rent a bike. Appalachian Sport was convenient and reasonably priced. If you are a biking enthusiast of the non-mountain variety, this trail is a great chance to try out your legs.

Beautiful old river in the mountains, just a magic place.We go on the trail every year. Used to be a great floating place but the drought has taken its toll. Still beautiful.

Had a great time riding the trail. The river is beautiful as is the surrounding farmlands and mountains. The Watoga bridge and the the Greenbrier River Bridge are cool as are the two tunnels. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if going thru the tunnels. Trail is well maintained and a great ride! Easy to see why it is in the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame

We ridden bicycles on the Greenbrier River Trail twice now, both north and south out of Marlinton, WV. Rent your fat-tired or hybrid bicycles from Appalachian Outfitters, the Dirtbean burnt down, and as of August, 2014, still hasn't re-opened. This 78 mile trail is a conversion from an old rr bed, running easily along the lovely Greenbrier River (only a 1 % grade increase along the whole trail!). It's open to hiking, strolling, horseback riding, and bicycling, with periodic picnic areas, camping shelters (all I saw were marked "no horses," however), bridges and tunnels. The trail leaves Marrlinton in both directions as asphalt, but quickly changes to well-maintained fine gravel. We'd like to come back and ride the whole thing someday. NOTE: The area is periodically sprayed to control black flies - be sure and ask about this to avoid the spray.

LOVE this trail. We enjoyed the biking, the views, the perfumed air from the honeysuckles spilling down the mountain, and even meeting and chatting with locals. You can ride for a short time or long. Wish I had a trail like this close to my house!

The path seems to go on forever, which is wonderful if you want or need to clear your head. The river running beside the trail makes a for a great soundtrack to your walk or bike ride.

We bought a summer place near the Greenbrier River Trail in part for the many pleasures offered by the trail and the river. While we kayak, float and ride bikes, my favorite use of the trail is for horseback riding. On even the warmest days, much of the trail is in deep shade. There is always wildlife to be seen -- deer, groundhogs, skunk, an occasional bear, otter, many small mammals. The birds along the river are varied and abundant, from eagles and other raptors to swallows, woodpeckers and finches. The trail surface is generally suitable for unshod horses; there are several fords and creeks where horses can be watered easily. Horses are not welcome in the camping or picnic sites, for obvious reasons, but you can tie them outside and enjoy a nice lunch on a long ride. The trail offers several bridge crossings and two tunnels, as well as the experience of encountering hikers and bikers from horseback. Great experience! One recommendation: they need signs outlining trail courtesy when hikers, bikers and horses share the trail. Many do not seem to know that the horses have the right of way, and you need to call out as you approach. Nothing startles many horses more than a bike approaching quietly from behind, and it can cause quite an accident. A good trail map is available on the GRT website. Barnett Cabins near Hillsboro offers lodging for horses and riders.

The views are lovely, but the trail is a little rough. Some areas had relatively deep fine gravel that made biking difficult. We have 77 x28 mm tires. The facilities were all clean and stocked. Most had water pumps - they were easy to use. We biked the entire trail from Cass to Lewisburg in 2 days and then back in 2 days. People were friendly, however, if you're used to people traveling on the right and passing on the left, they don't do that on this trail. When you approach a pedestrian from behind and warn them you're passing on the left, they jump off to the side of the trail and tell you to take the middle: which is the roughest area of the trail. It's a bit disconcerting. The bathroom in Cass is at the Railroad. Stop before you head out, the first bathroom is 12 miles down the trail.

This is one of the best rail trails in the country and runs along the beautiful Greenbrier River. It passes through a number of quaint little towns along the way. Sporadic spots to camp, and inumerable opportunities for fishing. Stop by our cabin and say hi between mile post 44-45!

My husband and I loaded up the bike trailer and pulled on the back packs. We planned to ride from end to end over the Memorial Day weekend. We made it to the last outhouse and watering hole and called it a night, just a few miles from Cass. I was beat, we had ridden all day, I had saddle sores, he failed to tell me to use bag balm prior ro suiting up. But it was worth it, the weekend was gorgeous, just a lght mist wheich coole dus down, when we arose in the morning, my sores were worse, but we rode into Cass (Sunday) and hoped to purchase som onitment for me...the clerk from the motel even looked in her personal first aid kit for anythign to help - nothing! I had to turn my seat around so as not to sit on my blisters....againg they were worth it. We say bears and birds and snakes and all of God's other creatures...what a beautiful weekend. SO saddle up (use the bag balm liberally) and back you bag you have a trail calling your name. You will not be disappointed, it was worth the now purple scars.

I love this trail and wish our state would enact "Rail to Trail" legislation like WV has done. We biked the Seebert to Marlinton section and back one day. There is considerable vacation development in this area, but it is still a fun ride. My 9 year old had no problems biking the 22 miles on his little bike. The grade is gentle, and the 1/4" stone is suitable for mountain bikes or hybrid mountain/road bikes. I would not recommend skinny tire racing bikes. The interpretive history signs were really interesting, but I wish there were more of them. Nice views of the mountains and river. Another day, we biked the Beard to Droop Mountain tunnel (and a bit further) section on the recommendation of the GRT pamphlet. This 12 mile section has less development, with some old farms and more history. The tunnel was very neat. CAUTION: There are dogs at some of the residences along this section that will chase you and and try to bite. I strongly suggest keeping some pepper spray at the ready just in case. We also saw a black bear, but he kept his distance. There are some good camping areas along the trail with nice tent platforms. We plan to return when my son is older and bike the whole length in one day!

Maps are available online, and we picked up an excellent printed map from the Lewisburg visitor center. We did a 15mi RT North from the southern trailhead in North Caldwell and another 15mi RT North from Renick through Droop Mountain Tunnel. There is a second tunnel further North. 1% grade all the way; well maintained trail; shuttles available locally; picnic, camping, restroom, and water stops provided along the way; and convenient to excellent lodging and restaurants in Lewisburg. Not crowded at all the August weekend we visited.

Endlessly changing scenery and a well-kept trail. It is a nice ride on a converted railway.