Meet the Faces Behind the Greenbrier River Trail
Together for the Greenbrier River Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail (GRT) has two “Friends” groups dedicated and actively engaged in promoting, preserving and improving the Trail. First, the Greenbrier River Trail Association (GRTA) that has been in existence for more than 40 years and was largely responsible for establishing the Trail. In June 2020, the Greenbrier River Trail Foundation (GRTF) was formed by members of GRTA. By creating a state park foundation, GRTF has access to WV State Park matching grant funds used to expand Trail improvement projects.
GRTF and GRTA share the same governance, Board structure, officers, bylaws and operations. Both groups are dedicated to fostering trail health and vitality and work closely with the WV Division of Natural Resources (DNR) which oversees regular maintenance, grant and volunteer opportunities, and annual trail events. The primary difference between GRTA and GRTF is that GRTA has the opportunity to conduct advocacy activities to include educating, relationship building, organizing, coalition building, communicating and occasional lobbying. Finally, both groups are 501 (c) (3) organizations and continue to support the needs of the GRT.
Meet the Board
Awards & Recognition
50 Millennium Legacy Award
The Greenbrier River Trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the United States. On the trail, you can see remnants of the old railroad, including many whistleposts and historical mile markers. Beyond Beard (milepost 31) is one of the trails’ two spectacular tunnels: the 402-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel, built in 1900, and Sharps Tunnel, 511 feet long and built in 1899.
National Recreation Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is also recognized as a National Recreation Trail. National Recreation Trails benefit from the prestige and increased visibility of being a part of the National Trails System. New designations are announced annually by the Secretary of Interior and recognized every two years at the National Trails Symposium.
How to Get Involved
Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of trail maintenance work parties. Everyone is welcome to help out, and we have tasks available for all ages and skill levels.
If you love the trail and would like to help support its improvement and maintenance, consider joining the GRTF. We provide upkeep of the kiosks, water wells, parking lots, campsites, restrooms, river steps, and more.
Our most pressing project is to re-deck all 37 bridges on the trail (the Superintendent’s #1 Priority). We received Federal Transportation Alternatives grants in 2022 and 2023 via the WV Department of Transportation/Division of Highways. The grants cover 80% of the cost; we are fundraising for the remaining 20%. Generous donations from James F. B. Peyton, Hollowell Dawkins, Seneca, and State Parks Foundations cover most of the required match. Our primary fundraiser, the Great Greenbrier River Race, and contributions from trail fans will make up the difference. Please consider donating to the Trail.
Upcoming projects include hosting fundraisers such as the annual races, assessing drainage needs, cleaning signs, and distributing trail maps along the route.
Get in Touch with Us
Have questions or ideas? Contact us to support the Greenbrier River Trail and stay connected with our mission.
P.O. Box 203, Marlinton, WV 24954
grta78miles@gmail.com