Our History
Regional Heritage History
Railroad History
The Greenbrier River Trail was once part of the famous Chesapeake & Ohio Railway and was used to carry timber and serve tanneries and other local businesses in the Greenbrier Valley. As the timber industry declined, the line was abandoned during the late 1970s. The tracks were removed in 1979, and the land was donated to the state of West Virginia. The abandoned rail bed was converted to a rail trail operated by the Parks and Recreation Section of the WVDNR.
Biodiversity
As you travel the trail, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems that make up the unique natural tapestry of the Greenbrier Valley.
- Riparian Zones: These ecosystems thrive along the Greenbrier River’s banks, where willows, sycamores, and cattails provide habitat for waterfowl and aquatic species.
- Deciduous Forests: Dominated by hardwood trees such as oaks, maples, and hickories, these forests support diverse wildlife and produce spectacular fall foliage.
- Open Meadows: These sunlit clearings burst with wildflowers in spring and summer, offering a habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Wetlands: Found in lower-lying areas, these ecosystems play a crucial role in water purification and support unique plants like skunk cabbage and marsh marigolds.
The Greenbrier River Trail transforms with the seasons, showcasing a breathtaking array of flowers and plants. In the spring, early bloomers like trilliums, bloodroot, and wild violets dot the trail, offering bursts of color against the green undergrowth. Mountain laurel and rhododendron, West Virginia’s state flower, bloom in early summer, creating natural tunnels of pink and white blossoms in some forested areas.
Later in the summer, meadows along the trail become a sea of black-eyed Susans, goldenrod, and milkweed, the latter attracting monarch butterflies. Autumn brings a more subdued beauty, as colorful leaves carpet the trail and late bloomers like asters and ironweed persist into cooler months.
Historic Sign Project
These physical signs that adorn the trail were funded by the USDA Forest Service Grant.
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Timeline Highlights
Here are some timeline highlights and fun facts about the towns along the Greenbrier River Trail.
Wright Brothers Connection
A fascinating piece of history ties Cass to early aviation. The Wright brothers, pioneers of powered flight, sourced their wood from the Cass mill for use in their airplanes. The high-quality spruce harvested from the nearby mountains was lightweight yet durable, making it an ideal material for aircraft construction. This little-known connection highlights the far-reaching influence of Cass’s timber industry beyond railroads and logging, extending even to the pioneering days of aviation.
Longest Trail in WV
“Longest Trail in WV: At 78 miles, the Greenbrier River Trail is the longest of its kind in the state and ranks among the top 50 trails in the U.S. as of 2019.”
Conversion to a Trail
“The C&O Railway operated the corridor until its abandonment in the late 1970s. The trail was officially completed as a rail trail in 1985, transforming a key transport route into a recreational treasure.”
Flood History
“Parts of the trail were significantly impacted by major floods, such as those in 1985 and 2016. These events highlighted the trail’s vulnerability but also the resilience of the communities maintaining it.”
Wildlife
“The trail’s diverse ecosystems make it a prime location for wildlife observation, with species ranging from deer and foxes to a variety of birdlife.”
Tunnel Creek
“The Sharp’s Tunnel and the nearby bridge are engineering marvels that date back to the railroad’s operational days, adding historical intrigue to a scenic ride.”
Cass (Established 1900)
Cass was built as a company town by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company for logging operations. Today, it’s home to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and a popular trailhead for the Greenbrier River Trail. The logging heritage remains central to its charm.
Marlinton (Early 1900s)
The historic Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railroad Station in Marlinton, constructed in 1901, served both passengers and freight. Though passenger service ended in 1958, the station was repurposed as a visitor center. Marlinton remains a vibrant hub along the trail.
Clover Lick
Once a bustling railroad stop, Clover Lick is now a small community with historic remnants, including an old station. Its name and location evoke the area’s agricultural and logging past.
Keister
A ghost town today, Keister was a minor stop during the railroad’s operation. Little remains, but its history is tied to the railway’s role in transporting timber and goods.
Seebert
This small community near Watoga State Park is a quiet stop with easy trail access. It served as a waypoint during the logging and railroad days but has since become more residential.