Greenbrier River Trail from Lewisburg: One of the Top 50 Trails in the USA
Stretching 78 miles through the stunning landscapes of West Virginia, the Greenbrier River Trail offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike. This rail-trail features 37 picturesque bridges and two spectacular tunnels: the 402-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel, built in 1900, and the 511-foot-long Sharps Tunnel, constructed in 1899.
The trail gently descends from Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocohantas County (elevation 2,688 feet) to Caldwell in Greenbrier County (elevation 1,696 feet), making it accessible for adventurers of all skill levels. With its tranquil riverside views, rich history, and abundant wildlife, the Greenbrier River Trail is your gateway to the beauty of West Virginia’s outdoors.
Trail Details
Trip Planning Resources
Trail Map and Route Details
Explore our interactive map to plan your journey along the Greenbrier River Trail. With main access points in North Caldwell (Lewisburg), Cass, and many in between, you can choose your starting point and find parking, amenities, and camping along the way.
TIPS to use the Map:
- Use the icon next to the trail name for a popout menu to turn on/off layers or jump to a specific mile marker or place.
- Select the star next to the map name to view this map on Google Maps!
- Open Google Maps on your phone, select "You", then make sure you are on the saved tab and scroll down to select the blue "Maps" button. You should then be able to select "Greenbrier River Trail, WV"
- PLEASE NOTE: This map does not work offline. Use it for pre-planning and when you have service along the trail.
Plan Your Visit
Trail Mile Markers
Discover key stops along the Greenbrier River Trail.
MM 3: NORTH CALDWELL – Southern Terminus – 1.3 miles north of U.S. Route 60 at Caldwell on county Route 38 (Stonehouse Road). Parking area, information, drinking water, picnic tables, horse trailer parking, canoe access nearby (across U.S. 60 – Caldwell Boat Launch). Groceries, post oce, and lodging nearby in Lewisburg 4-7 miles. Greenbrier county visitor bureau information located in downtown Lewisburg. Recommended: Fee camping and cabins available at Greenbrier State Forest east on U.S. 60, two miles, follow signs: (304) 536-1944, WVstateparks.com.
MM 4.7: Trailside tent camping, table and fire ring, toilet.
MM 5.8: HARPER (Hopper) – From county Route 38, take county Route 38/2 to county Route 30/3. Trail access point, limited parking.
MM 9.5: Trailside tent campsite, Adirondack or “camping” shelter, table and fire ring, toilet and drinking water.
MM 11.1: KEISTER – From county Route 38, take county Route 30 to county Route 30/1. Trail access point, limited parking.
MM 14.4: ANTHONY - From U.S. Route 219 at Frankford, 4.9 miles east on county Route 21 and county Route 21/2, Anthony Road. Trail access point, parking, horse trailer parking. Groceries, supplies, post oce, and public phone are located in Frankford, 4.9 miles away. Free camping at Blue Bend Recreation Area (National Forest Service).
MM 20.5: Trailside tent camping area, table and fire ring, toilet.
MM 21.4: SPRING CREEK – From U.S. 219, 1.5 miles north of Frankford, east 3.5 miles on county Route 13. Trail access, limited parking.
MM 24.5: RENICK – From U.S. 219, east 0.4 miles on county Route 11 (Auto Road). Trail access, parking, horse trailer parking, canoe access. Post Oce, public phone, and food services are located along U.S. 219, 0.5 mile from trail.
MM 28.5: Trailside tent camping area, Adirondack or “camping” shelter, table and fire ring, toilet and drinking water.
MM 29.6: HORROCK – From U.S. 219 at Renick, east 4.1 miles on county Route 7 (Brownstown Road), then 1.2 miles on county Route 7/1 to county Route 7/2 (Rorer Road), 0.5 mile to trail. Trail access point, limited parking.
MM 30.9: DROOP MOUNTAIN TUNNEL – 402 feet
MM 32.1: Trailside tent camping area, table and fire ring.
MM 33.7: Trailside tent camping area, Adirondack or “camping” shelter, toilet
MM 38.5: BEARD – From U.S. 219 at Hillsboro, follow county Route 31 (Denmar Road), 6 miles to county Route 31/8 (Beard P.O. Road), 0.3 mile to trail. Trail access point, parking, horse trailer parking.
MM 39.3: DENMAR – Site of Denmar Correctional Center. No parking, no trail access.
MM 40.9: MILL RUN – Trailside tent camping, table and fire ring
MM 41.7: BURNSIDES – From U.S. 219 at Hillsboro, follow county Route 31 (Denmar Road), 1.3 miles to county Route 31/1 (Workman Road), 1 mile to trail. Trail access point, limited parking, lodging nearby – 2 miles from trail.
MM 45.8: SEEBERT – From U.S. 219 north of Hillsboro, follow county Route 27 (Seebert Road), 2 miles to trail. Trail access point, parking, horse trailer parking. Groceries, supplies and public phone available in Seebert, 0.1 mile. Food services and lodging nearby. Fee camping at Watoga State Park, across the bridge, 2 miles from trail, (304) 799-4087, WVstateparks.com. Cabins nearby – recommended: Watoga State Park (by reservation), 5 miles from trail, year-round, (304)799-4087, WVstateparks.com
MM 47: STEVEN HOLE RUN – Follow county Route 27 (River Road) 1 mile. Trail access point, limited parking.
MM 47.9: WATOGA BRIDGE – Trail crosses to east side of Greenbrier River on old truss type railroad bridge. The two sections of this bridge were constructed at dierent times due to a train wreck on May 4th, 1924. The North Span is part of the original bridge constructed in 1899/1900, while the southern span was constructed in 1925, to replace the span lost the year before.
MM 48.1: WATOGA – Site of old town of Watoga, logging boom town in the early 1900s. Remnants of an old company store may be seen on the east side of the trail. Watoga was the site of a sawmill and a kindling wood factory.
MM 49.3: BEAVER CREEK – Trailside tent camping area, table and fire ring, toilet
MM 51.5: – Trailside tent camping area, table and fire ring
MM 52.2: BUCKEYE - Trail access point, parking, groceries and phone, 1 mile
MM 55.1: STILLWELL PARK – From state Route 39 in Marlinton, follow county Route 39/2, 1.5 miles to park. Trail access point,
parking, camping toilets and water available. Contact Stillwell Park: (304) 799-7386
MM 56: MARLINTON - 9th Street crossing (behind the elementary school). Trail access point, parking, horse trailer parking, groceries, post oce, drinking water and hospital nearby. Food service nearby – 0.25 to 3 miles from trail. Lodging nearby.
MM 56.1: MARLINTON DEPOT – The depot was constructed in 1901 and restored in 2017. Visitor information is available one block west on Main Street. Trail access point, parking.
MM 56.5: WATER TANK – The only remaining water tank on GRT was built in 1923 and recently restored. The remains of the C&O turntable may be found on the downstream side of the water tank, 50 feet from the trail
MM 61.2: CLAWSON – Follow county Route 11/2 from state Route 28, 5 miles over the mountain to trail. (This access road is rough, unpaved road.) Trail access point, limited parking.
MM 63.8: Trailside tent camping area (two campsites), Adirondack or “camping” shelter, table and fire ring, toilet and drinking water
MM 65.2: SHARP’S TUNNEL AND BRIDGE – Built in 1900, the tunnel is 511 feet long and the bridge is 299 feet long.
MM 67.1: BIG RUN: Trailside picnic shelter adjacent to small waterfall and pool in Big Run
MM 69.6: Trailside tent camping areas (three campsites), Adirondack or “camping” shelter, toilet and drinking water
MM 71: CLOVER LICK - From state Route 28 north of Seneca State Forest, take county Route ¼ (Laurel Run Road), 4.2 miles to Clover Lick. Recently renovated, the restored C&O depot was built near the turn of the century, and originally stood south of the crossing. Trail access, parking, horse trailer parking, recommended: fee camping and cabins available at Seneca State Forest, 6 to 10 miles from trail, (304) 799-6213, WVstateparks.com.
MM 76.8: SITLINGTON –From state Route 28 south of Dunmore, take county Route 12 (Sitlington Road), 4 miles. Trail access point, limited parking, horse trailer parking, lodging nearby.
MM 78.5: – Trailside tent camping area, adequate room to tether horses, table and fire ring
MM 81: MP 80.4: CASS SCENIC RAILROAD STATE PARK – Northern Terminus – located o state Route 66. Trail access point and parking area, bike repair stand and wash at Cass Scenic Railroad Company Store, horse trailer parking, food service nearby, lodging nearby, recommended: company houses, caboose, wilderness cabin (by reservation) and trail rides available: (304) 456-4300, WVstateparks.com.
Trail Information
Discover more information about Greenbrier River Trail.
Guidelines for Sharing the Greenbrier River Trail Responsibly:
- Yield Appropriately: Cyclists yield to pedestrians, and everyone yields to horses. Give a verbal alert or use a bell when passing others.
- Stay on the Trail: Avoid venturing off the trail to protect the surrounding environment and private property.
- Keep Right, Pass Left: Stay to the right side of the trail unless passing. Always pass on the left and give ample notice.
- Control Your Speed: Maintain a safe speed, especially on curves and near other trail users.
- Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and dispose of waste responsibly to keep the trail clean.
- Leash Pets: Ensure pets are on a leash and under control at all times to avoid accidents or disruptions.
- Be Prepared: Bring water, sunscreen, and a first aid kit. Inform someone of your route and estimated return time.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding or disturbing them.
- Use Lights & Reflective Gear: If traveling at dusk or dawn, ensure you're visible to others.
- Stay Aware: Use headphones at low volume to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
These guidelines help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone on the Greenbrier River Trail.
Question: Are e-bikes allowed on the Greenbrier River Trail?
Answer: Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed and are given the same rights and privileges of a traditional, non-electric bicycle subject to all of the duties of a traditional, non-electric bicycle.
Question: Can I use my phone on the trail?
Answer: Celluar service is unavailable for most of the trail since it falls in the National Radio Quiet Zone. There is in-and-out service 3.1-25 and in Marlinton. It's essential to plan accordingly.
Question: What does the “w” on concrete posts represent?
Answer: Whistle posts were once used to signal engineers to “blow their whistle” because of an upcoming vehicle crossing. Now used by bicycling youngsters as a queue to “whistle”.
Question: Is tent camping allowing anywhere along the trail?
Answer: Camping is only permitted at designated campsites. (15 Rustic camp sites are available, see trail map for locations)
Question: What is the most scenic section of trail?
Answer: Obviously this is a personal preference. However, Marlinton to Cass is scenic not much development and close to the river. Beard to Droop Tunnel (Rorer) is also very scenic with almost no private land or development along the way.
Question: What type of trail surface is on the GRT?
Answer: We currently use 1⁄4” limestone crusher run. A few areas of 3⁄4” limestone still exist
Question: Are motorized wheelchairs permitted on GRT?
Answer: Yes, Electric powered chairs and scooters are permitted for disabled use only.
Question: Is Hunting/Firearms allowed on the trail.
Answer: Yes, during legal open hunting season only. No uncased firearms are allowed otherwise.
Question: What lodging facilities are located near the trail?
Answer: State Park Cabins, Motels, Privately Owned Cottages and B&Bs are all available along the trail, see trail lodging sheet for more details.
Question: What is the elevation above sea-level?
Answer: Caldwell 1696' Cass 2438’
Trail Town Information
The four towns along the trail are listed below with a brief bio and links to key resources.
Cass
Cass, West Virginia, is a historic town known for the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where visitors can ride restored steam locomotives through the scenic Appalachian Mountains. Once a thriving logging community, Cass preserves its rich history with well-preserved company houses, a museum, and the remnants of its once-bustling mill. The town also serves as a gateway to the Greenbrier River Trail, offering outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for biking, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty along the Greenbrier River.
Marlinton
Marlinton, West Virginia, is a charming small town nestled in the heart of Pocahontas County. Known for its scenic beauty and rich history, Marlinton serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure in the Allegheny Mountains. The town is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, thanks to its proximity to the Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile rail trail perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the picturesque Greenbrier River. Marlinton is also home to cultural attractions like the Pocahontas County Opera House and hosts events celebrating Appalachian heritage, making it a vibrant spot for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Seebert
Seebert is a small community in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, situated along the Greenbrier River, approximately 2 miles east of Hillsboro. The community is believed to have been named after the local Seebert family. It is located near the entrance to Watoga State Park, the largest state park in West Virginia, covering over 10,000 acres. In addition to Watoga during the tourist season, you will find a General store, pizza and sandwich shop, including convenient bicycle, canoe and inner tube rentals and shuttle services. The General Store also includes a gift shop and soft-serve ice cream for Trail visitors.
Lewisburg
Lewisburg, established in 1782, is the county seat of Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The city is located approximately one mile west of the Greenbrier River.
The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile rail trail following the Greenbrier River, has its southern terminus near Lewisburg in North Caldwell.
There’s always something going on in this active community. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local scene at a concert, play or festival, or just poke around the antique stores, boutiques and watering holes, you’ll find the town charming and the locals welcoming.