The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of west virginias most remote areas. On the first night of that trip, i set my pack down, only to accidentally rest it on my platypus water bladder nozzle. Kim e alltrails along the way, bikers and hikers alike can take this train route over bridges, across rivers, and even through a few tunnels. The new river gorge bridge, in fayetteville, west virginia, is a destination spot for adventure seekers. If the water is high, the floodplain will flood and its best not to hike the trails below the cave. Greenbrier river trail fall trip 29 sharps tunnel and bridge. After crossing the south fork of tunnel creek, the route rises at a steeper but manageable grade past harrison lakes to 5050 pass and some nearby viewpoints. The greenbrier river trail bike trek is a 3day, 66mile cycling event.
The new river trail is a fascinating abandoned railroad hike. The greenbrier river trail is west virginias millennium legacy trail, one of 50. Route wv state route river county line wv county route forest route bridge lodging parking park headquarters picnic site restroom nt 64 60 18 92 102. Usersownerdocumentswv state parksgreenbrier river trail state parkgreenbrier river trail state park map model 1 author. The greenbrier river trail is a railstotrails bike path that meanders 78. Greenbrier river trail cass to marlinton wv virginia. If you want a change of scenery, join a group and hop on our shuttle to the greenbrier river trail. Call the pocahontas county cvb to request a free greenbrier river trail map. Its also open to bicycling, horseback riding, and in the winter cross. Today, the trail is can be found within new river trail state park, which offers exquisite views of southern virginia.
Passes through an old tunnel and crosses a couple of wood trestles. Greenbrier river trail is a other mountain bike trail in white sulpher springs, west virginia. There is also a steep, slippery path up to the top of the tunnel for the. The greenbrier river trail is a railstotrails bike path that meanders 78 miles along the greenbrier river in west virginia. If you wish to visit the preserve, please contact the new river valley grotto or the vpi cave club to organize a trip. We offer casual affordable lodging in the center of town and just a 12 block from the trail. Sep 23, 2010 the greenbrier river trail is a railstotrails bike path that meanders 78 miles along the greenbrier river in west virginia. A selection of books about rails to trails in west virginia can be found here. Lightweight fly fishing equipment lends itself particularly well to smallmouth in general, especially on the greenbrier.
The new river trail is virginias fascinating abandoned. Maximizing economic benefits from a railstotrails project in southern west virginia a case study of the greenbrier river trail. Adam on the river greenbrier river trail sign with bike clover lick depot. The greenbrier river is the longest free flowing river in the eastern us, no dams or flow control. Route wv state route river county line wv county route forest route bridge lodging parking park headquarters picnic site restroom nt 64 60 18 92 102 greenbrier river trail. The trail provides many breath taking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of west virginias most remote. The greenbrier river trail association, partnering with the west virginia land. There are 77 miles of trail adjacent to the very scenic greenbrier river. Tunnel trail new river gorge national river, wv live. Greenbrier river trail this 77 mile long rails to trails conversion is one of the most scenic rides in the area. Railsto trail with a gentle grade of wide fine gravel in the rushing guest river gorge to its mouth at the clinch river. Center for research on economic and social policy 2000. Greenbrier river rail trail a west virginia state park.
New river gorge national river protects not only the natural resources of the park, but also the stories. Floodplain trail the floodplain trail is flat and straight, running through the floodplain of the chipola river. This is a great rail trail along the greenbrier river. Nearly all hikers access the trail from the north side where for the first three miles the moderately easy grade is often within earshot of tunnel creek. Greenbrier river trail west virginia rails to trails. Doe river gorge trail private property tennessee alltrails. The cabin features two bedrooms with queen beds, cable tv, a sofa sleeper, charcoal grill, one bath, and a beautiful view of the river from the screened porch and living room areas. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the underground river. Greenbrier river trail article about greenbrier river. Pursuing and fighting these tenacious fish is an excellent yearround pastime.
Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. It stretches 78 miles through a picturesque and surprisingly wild valley, next to a pretty stream, through forests and past open fields in the allegheny. Jan 21, 2009 the greenbrier river trail is a 79 mile 120 kilometer long railto trail conversion in eastern west virginia. The water isnt all that bad but wed never paddled in bumpy water before. Rail trail mile marker monongahela national forest hospital camping shelter cabins non trail facility water cass scenic railroad rail trail 10 legend tunnel camping interstate state line u. The bridge, 876 feet high and 3,030 feet long, has drawn parachuters and rappellers since about the time it opened in 1977. Voted 1 of the top 10 hiking trails in the united states by backpacker magazine, the greenbrier is in one of the most remote areas of the state, surrounded by national forests and state parks. One of the great things about the greenbrier river trail is the opportunity to see remnants of the old railroad, including many whistleposts and historical mile markers. It was the culmination of a concerted, decadelong push by a group of men, led by lucius j. Greenbrier river trail great for bikers, hikers the weather. Tunnel trail new river gorge national river, wv live and. Greenbrier river trail parks directory of the united states state parks west virginia location. Greenbrier river trail article about greenbrier river trail.
We have been called west virginias premier rail to trail conversion and we hope you will visit the trail soon and see why. Greenbrier river trail west virginia 2020 all you need to know. Jun 26, 2016 admittedly, the tunnel trail at new river gorge national river in southcentral west virginia is a bit of a letdown sans its namesake attraction. Watoga bridge trail crosses to east side of greenbrier river on old truss type railroad bridge. Greenbrier river trail state park lodging old clark inn. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. With the river flowing north to south, the trails mellow one percent grade and numerous access points make it a great outdoor adventure for most any age. Located in southwestern virginia, the park features one of the best railtrails in the country.
This portion we biked was about 25 miles from cass to the little town of marlinton. Cycling the greenbriar river trail from the southern end makes it easy to spend a night at the five star greenbrier resort. Biking west virginias greenbrier river trail matador. This book is a different release date and may have a different cover style. Quite possibly the most unique state park, the greenbrier river trail state park is a. During the fall of 2000, railstotrails conservancy identified open trail tunnels across the united states, and conducted an extensive survey of the managers of these tunnels. Apr 21, 2017 this abandoned railroad hike through virginia is nothing short of amazing. It passes through numerous small towns, over 35 bridges, and through 2 tunnels. Beautiful ride along the greenbrier river with several tunnels and stop overs ends at cass, wva. Greenbrier river trail mountain bike trail in white sulpher. Greenbrier river trail a bike ride in caldwell, west. Droop mountain tunnel greenbrier river trail youtube. New river gorge national river national geographic trails illustrated map. Saying that, the river levels can go from wadeable to flood stage with severe weather events such as snow thaw, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms.
The new river trail is a fascinating abandoned railroad. Given the covid19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing. Cyclists with varying levels of experience are invited. Virginias extensive railroad history makes for some incredible opportunities for exploring. The trail follows the guest river as it meanders by 8 branches and creeks and terminates at the guest river s confluence with the clinch river. This report presents information about the experiences of 78 tunnels on 36 trails in the united states open only to nonmotorized traffic. Cycling the greenbrier river trail from caldwell to anthony carlin. Barring deep structural fixes to the poorlysupported tunnelhistorically a favorite among localsthe rock maze is likely to remain inaccessible for.
Greenbrier river trail almost heaven west virginia. Greenbrier river trail west virginia trails traillink. Be sure to book ahead of time however, the seneca firetower fills fast. We are glad you stopped by to get more information about the trail, or to get race results from our big fundraiser. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. This rail trail was once part of the chesapeake and ohio railroad. Brochure, book the official railsto trails conservancy guidebook. After exploring, return back to the cave entrance and take the same trail back to the parking area. The two sections of this bridge were constructed at different times due to a spectacular train wreck here on may 4, 1924. The greenbrier river trail grt, is a linear state park comprising a 77.
Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book. The river and the trail are surrounded by forest and the occasional clearing. Rail trail 10 legend tunnel camping interstate state line u. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from october until march. Watoga bridge trail crosses to east side of greenbrier river on old truss type railroad. The town of marlinton is the biggest settlement along the trail and the most popular stopping point for trail users. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of west virginias most remote. The map below shows a parking area with convenient. Today it serves walkers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians. The greenbrier river trail is about three hours east of charleston, three hours south of morgantown, and two hours west of harrisonburg, va.
Have yet to complete the full 78 miles but enjoyed every mile thus far. The last time i went on an overnight trip to west virginia was on my august 30 to september 1, 2008 seneca creek backpacking trip. It give folks a chance to get outside and enjoy the beauty of west virginia. The scenic views, three major bridges and two tunnels make for a very interesting hike or bike outing. Bring your checkbook, because everything is pricey. With the river flowing north to south, from caldwell, wv to cass, the trail s mellow one percent grade and numerous access points make it accessible to hikers and. Greenbrier river trail west virginia state parks west. Join us for a 3day, 100mile ride on the greenbrier river trail. The trail follows the guest river as it meanders by 8 branches and creeks and terminates at the guest rivers confluence with the clinch river. The 78mile greenbrier river trail is one of west virginias longest rail trails, and it meanders alongside the greenbrier river for most of the way. All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing.
Lodging near greenbrier river trail built in the 1920s to shelter rail riders, the old clark is now a popular stop for bicyclists who ride the same path. By now, wed heard all about the greenbrier river trail for biking. It has also publicized the parks through at least 500 books, articles, and maps. Beyond beard mile post 31 is one of the trails two spectacular tunnels. It is the longest trail of its kind in west virginia. We began bicycling on the 79 mile long greenbrier river trail. Each rail trail has its own history and the movement to convert rail to.
The greenbrier river trail is one of 1600 railtrails supported by railstotrails conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. This scenic trail passes through riparian woodlands, creekside. The cabins backyard is the greenbrier river trail and the front yard is just steps away from the greenbrier river. A former chesapeake and ohio railroad line, the 77mile trail runs from north caldwell to cass. When we got back, we pulled the boats onto our rock and headed for the cold beverages. Old bridge piers in river provided rail service to the raine lumber company band mill on the east side of the river from 19 to 1929. With the river flowing north to south, the trail s mellow one percent grade and numerous access points make it a great outdoor adventure for most any age. Greenbrier river trail fall trip 29 sharps tunnel and. The trail system starts at the far end of the parking area for the caverns. At its opening in 1964, the chesapeake bay bridgetunnel was named one of the five wonders of the modern world by readers digest magazine. Greenbrier river trail great for bikers, hikers the. Two tunnels, dozens of bridges, spectacular views including waterfalls. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from april until september.
At 162 miles long, the greenbrier river in west virginia is one of the longest freeflowing and undammed rivers in the united states, supplying the new river with 30% of its water volume though the greenbrier is much gentler than the roaring new river. While this is not really a wilderness trail, it runs alongside the greenbrier river through some attractive rural and riverside scenery of southeast west virginia, including some small towns. By collecting and saving oral histories, photographs, artifacts, and records, the park hopes to keep these stories alive and help people create their own new river gorge stories. The green tunnel, a hikers appalachian trail diary is the truelife story of a retirees joys, challenges, and physical rigors while thruhiking the entire 2,185 miles of the appalachian trail in one great epic walk. Throughout much of its length, the trail runs adjacent to greenbrier river and. The scenery is spectacular, and the tunnels provide a cool respite on a hot day. The greenbrier river trail is a 78mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Greenbrier river trail diy outdoors west virginia university. The greenbrier river trail is a 78mile former railroad now used for hiking. Greenbrier river trail west virginia state parks west virginia. You can also wade the river there from the greenbrier river trail, a 78mile railto trail that follows the river from cass to caldwell. Through the eyes of history mcneel, william price on. In the few sections where the river leaves the trail, the water is replaced by light strands of forest. Usersownerdocumentswv state parksgreenbrier river trail.