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