About This Park

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. 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 Virginia’s most remote areas. The Greenbrier River Trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the United States, and was rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country by Backpacker Magazine. Part of the Greenbrier River Trail lies within a National Radio Quiet Zone so cell phones do not work.

ActivitiesSelect an activity below to learn moreBikingBiking

The Greenbrier River Trail can also be used for biking. Zip along the riverside trail for some quality time in nature.

The Greenbrier River Trail surface consists mostly of packed, limestone fines. It is recommended to use off-road bicycle tires. Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on Greenbrier River Trail. A person under 15 years of age who is an operator or passenger on an electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, pursuant to the Child Bicycle Safety Act, §17C-11A-1 et seq. of this code.

CampingCamping

Several state parks and forests along the Greenbrier River Trail provide overnight accommodations. These locations include Greenbrier State Forest, Watoga State Park, Seneca State Forest and Cass Scenic Railroad.

FishingFishing

For most of its length, the trail closely follows the Greenbrier River, where swimming and fishing opportunities are plentiful. A West Virginia fishing license is required to fish the Greenbrier River. Camping along the trail is popular, but permitted only in designated areas.

HikingHiking

The Greenbrier River Trail is open year-round to hikers and backpackers. There’s plenty of nature and wildlife to see along the way!

Download Park Pack " xml:space="preserve">Horseback RidingHorseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy this trail! Let your trusty steed set his own pace and wander through the beauty of the Greenbrier River Trail.

Snow SportsSnow Sports

Hiking and biking trails become even more beautiful in the winter. During the winter months, the trail can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

SwimmingSwimming

Bring your bathing suit! Along the length of the Greenbrier River trail, there are plenty of swimming spots for visitors to enjoy.

Attraction is located outside of the park. Rules protected]Address: 4800 Watoga Park Road,Marlinton,WV 24954History

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 economy changed and 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 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Additional InformationTrails

The Greenbrier River Trail runs parallel to the Greenbrier River, from the town of Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Visitors may access the trail at numerous points along the way.

Nearby AttractionsCass Scenic Railroad State Park

Located in the historic town of Cass, the Cass Scenic Railroad transports passengers on a vintage locomotive to a time when logging was a way of life in Pocahontas County. Restored company buildings have been refurbished and are available for overnight stays in this old logging town.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Come enjoy a place with real American history! This park is the site of the last significant Civil War battle in West Virginia. A museum and reenactment help bring this battle to life in modern times.

Greenbrier State Forest

More than 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain provide magnificent views, while cabins and camping areas provide quiet and peaceful getaways.

Seneca State Forest

The oldest state forest in West Virginia, Seneca borders the beautiful Greenbrier River. Visitors can enjoy tent camping or stay in a rustic cabin.

Watoga State Park

Located at about the halfway point of the Greenbrier River Trail, Watoga State Park provides many recreational activities on more than 10,000 acres of land. There’s hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and vacation cabins, open year-round.

Find Nearby AttractionsUpcoming EventsThere are no events scheduled at this time. Check back for updates to the schedule. View All Events Find a ParkActivityRegionLodgingwildlifeviewing1Aerial Tours6ATV35Biking18Boating22Cabin28Camping43Camping RegionsMap Choose a Region36Fishing30Geocaching19Golf40Hiking14Horseback RidingDeerViewing22Hunting10Lodge30Museums Historical Sites29Outdoor Adventures7Rafting4Scenic Train Rides7Snow Sports22Swimming5Unique Stayswildlifeviewing1Wildlife Viewing