Greenbrier River Trail
A 78-mile rail-trail through West Virginia's scenic mountains, perfect for biking, hiking, and camping with historic tunnels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Greenbrier River Trail
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 78-mile rail-trail through West Virginia's scenic mountains, perfect for biking, hiking, and camping with historic tunnels.
"The Greenbrier River Trail is one of the best rail trails in the U.S.!"
🎯 Choose Your Direction
Start at the north end for a mostly downhill ride! Avoid 22.5 miles of uphill. :arrow_down:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Rain gear is essential, even if it's sunny. Weather can change fast! :cloud_rain:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sharp's Tunnel
Between Marlinton and Cass
Cycle or hike through this historic 1,100-foot tunnel, a cool respite and a unique adventure.
The Greenbrier River
Adjacent to the trail
Enjoy scenic views and access to the river for breaks and wildlife spotting.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass, WV
Combine your trail adventure with a ride on a historic steam engine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Gradient Wisely
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Your Direction
Start at the north end for a mostly downhill ride! Avoid 22.5 miles of uphill. :arrow_down:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Rain gear is essential, even if it's sunny. Weather can change fast! :cloud_rain:
🐐 Goat Gear Assistance
Consider a guided tour with goats to carry your gear! :goat:
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent bikes in Marlinton if you don't have your own. :bike:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Your Direction
Start at the north end for a mostly downhill ride! Avoid 22.5 miles of uphill. :arrow_down:
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Rain gear is essential, even if it's sunny. Weather can change fast! :cloud_rain:
🐐 Goat Gear Assistance
Consider a guided tour with goats to carry your gear! :goat:
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent bikes in Marlinton if you don't have your own. :bike:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The trail offers beautiful views of forests, rivers, and historic sites. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Greenbrier River Trail's scenic beauty, gentle grade, and historical features like Sharp's Tunnel. The fall foliage is a major draw. However, some caution is advised regarding the trail's gradient, as starting at the wrong end can lead to a challenging uphill battle.
"The trail follows with the river. You pass many historical markers, farms, tunnells, animals, wildlife. The fall leaves were bright and plentiful. We rode into Cass to stay a couple of nights. Then ride back days later."
Deborah Bowles
"MAKE SURE YOU ARE GOING DOWNHILL!!! We were doing a biking trip for boy scouts and started at the wrong end of the trail so we were going upwards at a 2% grade for 22.5 miles and all our boys were done at that point so we decided to quit."
Vernon McDaniel
"Beautiful, well-maintained trail. Heading north from Marlinton, you bike along the Greenbrier River, through woods and about 10 miles you reach Sharp's Tunnel. The weather was beautifully cooperative. No bugs. Few places to park the bikes, enjoy a snack and scramble down to the river. Perfect July day for a family. You can rent bikes at the Dirt Bean if you need one."
Nikki Cassis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Greenbrier River Trail is accessible from multiple points along its 78-mile length. Popular access towns include Marlinton, Cass, and Ronceverte. Many visitors choose to start in Marlinton for its amenities and proximity to Sharp's Tunnel.
Yes, there are parking areas at various access points along the trail. It's advisable to research specific trailheads for parking availability, especially during peak seasons.
Public transportation options directly to trail access points are limited. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with a group.
Marlinton is a central hub with amenities and bike rentals. Cass offers a unique experience with its historic railroad. Ronceverte is another option at the southern end.
The trail itself is for non-motorized use. Access points and parking areas are generally designed for standard vehicles. Large RVs might find parking challenging at some smaller access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Greenbrier River Trail is a public, multi-use trail and does not require an entrance fee or ticket for access.
The trail itself is free to use. However, there may be fees for parking at certain state parks or for activities like the Cass Scenic Railroad.
The trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, access to facilities like restrooms or visitor centers may be limited outside of normal operating hours.
Yes, dispersed camping is permitted along the trail. There are also designated campgrounds in nearby state parks.
Generally, no permit is required for dispersed camping directly along the trail. However, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or WV State Parks for any specific regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trail is primarily a compacted gravel surface, making it suitable for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. It has a gentle 1% grade, ideal for a leisurely ride.
Many visitors enjoy biking the trail, especially from north to south for a downhill experience. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular.
Facilities are limited along the trail. You'll find some restrooms and picnic areas, particularly near access points and towns like Marlinton and Cass.
You might spot deer, various bird species, and other woodland creatures. The river itself is home to fish and aquatic life.
Yes, the gentle grade and relatively smooth surface make it great for families. Consider shorter sections or a downhill route for younger children.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic river views, historic markers, the Sharp's Tunnel entrance, and the changing fall foliage.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Sharp's Tunnel is a must-see for unique shots. Bridges and overlooks along the river also provide great photographic moments.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the tunnel and river valleys.
It's best to stop at designated pull-offs or safe spots to take photos while biking to ensure safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the unique experience of Sharp's Tunnel for an exciting adventure.
🚴 Budget Travelers
Camping is permitted along the trail, offering a cost-effective accommodation option. Bring your own food and snacks to save on dining expenses. While bike rentals are available in Marlinton, bringing your own bicycle will be the most economical choice.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts
The fall season is particularly spectacular, with vibrant foliage painting the landscape in stunning colors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trail's Gradient
This gentle slope makes the trail ideal for families and casual cyclists, but understanding the gradient can transform a potentially grueling experience into a pleasant adventure. Consider the direction of travel carefully when planning your itinerary to maximize enjoyment and minimize unnecessary exertion.
Embracing the Wilderness and Wildlife
Beyond the typical wildlife, the trail has also seen unique offerings, like guided tours with goats that can carry your gear!
This quirky adventure highlights the creative ways people are engaging with the trail's environment. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature, the Greenbrier River Trail provides a serene escape into the wilderness. +1Historical Echoes and Unique Features
A standout historical feature is Sharp's Tunnel, a 1,100-foot-long passage that offers a cool and unique experience for hikers and bikers. Riding through this tunnel is often cited as a memorable part of the trail experience. Other historical elements include old railroad depots and markers that tell the story of the region's past.
Combining a ride on the trail with a visit to the nearby Cass Scenic Railroad State Park allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the area's rich railroad heritage. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit