In southeastern West Virginia near the Virginia border, Greenbrier State Forest delivers secluded natural beauty just a stone’s throw from two charming and historic small towns. The forest has overnight accommodations and is an ideal base camp for bicyclists on the neighboring Greenbrier River Trail.

Visitors can enjoy a day of solitude communing with nature, then venture into the nearby towns of White Sulphur Springs or Lewisburg for shopping, dinner or theater experiences.

“What an outstanding campground! Super convenient … 2 miles off Interstate 64 in the town of White Sulphur Springs, home of The Greenbrier. Campsites are rustic with electricity only; they do have bath houses with facilities. If you have kids there are great playgrounds at the picnic area close by. I would come back here again and again.”

—G5896CZrichardd, TripAdvisor Reviewer from Williamsburg, Virginia

Bicycle trails for all skill levels

The 5,200-acre forest, which stands divided by the 3,280-foot-high Kate’s Mountain, offers a wide range of recreation, including fishing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking.

Nineteen miles of single-track trails crisscross the forest, revealing scenic views and opportunities for wildlife watching. Several miles of forest management roads provide additional hiking and biking opportunities.

As if that weren’t enough, the forest is adjacent to the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, a former rail line that has been converted for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The rail-trail’s gentle grade and crushed limestone surface makes it an ideal trail for beginners and families with younger children. The rail-trail runs parallel to the Greenbrier River from the town of Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. 

Anglers will be happy to know that the river and other nearby streams and lakes are teeming with several species of fish, including smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, bluegill, catfish and walleye. In-season hunting is allowed as well in Greenbrier State Forest. Hunting and fishing licenses are required and can be obtained at www.wvhunt.com.

The forest also has an outdoor swimming pool, game courts and playgrounds, available near the picnic areas.

“In the last few years the State Forest has added numerous biking/hiking trails. There are miles of great trails running throughout the forest. There is a variety of difficulty from old logging roads perfect for beginners to single track.”

—jlewv, TripAdvisor Reviewer from Lewisburg

Stay in a cabin or camp beneath the stars

Guests can choose from three types of cabins, including the historic Legacy Cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. All cabins have electricity and water, full baths and fully equipped kitchens. Several are designated pet-friendly.

The park also has a 16-unit campground suitable for tents and trailers. Sites have electric hookups and the campground has a central bathhouse.

“Great trip! The cabin exceeded expectations. Loved the disc golf course. Kids had a ball riding bikes on the trails and playing/fishing holes along Harts Run.”

—wvjodymurphy, TripAdvisor Reviewer from Parkersburg

Nearby attractions

Moncove Lake State Park offers additional opportunities for hiking and fishing, as well as hunting on the adjacent wildlife management area. Boats are available for rent in season at Moncove Lake. 

Historic Downtown Lewisburg boasts architectural gems dating back to 1784 and points of interest from the Colonial period and the Civil War. Winner of Budget Travel’s “Coolest Small Town,” Lewisburg is lined with antique stores, art galleries, boutique shops and local restaurants. The town also has its own Carnegie Hall, which hosts live music and theatrical performances.

Beneath Greenbrier County’s rolling limestone-riddled hills lies a vast network of caves. Lost World Caverns and Organ Cave offer guided tours through a vast wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites.

White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery welcomes visitors for both guided and self-guided tours of its state-of-the art facility where rainbow trout are raised. The hatchery also operates an aquatic resource restoration center to recover endangered species of freshwater mussels and crayfish.

Gas up the car, gear up the bike, and take a trip to Greenbrier State Forest and the Greenbrier River Trail this summer. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss to enjoy the best of Almost Heaven!

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