Contact

Phone: 304-536-1944
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1541 Harts Run Rd, Caldwell, WV, 24925

History

This 5,133-acre forest was purchased by the State of West Virginia from the White Sulphur Springs Park Association in 1938. That same year, the Civilian Conservation Corps established Camp White Sulphur, in the area that presently houses the Forest headquarters and swimming pool. The forest, which stands divided by 3,280-foot high Kate’s Mountain, is rich in Native American history dating back to the 1700’s.

Accommodations

Cabins

Greenbrier State Forest has 14 standard furnished cabins with fully equipped kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces. There’s enough room for the whole family and plenty of time for adventure. Cabins are open April through October.

Camping

Greenbrier State Forest has a 16-unit campground, suitable for tents and trailers. Each site offers an electric hookup, a picnic table, an on-site and central bathhouse, and a stone fireplace for grilling-out with the family. The campground is open April through October. West Virginia State Park campground reservations are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis through October 31. A campsite reservation application is available here.

Trails

Black Bear Trail
Starting points are three-tenths of a mile from the cabin area at an intersection with Old Roads Trail and one-fifth of a mile from the main forest road on Young’s Nature Trail. The trail passes through two hollows with a gentle climb in elevation. This trail can be combined with Old Roads Trail to make a longer hike.
Distance	2 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
Holsapple Trail
Following an old logging road for its entire length, this trail begins at the top of Kate’s Mountain near Rocky Ridge Trail. After skirting the eastern side of Kate’s Mountain, it ends on Kate’s Mountain Road, south of Young’s Nature Trail.
Distance	2.3 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
Kate’s Mountain Loop Trail
A loop that combines the Rocky Ridge, Holsapple, Young Nature and the Mabel Dowdy trails, as well as the western service road. Adventurers with the backpacker spirit will enjoy the variety this loop offers. Nevertheless, you may want to pack a lunch for this walk.
Distance	7.8 miles
Difficulty	Difficult
Mabel Dowdy Nature Trail
This trail, named after a retired park employee, begins and ends in the cabin area. A nice after-dinner trail, it visits a variety of plant and animal habitat including a mixed deciduous hardwood forest, a hemlock forest, a mountain stream habitat and an open meadow. This trail has a few gentle climbs.
Distance	1.3 miles
Difficulty	Moderate
Old Field Loop Trail
Walking time 1 1/2 hours. These three loops begin along the length of the Old Field Trail and provide the hiker/biker with opportunities to extend a hike and explore the woods around the Old Field Trail. Loop A also has a connecting spur that ends in the Shelter II parking area.
Distance	2 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
Old Roads Trail
This is a self-guided nature trail with trail heads across the road from the entrance to the cabin area and in the service area near the forest office. The trail follows an old logging road for most of its length, except where it crosses a ridge.
Distance	1.6 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
Rocky Ridge Trail
Starting at a point one-quarter mile from the service area where it intersects with Old Roads Trail, the trail winds its way to the top of Kate’s Mountain, three-tenths of a mile from the overlook. This is a strenuous walk and recommended for those in good health.
Distance	2.1 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Difficult
YCC Trail
Walking time 45 minutes. This trail begins across the road from the entrance to Shelter II area. This “figure-eight” trail was destroyed in the derecho of 2011. It was rebuilt in 2014 as a combination trail for walkers and beginning mountain bikers.
Distance	.6 mile (loop)
Difficulty	Easy
Young’s Nature Trail
Starting one-tenth of a mile north of the picnic area at the main forest road, this trail climbs gradually from the hollow and then follows a steep ridge line to the trailhead on Kate’s Mountain Road.
Distance	1.7 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
The “Holler” Trail
Walking time ½ hour. Starting at two-tenth of a mile from the main forest road on Old Roads Trail and ending at one-tenth of a mile from the main forest road on Young’s Nature Trail. This trail provides mountain bikers and hikers with a whimsical, flowing trail that meanders through a deep hollow along the base of Kate’s Mountain.
Distance	1.2 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate
Twin Pines Trail
Walking time 45 minutes. Starting at the main forest road just north of the picnic area and ending one-tenth of a mile from the main forest road on Old Roads Trail. This trail parallels the forest road and serves as a hiking/biking connector path to the picnic area.
Distance	0.6 miles (one way)
Difficulty	Moderate

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Nearby Attractions

Greenbrier River Trail

A favorite for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, anglers and horseback riders, is this 78-mile rail trail that closely mirrors the Greenbrier River.

Moncove Lake State Park

In addition to state park facilities, especially camping, Moncove Lake and the adjacent wildlife management area provide ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, birdwatching and hiking.

The Greenbrier

“America’s Resort” has been a cherished getaway since 1778. A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier is famous for its mineral springs, championship golf, boutiques, fine dining, and recreational activities.

Organ Cave

Journey deep into the earth with this National Natural Landmark. Organ Cave has more than 45 miles of mapped passages and is the second longest commercial cave on the East Coast.

Lost World Caverns

These caverns descend 120 feet below the surface into a vast wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites. You won’t get lost down there but if you’d prefer, guided tours are also available by reservation.

Historic Lewisburg

Buildings of architectural interest abound, dating back to 1784. Learn about colonial life and the Civil War Battle fought in the city. Explore antique and specialty shops, inns, bed & breakfasts and art galleries.

White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery

Take a tour and see some of West Virginia’s most breathtaking animals at White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery. Guided and self-guided tours are both available.