About This Park
Located in the southeastern corner of the state, near the border of Virginia, Greenbrier State Forest encompasses 5,100 acres of forested, mountainous terrain. After spending the day hiking, biking and exploring nature’s playground, guests may relax in one of the forest’s completely furnished cabins. Trips to Greenbrier State Forest provide much needed seclusion and relaxation, but day trips to nearby Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs are an option, should guests wish to shop and dine in these charming towns.
Greenbrier State Forest
Things to Do
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Biking
Biking
Become a mountain biking pro in no time at the Greenbrier State Forest. Nineteen miles are available for every skill level of mountain biker. Get some great exercise in while enjoying some of the best views in the state and make memories that will last a lifetime! Trail maps are available at the park office.
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Camping
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.
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Fishing
Fishing
Cast a line! The Greenbrier River, as well as other nearby streams and lakes, have some of the finest smallmouth bass, trout, crappie, bluegill, catfish and walleye fishing opportunities in the eastern United States. Proper license and stamps are required.
Fishing Near Greenbrier State Forest
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Golf
Golf
No golfer should miss The Greenbrier. This luxurious resort boasts 5 courses, including Oakhurst Links—America’s oldest green.
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Hiking
Hiking
Get out there in the great outdoors! Greenbrier State Forest has plenty of activities for those who like to explore and unwind in nature. Guests may hike, or bike across nearly 19 miles on the forest’s 14 trails, which vary in length and difficulty. The trails crisscross the forest offering everything from glimpses of rare Kate’s Mountain flora to a fitness trail near the picnic area. Several miles of forest management roads provide additional hiking and biking opportunities for every guest.
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Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
Own a horse? The 78-mile-long Greenbrier River Trail is ideal for riding with its exquisite scenery and smooth, flat paths.
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Hunting
Hunting
In-season hunting is also allowed on Greenbrier State Forest land as long as you have a proper license. Check www.wvhunt.com for more information.
Hunting in Greenbrier State Forest
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Museums & Historical Sites
Museums & Historical Sites
Lewisburg’s historic district abounds with charm. Visit Carnegie Hall (only four exist in the world, including one in New York), tour the antebellum North House Museum, and walk through quaint, atmospheric streets.
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Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures
Try some sportive competition with your friends! Other recreational opportunities at Greenbrier State Forest include horseshoe pits and volleyball courts, an archery field range, muzzle loading rifle range, and disc golf course. Playground equipment is available at the picnic areas, and a heated pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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Rafting
Rafting
With nearly 200 miles at its disposal, the Greenbrier River is a popular destination for rafting and tubing. The Greenbrier River Campground has guided trips multiple kinds of watercraft, including canoes and kayaks.
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Swimming
Swimming
Cool off with a dip in the pool! During the summer season, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, the Greenbrier State Forest heated pool provides an ideal spot to exercise or just relax. While school is in session the pool will only be open on weekends and holidays. During the summer, the pool is open Tuesday through Sunday.
The recent pool renovation included a new granite pool basin, new piping and mechanicals and a new wading pool with spray features. The bathhouse and pool are fully accessible at Greenbrier State Forest. The pool hours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children under 12 years of age. Season passes and books of passes are available.
Park Pack
West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the United States. Be sure to download your Park Pack for maps and other park information.
DownloadHistory
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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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)
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| Difficulty | Moderate |
Twin Pines Trail |
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| 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)
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| Difficulty | Moderate |
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.
