Greenbrier River Trail (Day Section)

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile multi-use rail-trail following the former Chesapeake and Ohio Railway corridor through Pocahontas and Greenbrier Counties, West Virginia. Day hikers most commonly access sections near the Caldwell Trailhead on WV-60 or the Marlinton Trailhead, both of which offer free parking. No permit is required. The trail is entirely flat, built on a converted railroad grade with negligible elevation gain—fewer than 50 feet per mile across any section. The surface is primarily crushed limestone gravel and compacted cinder, smooth enough for road bikes as well as hiking footwear. The corridor passes through 35 tunnels and over numerous historic iron bridges as it follows the Greenbrier River through small Appalachian communities, meadows, and dense forest. Key landmarks along the southern Caldwell to Marlinton section include the restored Clover Lick Depot, numerous river access points popular for fishing and swimming, and the small town of Marlinton offering food and basic resupply. Water from the Greenbrier River is available throughout but requires treatment before drinking. No formal shelters exist along the trail, though several small towns with basic services lie at intervals along the route. Day sections of 5 to 10 miles one-way work best with a car shuttle between trailheads. Wildlife along the corridor includes river otters, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and wild turkey. The trail is open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.