Greenbrier: River Trails, Caves, and Culture

Greenbrier brings together river landscapes, caves, and cultural history as distinct focal points for a trip. When looking for a hotel, first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay: activities on the water and in the woods, caves or museums, walking tours, or performing arts. The places and activities vary considerably, so you can plan each day around the interests that bring you on your trip.

River Landscapes and Trails in the Greenery

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad line that is now used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. For most of its length, the trail follows the Greenbrier River. There are also good fishing opportunities along most of the route. The trail therefore offers several ways to get around, as well as time by the water, to suit different travel interests. A West Virginia fishing license is required to fish in the Greenbrier River.

Greenbrier State Forest offers a different focus: it covers more than 5,100 acres and has 19 miles of mountain biking trails. The campground has 16 sites for tents and RVs. Compared with the long river trail, mountain biking is the specific activity highlighted here. As you plan, consider whether you would rather focus on a route with various uses along the river or the mountain biking trails in the state forest.

Caves with Different Dimensions

The cave system at Lost World Caverns extends 11 miles underground and reaches depths of 120 to 235 feet. The offerings also include a four-hour expedition through tunnels and intricately formed chambers, involving climbing and crawling. Organ Cave has more than 45 miles of mapped passages and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The figures describe different aspects: for Lost World, the cave system’s extent and depth are given; for Organ Cave, the length of its mapped passages is provided. The latter also has a historic designation.

Museums, History, and Performing Arts in Greenbrier

From 1962 to 1992, the Greenbrier Bunker was an underground emergency relocation center for the U.S. Congress. The Greenbrier Bunker Tour takes visitors through a 25-ton blast door. The bunker’s former function and a notable feature of the tour are both highlights.

Built in 1820, the North House Museum now houses artifacts, archives, and family genealogies from Greenbrier County. It offers free guided interpretation tours. The museum thus connects the history of the house with collections on the region’s history.

In Lewisburg, visitors can explore several more cultural attractions. Carnegie Hall is one of only four Carnegie Halls worldwide and has served as a regional arts center and performance venue since 1983. Greenbrier Valley Theatre is West Virginia’s professional state theater. Its program includes live theater, music events, children’s productions, and literary readings. The two venues offer different experiences: Carnegie Hall combines its distinctive status with regional arts, while the theater presents a range of stage and literary formats.

Two differently described walking tours explore the town’s history. The Lewisburg History Tour visits early landmarks, from the town’s founding fort to a Civil War site. The self-guided Lewisburg Historic Walking Tour recounts the town’s history, founders, and architecture. Printed materials for a self-guided tour of Downtown Lewisburg are available at the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center.

The Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion is West Virginia’s only resort pavilion. Street parking is available at the pavilion, with a walking path to the building; check current access conditions before your visit.

Getting There and Planning Your Route

The 180-mile Midland Trail National Scenic Byway passes through Greenbrier County, with rural landscapes, historic sites, and small towns. U.S. Route 60 passes through Rainelle, Rupert, Lewisburg, and White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County. These details offer different ways to orient your route: the Midland Trail is a longer scenic drive, while Route 60 passes through four named places.

Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) is one of seven airports in West Virginia with commercial air service; flight connections may change. The Amtrak Cardinal route stops in White Sulphur Springs and Alderson. Its frequency and schedules may also change. Check current flight connections and schedules for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, Preston County, Barbour County, Lincoln County, Ohio, Fayette County, Monongalia.

Go to the main travel overview: West Virginia.