West Virginia’s Greenbrier River Trail Bike Tour

Nestled in West Virginia, the Greenbrier River Trail stretches for 78 miles, earning recognition as one of the state’s longest rail trails. This historical trail boasts prestigious titles, including Millennium Legacy Trail, National Recreation Trail, and a spot in the National Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. With 35 charming bridges and two captivating tunnels—Droop Mountain Tunnel and Sharps Tunnel—this trail traces the former Chesapeake and Ohio railway’s path from the early 1900s to 1970.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park serves as the trail’s starting point for our tour, offering a scenic railroad experience, the Railroad Museum, the Cass Company Store, and an authentic company town, giving you a glimpse into regional history.

Notably, the upper sections of the trail reside within a National Radio Quiet Zone surrounding the Greenbank Observatory, offering a serene escape with limited cell service. You’ll have a chance to visit the renowned Observatory during this bike tour to witness the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope and hub of astrophysical discoveries.

Explore the Greenbrier River Trail and immerse yourself in its historical, natural, and scientific wonders, all within the beauty of West Virginia’s landscape.

Day 1: After meeting with the group in Lewisburg, the tour kicks off with a journey to Greenbank Observatory, where we’ll explore the science center and enjoy a bus tour to view the impressive telescopes. Following our visit to Greenbank, we’ll venture to the charming town of Cass. Here, we’ll explore the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and the Cass Company Store before starting our southward ride alongside the Greenbrier River. Along the Greenbrier River Trail (GRT), our route will lead us through the remarkable 500-foot-long Sharps Tunnel and its accompanying trestle bridge. The day concludes in the delightful railway town of Marlinton, where we’ll spend the night at the historic Old Clark Inn.

Day 2: On the second day of our tour, we’ll meander through numerous quaint railway towns, passing through our second tunnel, the 400-foot-long Droop Mountain Tunnel. Our route will culminate in the long forgotten town of Renick, from where we’ll catch a shuttle to the mountain town Lewisburg. There, we’ll enjoy top-notch accommodations and dining for the evening.

Day 3: For the last day, we’ll return to Renick and complete the final stretch of the trail leading us to the charming town of Caldwell. The trail continues through the Greenbrier Valley, giving glimpses of the Greenbrier River. Caldwell marks the completion of the entire 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail! After lunch, we will return to Lewisburg and say our goodbyes!