Southeastern West Virginia
Where a legendary resort, a cultured small town, a 78-mile river trail, underground caverns and one of the state's biggest fairs all share a valley in the Allegheny foothills.
Quick Info
Greenbrier County sits where the Allegheny Mountains soften into broad limestone valleys, giving it some of the most fertile and scenic farmland in West Virginia. The Greenbrier River drains the county northward, and the old Chesapeake & Ohio railbed along its bank is now one of the best long-distance trails in the East.
The county's character comes from the mix: the polished resort culture of White Sulphur Springs, the arts-and-antiques charm of Lewisburg, the working farms, and the deep, cool underworld of its caves. Few places in the state balance luxury and wilderness so easily.
It is also a genuine four-season destination, with spring wildflowers, summer cycling and floating, some of Appalachia's best fall color, and a winter quiet that suits its historic inns.
Town Life
Lewisburg has been called one of America's coolest small towns, and it lives up to the label. Its restored downtown is packed with independent bookshops, galleries, coffee houses, farm-to-table restaurants and live music venues.
The town's Carnegie Hall, a former library turned performance center, anchors a busy cultural calendar, and the surrounding streets hold historic homes and the old county courthouse. It is an ideal base for exploring the whole county.
Just outside town, the North House Museum and the Greenbrier Historical Society tell the story of the valley, while the nearby Lost World Caverns draws visitors underground.
White Sulphur Springs has drawn travelers to its mineral springs since the late 1700s. At its center is The Greenbrier, a vast white-columned resort that has hosted presidents and celebrities for more than two centuries.
The resort is famous for its bunker, a once-secret Cold War fallout shelter built beneath the grounds to house Congress. Guided tours of the bunker and the resort interiors are open to the public and offer a remarkable look at mid-century history.
Even if you are not staying overnight, the surrounding town is worth a stroll, and the resort offers dining, golf and spa experiences for day visitors by reservation.
The Greenbrier River Trail runs 78 miles along the river between Cass and North Caldwell, following a former railroad grade with gentle grades and packed gravel surfacing. It is a favorite for cyclists, walkers and cross-country skiers.
The trail passes through the county's prettiest river bottom, with swimming holes, fishing access, wooden trestles and several primitive campsites spaced for multi-day trips. You can ride a section in an afternoon or make an overnight journey of the whole route.
Because the grade is so gentle, it suits all ages and abilities. Outfitters in Marlinton and Lewisburg rent bikes and arrange shuttles for one-way rides.
A guided walk descends into a vast limestone chamber full of towering stalactites, columns and the famous "War Club" formation. The self-guided tour is cool and family-friendly, and an on-site museum adds fossils and minerals to the visit.
Held each August at the fairgrounds in Fairlea near Lewisburg, the State Fair brings concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides and classic fair food. It is the county's biggest annual event and draws visitors from across the region.
The Greenbrier River is the county's outdoor spine. It offers easy flatwater paddling, warm-water fishing for smallmouth bass and a gentle float that families can enjoy. Trout anglers head for the colder tributaries and the stocked streams higher in the hills.
To the north and west, the county edges the Monongahela National Forest and the Cranberry Wilderness, opening up hundreds of miles of hiking and backcountry camping. Watoga State Park and Droop Mountain Battlefield are short drives from Lewisburg.
In winter, the higher elevations around the county see reliable snow, and cross-country skiers often have the river trail and forest roads to themselves.
Interstate 64 runs across the county, putting Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs about an hour from Charleston and under an hour from Beckley. Most attractions are within a 20-minute drive of Lewisburg.
Town
Arts, dining and history in the county seat.
Trails
Rail trails and singletrack across WV.
On the Water
Bass, trout and float trips on the Greenbrier.
Next Door
Cass, Snowshoe and the high mountain playground.
Camp
Sites along the river and in the forest.
Drive
Link the valley into a bigger loop.
Yes. Two days lets you tour Lewisburg, ride or walk part of the Greenbrier River Trail, see Lost World Caverns and visit White Sulphur Springs. Add a third day for outdoor adventures.
Yes. Day visitors can book guided bunker tours and dining or spa experiences by reservation. Check current policies before you go, as access can change seasonally.
It runs about 78 miles between Cass and North Caldwell. Most visitors ride a 10- to 20-mile section, with shuttle services available for one-way trips.
The Greenbrier resort and its Cold War bunker, historic Lewisburg, the Greenbrier River Trail, Lost World Caverns and the State Fair of West Virginia.
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication devoted to the Mountain State. We visit each region in person and turn what we learn into clear, practical county guides. Read our story →
