Greenbrier River Trail
A 78-mile rail-trail for biking, walking and horseback riding right through town.
Pocahontas County · High Alleghenies
Things to Do in Marlinton WV
Set on the Greenbrier River in the heart of Pocahontas County, Marlinton is a gateway to the Greenbrier River Trail, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cranberry Glades and Snowshoe. Here is how to explore the High Alleghenies.
Quick Info
- County
- Pocahontas County
- Best For
- Rail-trails, railroads, wilderness, skiing
- Best Time to Visit
- May through October; winter for skiing
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Getting There
- On WV-219 in the High Alleghenies, about 45 minutes from Lewisburg and 1 hour 30 minutes from Elkins.
The Heart of Pocahontas County
Marlinton is the county seat of Pocahontas County, a place so rich in wild country and mountain culture that it is nicknamed “Nature’s Mountain Playground.” The town sits on the Greenbrier River, which doubles as the route of one of the state’s best rail-trails.
From here, day trips reach the Cass Scenic Railroad, the otherworldly Cranberry Glades, the Civil War site at Droop Mountain and the ski slopes of Snowshoe Mountain.
Downtown Marlinton is small but proud, with a restored Opera House, a historical museum and a growing base for paddlers and cyclists on the river trail.
Best Things to Do
Top Marlinton Experiences
Pocahontas County Opera House
A restored 1910 theater hosting concerts, plays and community events.
Cass Scenic Railroad
Ride a historic logging train, a 20-minute drive up the valley.
Cranberry Glades
A rare boreal bog with a boardwalk and plants usually found far to the north.
Snowshoe Mountain
A major ski and bike resort about 45 minutes away.
Pocahontas County Historical Museum
Local history, railroad and logging heritage in downtown Marlinton.
Greenbrier River Paddling
Canoe and kayak floats from Marlinton through quiet mountain scenery.
Highland Scenic Highway
One of the state’s most beautiful drives, with overlooks and Cranberry access.
Top Attractions
- Greenbrier River Trail — the longest rail-trail in West Virginia.
- Pocahontas County Opera House — live entertainment downtown.
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park — historic steam excursions.
- Cranberry Glades Botanical Area — a unique boreal bog.
- Droop Mountain Battlefield — a Civil War site with an observation tower.
- Highland Scenic Highway — waterfalls and mountain overlooks.
Outdoor Activities
Biking the Rail-Trail
The Greenbrier River Trail is gentle, scenic and perfect for all ages.
Hiking
Cranberry Glades, Falls of Hills Creek and Droop Mountain offer diverse trails.
Canoeing & Kayaking
The Greenbrier River is a classic flatwater float through the mountains.
Fishing
Smallmouth bass and trout fill the Greenbrier and its tributaries.
Skiing & Biking
Snowshoe Mountain offers downhill skiing in winter and lift-served biking in summer.
Camping
Watoga, Seneca State Forest and forest campgrounds are all nearby.
Historic Attractions
Marlinton’s Pocahontas County Opera House, built in 1910, has been restored to host live performances again, a symbol of the town’s revival.
The Pocahontas County Historical Museum preserves logging and railroad heritage, and the Cass Scenic Railroad brings the logging era vividly to life.
At nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, trails and an observation tower mark the site of one of West Virginia’s largest Civil War battles.
Restaurants
The Dirt Bean
A beloved Marlinton cafe for coffee, sandwiches and trail fuel.
Riverside Diners
Home-style meals and breakfast spots along WV-219.
Pizza & Comfort Food
Casual family restaurants for a post-ride dinner.
Cass Depot Dining
Meals near the scenic railroad before or after your train ride.
Snowshoe Village Eats
Mountain resort restaurants 45 minutes away.
Bakeries & Coffee Shops
Pick up supplies for a day on the trail or in the glades.
Places to Stay
- Cass Company Houses — historic railroad-era lodging in Cass.
- Watoga State Park cabins — a wooded and peaceful retreat nearby.
- Snowshoe Mountain lodges — resort rooms and condos for ski trips.
- Marlinton motels & B&Bs — simple, friendly stays in town.
- Forest campgrounds — tent and RV sites along the Greenbrier.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Watoga State Park — about 15 minutes.
- Cass Scenic Railroad — about 20 minutes.
- Cranberry Glades — about 20 minutes.
- Droop Mountain Battlefield — about 20 minutes.
- Snowshoe Mountain — about 45 minutes.
- Lewisburg — about 45 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is prime season for the rail-trail, paddling and the scenic railroad. Fall is stunning, with highland foliage across Cranberry and the scenic highway.
Winter brings skiers to Snowshoe, while spring offers quiet trails, wildflowers and rushing water.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: bike a section of the Greenbrier River Trail from town.
- Late morning: visit the Pocahontas County Historical Museum.
- Lunch: a downtown cafe or the Dirt Bean.
- Afternoon: drive to Cranberry Glades for the boardwalk and a short hike.
- Evening: return for a show at the Opera House.
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: bike the Greenbrier River Trail in the morning, explore Marlinton in the afternoon, and catch a performance at the Opera House.
Day 2: ride the Cass Scenic Railroad, then visit Cranberry Glades or Droop Mountain before heading home.
Marlinton on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marlinton WV known for?
The Greenbrier River Trail, the historic Pocahontas County Opera House and access to Cass, Cranberry Glades and Snowshoe.
Is the Greenbrier River Trail good for biking?
Yes — it is a gentle, well-maintained rail-trail suitable for almost any skill level.
How far is Marlinton from Snowshoe?
Snowshoe Mountain is about 45 minutes from Marlinton by road.
What are the Cranberry Glades?
A rare high-elevation bog ecosystem with a boardwalk, home to plants typically found in Canada.
When is the best time to visit Marlinton?
Summer for the rail-trail and railroad, or early October for highland fall color.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication covering West Virginia’s destinations, outdoor adventures, history and food. Our Marlinton guide is written to help you plan a memorable Pocahontas County trip.
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