Greenbrier River Trail Old Railroad Grade
Historic railroad grade through limestone country
The old Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad grade parallels the Greenbrier River for 78 miles, passing through tunnels blasted from solid limestone and over trestles that still carry traffic a century later. This converted rail-trail maintains its original gravel ballast, creating an easy overland route through some of West Virginia’s most remote river valleys. The highlight is Sharps Tunnel, a 511-foot bore through Droop Mountain where Confederate and Union forces clashed in 1863.
Any vehicle with decent ground clearance can handle the compacted gravel surface, though the trail officially prohibits motorized vehicles — check current regulations. The route stays open year-round with several access points near Marlinton, Hillsboro, and Caldwell. No permits required, but respect private property boundaries that often come right to the trail edge. Multiple camping options along the river, and the small railroad towns offer resupply. This is West Virginia history at 25 mph.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125.5 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Lewisburg, WV |
| Land manager | West Virginia State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | wvstateparks.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or F-150 handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck handles this fine — it's a decommissioned railroad grade, so grades are gentle and the gravel surface is well-maintained. No lift required, no lockers needed.
When does the trail typically close, and is it passable in early spring?
The trail is generally accessible March through November. Early spring can bring mud and occasional flooding from the Greenbrier River, so check with WV State Parks before heading out if you're going before May.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive or camp on this trail?
No vehicle permit is required to use the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed, but check with West Virginia State Parks for any current regulations or designated camping zones — rules can shift seasonally.
What's the hardest section, and is there anything that could actually catch me off guard?
There's no technically difficult section on this trail — it's an old railroad grade, so nothing gets gnarly. The catch is the length: 78 miles point-to-point means logistics and fuel planning matter more than driving skill.
How far is the nearest gas station, and should I plan fuel stops along the route?
Lewisburg, WV is your best fuel stop near the southern end; Marlinton sits roughly mid-route and has gas. With 78 miles of driving plus any side exploration, top off whenever you're near a town — there are long stretches with nothing.
Trail track
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