Attractions and Places To See in Greenbrier County - Top 5

Greenbrier County offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore the 164-acre Lake Sherwood Recreation Area for swimming, boating, and camping. The Big Draft Wilderness and Spice Run Wilderness provide extensive trail systems for hiking and horseback riding. The Greenbrier River Trail is popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, while the Greenbrier River itself is ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. For more detailed routes, you can explore cycling guides for Greenbrier County.

Yes, Greenbrier County has several family-friendly options. Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is perfect for families with its beach, swimming, and picnic areas. The Droop Mountain Tunnel offers a unique, adventurous experience for all ages. Many trails, including parts of the Greenbrier River Trail, are suitable for families. Additionally, exploring Big Draft Wilderness can be a fun way to spot wildlife.

Greenbrier County is rich in history. You can visit the historic Droop Mountain Tunnel, a 402-foot railway passage completed in 1900. The Greenbrier Resort offers tours of its Cold War-era bunker. Lewisburg boasts a 236-acre National Register Historic District with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture, including the Old Stone Presbyterian Church (1796) and the Greenbrier County Courthouse (1837). The North House Museum & Archives provides insights into the area's past.

The county is home to stunning natural features. Explore the geological formations of Lost World Caverns and Organ Cave, both National Natural Landmarks. The Big Draft Wilderness and Spice Run Wilderness offer pristine forests and rivers. Beartown State Park features massive sandstone cliffs and deep crevices. Don't miss Kate's Mountain Overlook for panoramic views or the Greenbrier River, the longest free-flowing river in the state.

Absolutely. The Big Draft Wilderness features a 14-mile trail system. The Greenbrier River Trail, accessible from the Greenbrier River Trail Southern Terminus, is a 78-mile rail-trail suitable for hiking. Greenbrier State Forest and Monongahela National Forest also provide extensive opportunities for hiking through diverse ecosystems. Lake Sherwood Recreation Area also has several hiking trails.

Greenbrier County offers unique cultural experiences such as visiting Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, one of only four still-operating Carnegie Halls globally, which hosts live performances. The Greenbrier Valley Theatre is West Virginia's premier professional theater. You can also take a tour of the Cold War-era bunker at The Greenbrier Resort for a glimpse into a fascinating piece of history.

Yes, many outdoor areas in Greenbrier County are dog-friendly. The Lake Sherwood Recreation Area and Big Draft Wilderness are welcoming to dogs on their trails. The Greenbrier River Trail is also a popular choice for walking with your canine companion. Always remember to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

The best time to visit Greenbrier County for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and pleasant hiking weather. Summer is ideal for water activities at Lake Sherwood and on the Greenbrier River. Fall offers spectacular foliage, perfect for scenic drives and hiking. While some activities are available, winter can bring snow and colder temperatures, limiting certain outdoor pursuits.

Water enthusiasts will find plenty to do. Lake Sherwood Recreation Area is excellent for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Greenbrier River, the longest free-flowing river in West Virginia, is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. You can also find natural mineral springs and swimming holes like Blue Bend, Anthony Creek, and Second Creek for a refreshing dip.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Kate's Mountain Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trails within Big Draft Wilderness offer scenic glimpses of the forest and its wildlife. The Greenbrier River Trail also provides picturesque views along the Greenbrier River, especially from its numerous bridges.

Yes, Greenbrier County is a great destination for cyclists. The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile rail-trail perfect for biking, offering scenic views and a relatively flat surface. You can find various cycling routes, including options for both touring and road cycling, with different difficulty levels. Explore cycling guides for Greenbrier County to discover routes like the Greenbrier River Trail Loop or the Alderson to Lewisburg loop.

Yes, Greenbrier County is home to diverse wildlife. In areas like the Big Draft Wilderness, you might spot whitetail deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Greenbrier State Forest and Monongahela National Forest also offer excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting due to their rich ecosystems. Keep an eye out, especially during dawn and dusk.