No such luck! (See above). near I-64 (North Caldwell) to Deer Creek Rd. We chose to start in Marlinton due to remoteness of the trail and lack opportunities to replenish supplies. The closest you can access the southern trailhead of the Greenbrier River Trail is at milepost 3, where there is a parking area and water fountain. We will be back soon to try a more northern section. We started at Marlinton (milepost 56) and headed north. But it is an uphill climb from the trail. Since my friend and I had biked the New River Trail and used fairly inexpensive shuttle services, we had hoped to do the same here. near Back Mountain Rd. Then at around mile 65, you enter Sharps Tunnel. near Back Mountain Rd. Not too long after this, we passed Renick. Overall the experience was fabulous. I rode it on a 700 x 35 tire w/ camping gear/paniers and had a fair amt of trouble. The surface is sometimes bumpy with large gravel, but not so much that it would make me wish that I was not out there riding. The water pump stations were great, although there was a iron smell/taste in each one.
The Current is so relaxing, quiet and restfull which is good because it's about 36 miles to the end of the trail on the last day. Day 3 we began heading north to Cass (16 mi) where we planned to turn around and finish in Marlinton. One day about the middle of the trail we never passed a single person. My friend and I agreed that this is a better hiking trail because there are other trails that link to it and other sites that are best viewed on foot. Found wild mushrooms (Chicken of the Wood) and had them fried for breakfast the next day. We stayed in Marlington at the Clark Inn after the first 24 mile section (Cass to Marlington). It is the longest trail of its kind in West Virginia. The site here was very nice with a brand new camping shelter. We stayed at the Current B&B the second night. Well, none that we could really take notice of. It had a bit more information that I found useful, especially how to get to the north and south trailheads. This is a great trail, clean as a whistle, nice bridges and tunnels. Still the picnic area was open and contained toilets and fresh water. Oh well, perhaps it's better that way....Almost Heaven!
Once a C&O rail line, the Greenbrier River Trail follows 78 miles of the longest free-flowing river in the East and winds through two counties rife with wildlife and scenic beauty. We parked at the south end at Caldwell and shuttled up with Chuck at All Sports to Cass. Most also have a picnic table and fire pit. This was the middle of October 2011. I also ran into some very nice folks on my trip, to include a "wagon train" on my second day. I enjoyed the tent spots that include water and bathroom service. This section is very remote. Other trails we've been on had renovated several train stations and used them to sell supplies and souvenirs. It was basically two narrow tire tracks with grass in the middle taking up most of the trail. We hit it lucky as there was a concert at the Opry House in Marlington the night we were there. If you make this trip, be prepared for gravel double track part of the way.
The experience was both varied and fascinating. Promo code: WVSTRONG. Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Trail access point, limited parking. Only regret was that we didn't do it in warmer weather, 85 degrees and up. Even sites without water & outhouse had unique qualities, like location and river view. There were very few people on the trail at this time. The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. However, definitely take along supplies because of the trail's remoteness in many areas. I started out in Marlinton, where I satyed at the Jerico Bed & Breakfast, less than a mile from the trail. The flowers, vegetation, and the little towns are worth every push of a pedal. ""The only way I have used rail-trails is for backpacking and I must say there are not enough rail-trails to accommodate this type of use. The GRT route and its contours were originally engineered by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, serving as a passenger and freight line before becoming unviable after the Great Depression. This is a trail I would not recommend. Relax, enjoy the scenery and the wildlife here in Pocahontas County along one of West Virginia’s most successful rail-to-trail conversions. Because of the river being nearby, there are ample opportunities to take a break and cool off in the cold water. The trail provides many breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges, goes through two tunnels and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas. Not a real good place to start from at Cass.