Recap: Greenbrier River Trail
Our group. Thanks to Mark for organizing.
Day 1: Lewisburg, WV to camp
Ray’s pack list with notes and randomness
The Greenbrier River Trail trailhead near Lewisburg, WV is a 4.5 hour drive from Columbus. We left early morning and arrived in time for lunch in town. We stopped at Thunderbird Tacos for lunch and coffee next door at The Wild Bean before heading to the trailhead to set out. We setup our bikes and rolled out north on the trail. Along the way we saw the impact of recent heavy rains in the watershed area with washouts at bridge crossings, mudflows, muddy streams and the elevated Greenbrier river level. We stopped around halfway to clamber down to the water and sit on the rocks.
Just past mile 25 is a campsite with two sections split by a water pump and a pit toilet. We decided to fill up a water bladder and carry water to the next campsite around mile 30. The 30 mile campsite has a couple tent pads, shelter and pit toilet, but no water unless you want to filter from the river. Plus a path has been cut to the river for easy wading/swimming. The river was up so we decided to skip messing around in the water. We had dinner in camp and had a small campfire.
Day 2: Camp to Seneca State Forest Campground
We had breakfast and coffee in camp. Paul couldn't find his new coffee filter to make pour-over so he made do with cowboy coffee. The look on his face says it all. Or does it? (see photos below)
Back on the trail we meandered along the river to Marlinton where we met up with Pete who setup camp at Seneca State Forest Campground and rode south on the trail from Clover Lick. Lunch at Dirtbean is always good. Their fish tacos are really tasty and the coffee helped keep moving in the afternoon. Once we reached Clover Lick we had to make a decision. Our original route took us up a narrow paved road to WV28 where we would find the campground. OR, we could take the “closed to motor vehicle” gravel road that brought us straight into the state park. We chose the latter. Clover Lick Road turned out to be a 2 mile gravel ascent that gained 1000 feet. Midway up the climb I took the Snickers bar that Pete offered and scarfed it down along with a Honey Stinger bar to regain my energy levels. At the top we celebrated with a cold beer and then learned there was another paved climb out of the lake valley. That climb wasn’t too bad and we dropped down into the valley to the campground.
The campground is up a small valley and only has 10 sites with put toilet, firewood and water all very accessible. The state park itself is within the National Radio Quiet Zone so cellular signals are non-existent. However, the camp store had wifi and after we showered we checked the weather. Unfortunately the initial forecast of 1-2 inches, plus additional rain for our days on the trail curbed our enthusiasm. Since we had the option we decided to cut out the next day of exploring around Green Bank, WV and head back south on the trail to dodge the rain. After returning to the campground we had a wonderful dinner of grilled brats on buns with a side of vegetables, plus a nice campfire.
Day 3: Seneca State Forest Campground to camp
The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is one of West Virginia State Parks most iconic attractions. The 65-foot tower provides 360-degree views of the forest and unobstructed views of the night sky. The tower may be reserved for overnight stays, between May and October. The tower has two cots but can accommodate up to four guests.
Day three was supposed to be our exploration day around Green Bank, WV and Cass, WV on the back roads. Since the weather wasn’t going to cooperate we broke camp and had breakfast. Paul found his pour over filter and made some great tasting coffee. His words, not mine. Pete made us great bagel sandwiches with eggs, cheese and sausage. Thanks Pete for the great food!
After breakfast we headed back over to the campstore and climbed back up the first paved ridge. Instead of following the same path as we came into the park we took the road less traveled on the way out. Seneca State Forest features a Loop Road just like Canaan Valley. This Loop Road features more ups than downs and passes a scenic overlook and the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower. After passing the tower the road drops down to Clover Lick Road that we climbed on day two.
After we bounced our way down two miles of gravel, ruts and loose dirt we crossed the Greenbrier River into Clover Lick and headed south. Most restaurants in Marlinton are closed on Sunday so we stopped at the old depot for a snack and then kept moving. The weather was pleasant. In Seebert we stopped at Jack Horner's Corner Store for pizza (nothing special), snacks and water since we planned to camp at the 30 mile campground again which does not have a water pump.
Once at camp we setup our tents and prepared for rain by putting our gear in the shelter. We headed down for a quick swim in the river and to wash off. Rain soon arrived and we drank some bourbon, ate dinner and talked in the shelter. As it got dark we heard a cyclist come down the trail. A man with a trailer pulled up and behind him was his daughter. We had a quick conversation with him as they arrived but didn’t want to hold up their setup. He hung their hammocks in the trees on the other side of the campground. We headed to sleep early as the rain continued to fall.
Greg stands next to Ray’s bike. When he arrived in the dark we gave him an Ohio Gravel Grinders sticker and he reciprocated with a Rockgeist sticker. Turns out he sews and produces adventure bags for Rockgeist in Asheville, NC and made the bags on Ray’s handlebars recently. What a small world!
Day 4: Camp to Lewisburg, WV
The rain fell overnight and soaked the campsite. Puddles settled into the low spots and it continued to sprinkle as we headed to the shelter to make breakfast. As we left we had a nice conversation with Greg who had arrived late the night before. (See photo)
The temps were cooler as we set out and the trail was wet but the rain had stopped. Trail conditions weren’t too bad. There were some puddles and mushy spots along the way. We moved a couple tree branches off the trail as we headed south and stopped at the Anthony Rd Boat Launch which could be a backup plan if the main parking lot in Lewisburg is full. Anthony is about 10 miles north of the southern terminus.
After we broke down our bikes and cleaned up a little we headed into town for lunch. Most, if not all, of the restaurants we approached were closed since it was Monday. We headed out of town and found Jim’s Drive-In. The restaurant is a Drive-In style restaurant with old fashion curb side service serving food since the early 1950s. We walked up to check out the menu and a regular gave us a recommendation. He said get the “Big Jim Burger”with fries. We all ordered a Big Jim burger, fries and drink and the meal was pretty good.
