Does your bike have a permanent place on the top of your car or hitched on your bumper? Are your vacation destinations selected by the quality of riding? If given a choice between leaving your spouse at home or leaving your bike behind – well, there’s really no choice to be made?
Take a hard look at the Greenbrier Valley for your next exploratory weekend getaway. After all, with so many riding options, there’s no reason to leave home without either of your much-loved companions.
You’ll find Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs are just right for "home base." Between the two towns--only 15 minutes apart--there are numerous options to rest your head, laid-back eateries for a sit-down bite to eat and informed folks with plenty of knowledge about the area.
With more than one way to enjoy a bike ride in these mountains, options run the gamut from road and recreational jaunts to mountain bike and downhill rides.
For starters, check out the Greenbrier River Trail. It’s a gravel-packed, rails-to-trails that loosely follows the Greenbrier River for 78 miles. Its easy, one-percent grade is suitable for any age or skill level. Depending on your agenda and ambition, your time in the saddle can be an hour or two or extended to a multi-day, overnight trek. To make your excursion even more of an adventure, plan a few stops along the trail. There are picnic sites, swimming and fishing holes, even established campsites with rustic facilities and potable water. If you’re lacking an extra shuttle vehicle or prefer a guided trip, check in with WV Outdoor Adventures.
If you are in the Rainelle area, definitely look into the Meadow River Rail Trail. This trail is a 18.5-mile point-to-point route through rugged, scenic country, open to walkers, bikers (including e-bikers) and horseback riders, with a hard-packed gravel surface, a gentle grade that drops from south to north, and room for side-by-side travel. You can start at either end, with paved parking, a sheltered picnic table and handicap spaces at the southern trailhead off Snake Island Road in Rainelle, or beside the Nallen Post Office at the northern end. Need a shuttle or bike rental? Contact Meadow River Guides & Gear.
Another easy-to-access trail system is located in the Greenbrier State Forest. There are 16 miles of single-track trails that wind through 5,000 acres of forested parklands. Trails range from beginner-style mountain bike loops to full-throttle, downhill descents equipped with natural, gravity features and machine-built berms and tabletops. Before heading out on your adventure, check out the options and routes.
Sixteen miles of single-track winds through 5,000 acres of forested parklands.
For those who prefer hardtop, the Greenbrier Valley’s mountainous terrain features mile-upon-mile of low-traffic, country road options. Most are mid-range climbs that max out around 3,000 feet and roll across pasture lands, through hardwood forests, over streams and creeks and by the occasional roadside township.
Road riders with a hybrid-style bike will appreciate the 22-mile loop over Kate’s Mountain. It’s a mixed-surface option – pavement and hard-pack gravel -- that tops out at 3,200 feet. It’s a beast of a mountain but so worth it for the spectacular view.
A shortlist of local eateries for fueling up before you go or refueling after your ride.
Gustard's Bistro – casual setting with an upscale take on sandwiches, pizzas and main dish entrees
Max on Main - American classics such as wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, steaks and comfort foods
Cook’s Country Kitchen – home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner menu
The Market - deli sandwiches and salads, ice cream
Hill and Holler - wood-fired Neopolitan pizzas, house-smoked wings, local brews
The Asylum – burgers, salads, sandwiches along with the best-fried chicken in town, full bar
The Wild Bean – full coffee menu, healthy breakfast and lunch items, smoothies and desserts
Taco Taco - authentic Mexican taqueria, made fresh
Depending on your bike-related needs, you’ll find the local service is knowledgeable and friendly.
Greenbrier Outfitters – rentals, guided trips, shuttles
Hammer Cycles - trail advice, gear, bike service, shuttles
Greenbrier River Shuttles - shuttle services for the Greenbrier River Trail
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