The Greenbrier Valley is a full-featured outdoor playground, and this day-tripper itinerary shares some of our favorite fresh-air destinations. Whether it’s hiking, biking or a good cooling off you seek, we’ve got you covered. And to top it off, we have just the place to keep you fueled up for a full day of fun outdoors.
The Monongahela National Forest covers nearly a million acres of West Virginia's highlands, and a weekend spent hiking and biking its trails or swimming in its waters is a solid reason to head to White Sulphur Springs afterward. This charming town offers a mix of dining options, from cozy local cafes to polished restaurants serving up genuine Southern hospitality, making it a destination worth savoring one meal at a time.
Settle in at The Schoolhouse Hotel for ultimate refined comfort. For a less upscale vibe, check out Howard’s Creek Inn and check in to keep things simple and low-key. For your first dinner, head to Gustard's, a staple of the White Sulphur Springs dining scene, and taste farm-to-table twists on classic dishes.
For breakfast, make your way to Across the Board Game Cafe, sip a seasonal drink, and play one of 400 board games. Meander through Downtown White Sulphur Springs and find unique boutiques and stores to stop and shop at. Pick up lunch from Fien’s Deli with choices like wraps, sandwiches, salads and sweets, and make your way to the forest.
History Stop: Established in 1920 under the Weeks Act, the forest was born from a push to protect watersheds after decades of logging had stripped the mountains bare. What began as a 7,200-acre purchase in 1915 grew to over 150,000 acres within a decade and eventually to over 921,000 acres. Land wasn’t the only thing that needed rebuilding. White-tailed deer, decimated by the 1920s, were reintroduced in small batches starting in 1930 and rebounded so successfully that by the mid-1940s farmers were guarding their crops at night.
Hike, bike, play disc golf, swim or fish. There's enough here to fill a weekend without repeating yourself. Before you hit the trails, it's worth knowing what you're walking through. Anglers can work the streams for trout, while the disc golf courses scattered through the district offer a lower-effort way to spend an afternoon outdoors.
Ready to cool off? Head to Blue Bend, a local favorite known for its deep swimming waters, rocky beaches, and plenty of sunshine. If paddling or kayaking is more your speed, head to Lake Sherwood, where calm water makes for the perfect afternoon on the lake. Whatever you choose, the forest rewards time spent moving through it rather than just passing by. Find a good view and enjoy your packed lunch from Fien’s Deli and keep on adventuring.
Go back to base in the heart of White Sulphur Springs. For fresh, made-from-scratch fare in a chic industrial space, stop by Max on Main, where wood-fired pizzas, locally sourced dishes, and craft cocktails come together in a renovated dining room that flows onto its open-air patio. Savor the last few moments and reminisce about the outdoor getaway.
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