Mountain Biking
Greenbrier State Forest
Caldwell, West Virginia
Everything from easy double track to precarious single track.
by Jeff Cobb, Outdoor Travels
West Virginia is lucky to be blessed with several state forests consisting of hundreds of thousands of acres of prime forest land which has been set aside for recreational opportunities or simply to preserve the natural beauty of the state and its wildlife.
One of the nicest of these state forests is the Greenbrier State Forest. And I’m happy to say this jewel is right in my back yard only about a 20 minute drive from my front door. Located in the southeastern corner of the state near the border of Virginia, the GSF provides over 5,100 acres of heavily forested, mountainous terrain for outdoor recreation.
The dominating feature of the GSF is 3,280 foot tall Kate's Mountain. All of the trails in the forest either plummet from the top of Kate’s or wind their way around her base. None of the trails within the forest are considered flat, per se, but several are much more hilly than others. The Harts Run creek makes its way through the park, and several small tributaries and streams crisscross the forest.
The road that leads over Kate’s Mountain begins near the forest entrance just off I-64, and winds its way 8 miles over the summit and down the other side of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll come across several overlooks that offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside as well as a bird’s eye view of The Greenbrier (http://www.greenbrier.com) in the distance. In fact, the road comes out right across from the world renowned resort. Just down the road are several new housing developments where well-known stars have built vacation homes to take advantage of the Sam Snead designed golf courses. In fact, I ran into Ron Howard at the local Wal-Mart, but that’s another story.
Also located nearby are the Greenbrier River Trail and historic Lewisburg, with its quaint B&Bs, antique shops, art galleries, and fabulous restaurants. If you don’t want to camp or stay in a cabin in the forest, and you can’t afford to stay at the Greenbrier (who can?), I’d suggest you make your way to Lewisburg where there are plenty of affordable lodging options.
As for riding, it ranges from good to pretty darn good. Nothing world class or highly technical, but plenty of nice variety to entertain most anybody. I think sometimes I become jaded by what I have right at my doorstep and have a tendency to underestimate its value to those outside the area. I think this is the case with the GSF. I would rate it among the top seven mountain biking destinations in West Virginia, along with Slatyfork, Snowshoe, Cranberry Wilderness, Tea Creek Mountain, Mountwood, and the Kanawha State Forest. GSF is very similar to KSF in terms of its layout, i.e. you must hump it up a rather large hill to get to the fun downhill trails. Unlike the KSF, riders have the opportunity to shuttle bikes with cars because there is a road to the top of the hill in the GSF.
Trail Reviews:
Old Roads Trail (1.6 miles):
Begins as double track but eventually the trail narrows to single track. A gradual climb that turns a little steeper until you eventually top a ridge and start an exhilarating downhill that empties out into a Wildlife area. Several sharp switchbacks and challenging terrain make this a good trail for the advanced beginner who is in good shape. You skirt the field to the right and find the trail again in a steep downhill through a small stream that ends with a short rise to the next trail intersection. At this point, you can continue right on Old Roads trail back to the paved forest road, or turn left up Black Bear.
Black Bear Trail (2.0 miles):
You can access this trail from Old Fields near the forest office (the long way), or from Old Fields via the forest road (short way). There are several leg-burning climbs that may have you pushing, depending on your fitness level. But it’s worth the climb for several adrenaline pumping downhills. Most of the trail hugs a ridgeline; it’s pretty technical single track with no margin for error with a steep embankment on one side and a sharp drop-off on the other. Riders must circumnavigate several technical switchbacks and narrow trails. As you near the end of Black Bear, you are faced with three options: You can take a left at the first trail junction you come to (Young's Nature Trail); a left at the second trail junction you come to (Old Fields Trail); or continue on to the paved road and back to the car.
Old Fields Trail (1.5 miles):
This trail consists mostly old forest road. An undulating, roller coaster of a trail with a grass surface with some areas of large gravel. There are several downhills and climbs before a final downhill portion that empties into one of the beautiful mountain meadows that West Virginia is noted for. The flat portion of the meadow is utilized every summer as the location for a Civil War re-enactment with cannons, canvas tents, and period costumes. Old Fields trail ends at the paved forest road. Nice scenery, decent trail.
Rocky Ridge (2.1 miles):
Can be accessed from Old Roads near the park office or from the top of Kate’s Mountain. Unless you are a billy goat or masochist, I would definitely start from the top. There is an initial hill at the very beginning, but after that it’s all downhill. Near the top, there are some very steep sections. Throw in the leaves, loose shale rock, and roots and you have all the makings of an intermediate advanced trail. At firs you will find yourself surfing, wheels locked, not so much riding down the trail as you are sliding down it. You’ll negotiate one tricky downhill log crossing and one steep bank drop where the trail crosses a forest road. There’s also a stair step drop over some rocks right smack dab in a very steep section of trail that is tough. Lots of fun.
Young’s Nature Trail (1.7 miles):
This trail can be accessed from Black Bear or from the top of Kate’s Mountain. Again, as with Rocky Ridge, I’d advise riders to start at the top and ride down. Shorter and not quite as steep as Rocky Ridge, but really fun in its own right. Some steep early sections that gradually become more moderate. You will lock and slide down the early sections, but once you clear that you can go balls to the wall, or as fast as you dare. In the fall be careful because the leaves might be coving a substantial rock or log that could really put a hurting on you. There is one really cool banked turn halfway through, like a motorcross course. Very fun trail.
Trail Snapshot
Trail(s): Nearly 15 miles of trails. Also paved and gravel forest roads. Trail surfaces vary from leaf to grass to roots, dirt and rocks.
Difficulty: Somewhere between advanced beginner and intermediate advanced.
Outdoor Travels Rating: 3 bikes out of 5 bikes. Well maintained trails tax you aerobically and challenge you with some technical riding, but nothing over the top in terms of difficulty.
Thumbs Up
- Very easy access from major interstate, I-64.
- Nice variations, from double to single tracks, technical to easy, and everything in between.
- Several water crossings. Not too deep but enough splashing to make it fun.
- All trails marked with wooden directional signs; not much chance of getting lost.
- State park amenities allow for lodging, camping, picnic, and swimming if desired.
Thumbs Down
- Several steep climbs may require the obligatory bike push. This is a negative for some, not for others.
- Portions of trail are very narrow with steep drop-offs. Again, this is fun for some but will freak novice riders out.
- A long 4-mile road climb to get to the top of Kate’s Mountain. Much of the fun is riding the trails from the top of the mountain down, so you’ll be climbing or shuttling.
Nuts and Bolts
Location: Greenbrier State Forest is located near Lewisburg, WV. The park is just off I-64 outside of White Sulphur Springs. The Virginia state line is only about 10 miles from the forest.
Directions: From Interstate 64 east or west, take Exit 175 (White Sulphur Springs) and follow signs 1 1/2 miles to the forest. You will pass through a tunnel almost immediately off I-64, then follow the 2-lane road past homes and forest lands to the park.
Facilities: 13 cabins for rent. The cabins feature electric lighting, a wood burning fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, and bath with shower. Cabins open the second Friday in April and close October 31. A 16-unit campground, suitable for tents, trailers, and other recreational vehicles is available. Each site features electric hookup, a picnic table and stone fireplace with a grill. A central bathhouse provides guests with hot showers and restroom facilities. The campground opens the second Friday in April and closes November 30. Phone: (304) 536-1944, email at greenbrier@dnr.state.wv.us, or call the WV Tourism Office at 1-800-CALL WVA.
Activities: swimming pool, mountain biking, hiking, archery, picnicking, and camping.
Admission: none.
Nearby Attractions: The Greenbrier Resort, historic Lewisburg, Greenbrier River Trail, Moncove Lake State Park, Organ Cave, Lost World Caverns, National Fish Hatchery, Carnegie Hall, North House Museum, Greenbrier County Historical Society, Greenbrier Valley Theater, West Virginia State Fair (August), several outfitters offer Greenbrier River float trips and shuttle service, and several public golf courses.
Maps and Stuff
Do you like all the details? Then see who crashed, and what happened on a few select past rides!
Lots of great photos to give you a good idea of what riding here is like!
