Hiking and Biking
The mountains and forests of this part of West Virginia offer trails for both hikers and bikers, with a wide range of options both in terms of length and level of challenge. Hikers should start by placing their attention firmly on the Greenbrier State Forest, with its 13 miles of trails winding up and around Kate's Mountain. Mountain bikers will find plenty of reconditioned old country roads and abandoned rail lines in the area, as well as more rugged and challenging paths. For both hikers and bikers, there is the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail.
Greenbrier State Forest
HC 30 Box 154
Caldwell, WV 24925
(304) 536-1944
greenbriersf.com
Skiing
The aforementioned Greenbrier River Trail switches over to cross-country skiing when the winter snows settle in. In addition, White Sulphur Springs is only about 40 miles (and half of that by interstate) from the Homestead Ski Area, just over the border in Virginia. This makes White Sulphur Springs a good, central base for taking in the wide range of skiing opportunities.
Fishing
The Greenbrier River is well-known as a place to angle for smallmouth bass. Farther afield, fishermen on both sides of the West Virginia-Virginia border have benefited from an aggressive program of stocking the James River and the New River with muskellunge. There are also stocked ponds and lakes in the area, such as Big Pine Trout Farm, which as the name implies is well-stocked with trout.
Big Pine Trout Farm
PO Box 346
New Castle, VA 24127
877-277-TROUT
bigpinetroutfarm.com
The Greenbrier Hotel
The Greenbrier Hotel and its hot mineral springs have stood as a mountain resort and spa for more than 230 years. Going to the Greenbrier for a soothing bath in the sulfurous spring waters makes a great capstone to whatever outdoor adventure you have planned in the White Sulfur Springs area, and the spa is open to non-guests. Also, a minor historical note is that the Cold War-era bunker that members of Congress were supposed to be evacuated to in the event of nuclear war was built on the Greenbrier's property, and is now standing there as a museum.
The Greenbrier Hotel
300 West Main St.
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
(800) 453-4858
greenbrier.com
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
