Greenbrier River

Description:

The Greenbrier River is a classic canoeing stream in West Virginia that starts in the mountains near Spruce Knob and Laurel Fork. It flows through both rural farmland and forested areas that are more wild in nature. From the joining of the East and West Forks of the Greenbrier River at Durbin, the main stem of the Greenbrier flows for about 150 miles to the New River. The whole section is runnable by intermediate skilled canoeists (some sections are class II or II+), but much of the river is moving water to class I (section descriptions below). Greenbrier River Campground is located on the river in between Fort Spring and Alderson. They offer boat rentals and a shuttle service as well as camping facilities. Watoga State Park (see link below) is located between Marlinton and Denmar and has a campground on the river.  There are 14 small bike campsites on the Greenbrier River Trail that can also be used while paddling the river - Detail Map.  

Section Details:

• Marlinton to Denmar
  • 16 miles. Class I 
  • An optional put-in/take-out location at Seebert provides more options for shorter trips on this section.
  • River Level 4 - 6.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Put-in at Marlinton City Park 38.224801, -80.094929, Take-out at either Seebert: 38.126777, -80.175302 or Denmar: 38.085933, -80.215915
• Denmar to Renick
  • 17.5 miles, Class I
  • River Level 4 - 6.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Put-in: Denmar 38.085933, -80.215915, Take-out: Renick 37.989950, -80.356676
• Renick to Anthony
  • 10 miles, Class I (III) 
  • This section is included in the canoeing Greenbrier description because there is only one rapid, but it is worth scouting and potentially portaging at higher water levels. The rapid is 3 miles upstream of Anthony.
  • River Level 3.5 - 8.4 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Renick to Anthony - American Whitewater
  • Put-in: Renick 37.989950, -80.356676, Take-out: Anthony 37.897005, -80.324948
• Anthony to Reconverte
  • 18 miles, Class I
  • River Level 3.5+ ft: USGS Greenbrier at Alderson
  • Put-in: Anthony 37.897005, -80.324948, Take-out: Reconverte City Park 37.744857, -80.468101
• Alderson to Talcott
  • 14 miles, Class A-I
  • River Level 3+ ft: USGS Greenbrier at Alderson
  • Put-in: Alderson Mini-park 37.724231, -80.637049, Take-out: Talcott public access 37.650054, -80.750994

Directions:

The Greenbrier River is located in eastern West Virginia flowing from the high mountains of Pocahontas County to the New River at Hinton. On its journey, the river passes through the towns of Durbin, Cass, Marlinton, Alderson and near Lewisburg. Google directions below are to Anthony. See GPS coordinates above for put-in and take-out locations.

Activities:

• Bicycling:
  • Greenbrier River Trail
  • West Fork River Trail
• Camping:
  • Seneca State Forest
  • Watoga State Park
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Greenbrier River Whitewater

Resources:

Books:

• A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia
• Paddling Virginia and West Virginia: A Guide to the Area's Greatest Paddling Adventures