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 sections highlighted below are great beginner whitewater kayak runs, but with the features of a large river, should be considered intermediate canoe runs. There are also five sections that are less difficult and better for canoes. Greenbrier River Campground is located on the river in between Fort Spring and Alderson. They offer canoe rentals, a shuttle service and camping facilities. Watoga State Park is located between Marlinton and Denmar and has a campground on the river.

Section Details:

• Durban to Hosterman
  • 7.7 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 4.5 - 9 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Durban to Hosterman - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 38.544571, -79.819902, Take-out: 38.470574, -79.863582
• Hosterman to Cass
  • 8.3 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 4.5 - 9 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Hosterman to Cass - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 38.470574, -79.863582, Take-out: 38.392149, -79.922208
• Cass to Cloverlick
  • 10 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 4 - 8.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Cass to Cloverlick - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 38.392149, -79.922208, Take-out: 38.331694, -79.968894
• Clover Lick to Laurel Run
  • 8.7 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 4 - 8.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Clover Lick to Laurel Run - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 38.331694, -79.968894, Take-out: 38.283569, -80.003997
• Laurel Run to Marlinton
  • 10 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 4 - 8.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Buckeye
  • Laurel Run to Marlinton - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 38.283569, -80.003997, Take-out: Marlinton City Park 38.224801, -80.094929
• Reconvert to Fort Spring
  • 9.2 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 2.8 - 10 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Alderson
  • Reconvert to Fort Spring - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 37.745066, -80.468238,  Take-Out: 37.753025, -80.546525
• Fort Spring to Alderson
  • 6.1 miles, Class I-II+
  • This section has the most rapids of any of the Greenbrier sections.
  • River Level 2.8 - 10 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Alderson
  • Fort Spring to Alderson - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 37.753025, -80.546525, Take-Out: Alderson Mini-Park 37.724182, -80.637200
• Talcott to Willowood Bridge
  • 11 miles, Class I-II (III). 
  • This section has two main rapids that can be used for park and play. They are on the Talcott to Barger Springs segment.
  • River Level 1.5-12.5 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Hilldale
  • Talcott to Willowood Bridge - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 37.650008, -80.750964, Take-Out: 37.643534, -80.807507, Optional Put-in/Take-out: Barger Springs 37.615188, -80.775588
• Willowood Bridge to Bellepoint
  • 5.5 miles, Class I-II
  • River Level 1.5- 14 ft: USGS Greenbrier at Hilldale
  • Willowood Bridge to Bellepoint - American Whitewater
  • Put-In: 37.643534, -80.807507, Take-Out: 37.652125, -80.885312

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 the put in at Fort Spring. See the GPS points for each section for other put-in and take-out locations.

Activities:

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