New River and Greenbrier Valleys Travel Guide

Plan your trip to West Virginia's New River and Greenbrier Valleys with this comprehensive travel guide featuring recommendations for places to visit, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Nestled in the southwestern corner of West Virginia, New River and Greenbrier Valleys are two of the state’s most scenic and treasured destinations. Known for its rugged beauty, the area boasts an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll along the Greenbrier River Trail, explore the rich history of the New River Gorge, or simply soak up the natural beauty, there is something for everyone in these valleys.

List of Places to Visit in New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The New River Gorge Bridge
  • Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia
  • The Greenbrier resort
  • The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
  • The National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Natural Attractions of New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • New River Gorge National River
  • Greenbrier State Forest
  • Babcock State Park
  • The Bluestone National Scenic River
  • The Gauley River National Recreation Area

Hiking/Biking Routes of New River and Greenbrier Valleys

New River and Greenbrier Valleys offer a plethora of hiking and biking trails for different skill levels and interests. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Endless Wall Trail
  • Glade Creek Trail
  • Greenbrier River Trail
  • Meadows of Dan Trail

Best Things to Do in New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Activities and Tours

  • White-water rafting in New and Gauley Rivers
  • Rock climbing and rappelling in New River Gorge
  • Horseback riding in Greenbrier State Forest
  • Fishing and hunting
  • Scenic driving

Week-Long Itinerary for New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Day 1: Arrival and Visit to Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. Day 2: Explore Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and take a scenic drive to the New River Gorge. Day 3: Take a white-water rafting adventure on Gauley River. Day 4: Relax at Greenbrier resort and enjoy the luxurious amenities it offers. Day 5: Hike the Endless Wall Trail and visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Day 6: Take a horseback riding tour in Greenbrier State Forest or enjoy fly fishing in one of the rivers. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Must-Try Dishes

  • West Virginia “pepperoni rolls”
  • Fried apple pies
  • Rhubarb cobbler
  • Buckwheat pancakes

Local Beverages

  • Mountain Moonshine
  • West Virginia breweries including Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company and Big Timber Brewing

Where to Stay in New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Greenbrier
  • The Resort at Glade Springs
  • Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals
  • The Ashwood Inn Bed and Breakfast

What to Buy in New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Artwork and Crafts from Tamarack
  • Handcrafted furniture made from local resources
  • “West By God Virginia” merchandise
  • Moonshine

Local Culture and Customs of New River and Greenbrier Valleys

The Appalachian culture heavily influences New River and Greenbrier Valleys. Visitors can experience a rich music tradition, including Bluegrass and Old Time music. Also, local crafts and artwork are deeply rooted in the Appalachian culture.

Best Time to Visit New River and Greenbrier Valleys

The best times to visit are in the spring and fall. However, summers can be busy with white-water rafting, hiking and other activities with families and groups looking for outdoor adventures.

Do’s and Don’ts of New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Do:

  • Engage and interact with locals. They are friendly and welcoming.
  • Leave no trace. Respect nature and keep the trails clean and safe.
  • Enjoy and take advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Disregard the need for appropriate safety gear and precautions while participating in outdoor activities.
  • Litter or cause damage to the natural environment.
  • Expect luxury accommodations.

Safety and Health

Safety in New River and Greenbrier Valleys

While New River and Greenbrier Valleys are generally safe, outdoor activities can pose risks of injury. Visitors should take necessary precautions including proper gear and proceeding with caution.

Health in New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Visitors should take caution to avoid tick bites and check for signs of Lyme disease. In addition, visitors should be aware of heat-related illnesses while participating in outdoor activities during summer months.

Getting to New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Nearby airports include Yeager Airport in Charleston and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.

Bus Stations Near New River and Greenbrier Valleys

Greyhound buses stop in Beckley, West Virginia, which is a short drive from many of the area’s attractions.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars
  • Taxi Services
  • Private Shuttles

How to Get Around in New River and Greenbrier Valleys

The best way to get around these valleys is by car as public transportation is limited. Additionally, bikes are an excellent option for exploring the Greenbrier River Trail, and other areas with designated biking routes.

Where to Go Next from New River and Greenbrier Valleys: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shenandoah National Park
  • The Great Smoky Mountains
  • Asheville, North Carolina

Conclusion

New River and Greenbrier Valleys offer a perfect blend of culture, outdoor adventure, and relaxation that make it an ideal destination for any traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history and culture, immersing yourself in nature, or simply looking for an escape, these valleys will not disappoint. Plan your visit today!



    Beckley
    New River Gorge
    Oak Hill
    Princeton