West Virginia
Nature|Hiking

This Beautiful Hike In West Virginia Has A Mouthwatering Restaurant Right Along The Trail

Discover the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia, a scenic hiking and biking path with a unique café and bike shop in Marlinton.

Updated Feb 15, 2023

Written by 

Cristy

After spending a day hiking and taking in the beauty that West Virginia is so well known for, sitting down to prop those feet up in a cool new cafe is pretty much a slice of heaven. That's why it is so amazing when you find hiking trails with restaurants in West Virginia. If you are ever biking or hiking the Greenbrier River Trail, be sure to stop by one of the cool little restaurants in WV in the charming town of Marlinton. Actually, we just so happen to have one in mind. Within site of the Greenbrier River Trail, you will find a unique cafe and bike shop that will give you a much-needed rest before you continue on your journey.

The Greenbrier River Trail is built on an old railroad bed and is a hiking, biking, and horseback riding trail that runs from Caldwell to Cass along the Greenbrier River.

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Jason Homey/Tripadvisor

It spans 78 miles and passes through several towns in eastern West Virginia, including Marlinton.

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Michael "Sambo" Bussell/AllTrails

The rail trail is the longest of its kind in West Virginia, crossing 35 bridges, passing through two tunnels, and partially entering the National Radio Quiet Zone (no cell service!).

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DragonDad/Tripadvisor

The Greenbrier River Trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails in the United States and was rated one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country by Backpacker Magazine.

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Michael "Sambo" Bussell/AllTrails



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Enjoy this cool fly-over video of the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia:

Not only is this trail a great option for a beautiful day hike, but just a block off the trail as it passes through Marlinton, West Virginia is a delicious restaurant beloved by trail users.

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Dirtbean Ohana LLC/Facebook

The Dirtbean Café and Bike Shop is a local favorite that has been around for years, but it recently moved to a new location.

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cog62/Tripadvisor

Don't worry, it's still convenient to the rail trail: 818 2nd Ave, Marlinton.

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It features fresh, creative, local food, a relaxed atmosphere, specialty coffee, craft beer, and vegetarian options.

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Caroline M/Tripadvisor

There is even a bike shop attached for riders of the trail.

Take a walk around the Dirtbean Café and Bike Shop in this quick video, then make sure you head out to Marlinton to find fun cafes and unique restaurants in West Virginia like the Dirtbean:

When you've finished your meal, explore Marlinton a bit or head back out to take on more of the trail!

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James Homey/Tripadvisor

Can you think of anything better than finding hiking trails with restaurants in West Virginia like this perfect pairing? So, lace up your boots, hop on your bike, or saddle up your horse and check out one or two of these 78 breathtaking miles…and then pop in to say hi to the folks at Dirtbean along the way. You won’t regret it! Have you discovered any hiking trails with unique restaurants near you? Tell us about your favorites with a comment.

Did you know there are more rail trails in West Virginia? In fact, there are over 60, and we feature another one of them in the abandoned small town of Kaymoor, West Virginia. This rail trail is eerily beautiful because of the abandoned town it crosses through.

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Hiking Trail in West Virginia Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Uncover West Virginia’s hidden gem, the Hawk’s Nest Rail Trail—an easy hike with waterfalls, historic bridges, and stunning scenery. Perfect for all ages!

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

I'm sure you've heard of Hawks Nest State Park, known for its aerial tram, scenic overlooks, huge cliffs, and jet boatrides. But often overlooked by visitors is the underrated and kind of top-secret Hawk's Nest Rail Trail. Have you heard of it?

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Hawks Nest State Park , Gauley Mountain in Ansted, West Virginia, USA.

The Hawk's Nest Rail Trail is an easy to moderate, almost two-mile out-and-back trail (or about a four-mile round-trip) that starts near the Gift Shop and Nature Center at the base of Hawks Nest State Park, near the aerial tram, and ends close to the town of Ansted.

The trail follows Mill Creek down to the New River and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It's a popular trail for bikers, hikers, and runners due to its gradual incline and decline alongside the creek.

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Gary Mott/AllTrails

As you hike or bike along this trail, you'll encounter natural and historical landmarks that make it unique. You'll see beautiful waterfalls like the Mill Creek Falls, which is the largest of the many waterfalls dotted along the trail. There are also lots of spots for you or your pup to take a dip during the summer months - an added bonus!

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Mill Creek Falls in Hawks Nest State Park during the fall season in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, USA.

I love trails with trestle bridges, and the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail will not disappoint with its two historic ones. The trestle bridges are a great place to stop and enjoy the scenery and maybe snap a few pictures. You might even get lucky and spot some wildlife along your trek, as it's pretty common to see around these parts.

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Haley Lambert/AllTrails

The trail also provides a look into West Virginia's history, as it used to be a railway for the Mill Creek Colliery Mining Company. You can still see parts of the old mine, such as the entrance and old objects, along the trail. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience, and this alone makes the trail worthwhile.

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Nate Gorman/AllTrails

On the trail, there are so many interactive signs and displays to check out, as well. You can even take part in the West Virginia Waterfall Trail by downloading a passport. As you visit waterfalls like Mill Creek Falls, you can earn prizes with a waterfall theme. It's a fun way to explore the area!

And if you visit the trail at the Ansted end, don't worry about parking; there is a small parking area at the main access point that makes it easy for you to start your hike or bike ride.

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Chris M/AllTrails

So, grab your outdoor gear and go explore the Mountain State - it's not referred to as Almost Heaven for nothing!

Have you hiked the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail? For more details about it, take a look at Hawk's Nest Rail Trail's official website. Are there any other hidden gem hiking trails you think I should know about? Let me know - I'd love to hear your recommendations and insider tips.

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Nature|Hiking

Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail In West Virginia Leads To One Of The Most Scenic Views In The State

Discover the stunning Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail in West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park, offering breathtaking views and a short, accessible hike.

Updated Aug 15, 2024

Written by 

Clarisa

Have you been trying to fit more adventures into your travels where you have extra time? A stunning adventure can be had in many places in West Virginia, but the hiking trails at the New River Gorge National Park are something special. If you've been looking for a boardwalk trail that comes with stunning views, then you've found it at Canyon Rim Overlook. Why not bookmark this for a day when you're near the park and have a moment to spare? Adventures don't have to take a long time to be amazing.

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Today's adventure starts at the New River Gorge National Park. The Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail is a beautiful and short hike but contains some of the best scenery the state has to offer. Just take a look for yourself!

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Taylor Likens/AllTrails

It may be a short hike but it remains as one of the best hikes in New River Gorge. It was a favorite in our family.

The trail itself is less than a mile long, but this 0.6-mile hike is all about taking in the views, and not so much about endurance.

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Michael Flavin/AllTrails

A big part of the stunning scenery is the New River Gorge Bridge, and the views around it. Misty fog tumbles under the bridge, or flows over top of everything. When it's clear, there are trees as far as the eye can see that change colors with the season and make this a view worth revisiting.

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Abe Hartzier/AllTrails

The elevation gain is only 88 feet, but if you want to add more to your hike, there are connecting trails that will change the length and elevation on your adventure.

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Sairam Inguva/AllTrails

The beautiful scenery over the river is always a welcome sight. Since there are two paths you can take, the bottom path on the left is over 150 steps down to a different vantage point, and the one on the right is a flat path to a viewpoint that is easier on joints and mostly wheel friendly.

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Kirk Larrabee/AllTrails

Even though much of the trail is paved or boardwalk paths, make sure to pack out everything you brought in, including food scraps. Keeping trails as natural as possible is a goal everyone should strive for. Happy hiking!

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Michael Flavin/AllTrails
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Sarah Dodge/ OnlyInYourState

We will finish off with one more view of this gorgeous spot. We hope it inspires you to visit and see the beautiful as much as we did when we took off on this glorious boardwalk trail. Trust us when we say the Canyon Rim Overlook in West Virginia is one of the best places to visit within our amazing national park.

If you'd like to bookmark this beautiful hike for a future trip, check out the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail page on AllTrails. There, you'll find a trail map, reviews, and even a local weather forecast. Make sure to check it before you head out, to make sure there aren't any surprise closings! This is a tool we have used many times and we never hit the trails without it. New River Gorge is such a beautiful place and well worth the trip no matter how far you have to travel to get here. Another great spot to see the bridge is on the Long Point Trail. If you would like to learn more about the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail check out this Adventuring in the Moment video where we hiked this very spot.

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