The Greenbrier River, West Virginia

Outside our Cabin along the Greenbrier River, WV

 We hadn't been to the Greenbrier River in at least nine years, but this May we returned to our old stomping grounds. Set alongside the stocked Greenbrier River is a small group of rental cabins that we found one year while camping in Watoga State Park. You can sit on your screened-in porch, or huddle around the firepit, while listening and watching the water roll on by. 

Many visitors to the area kayak or canoe the Greenbrier. Not more than a half mile away from our cabins was a small store that rented bikes and kayaks. However, this year my husband bought two kayaks and we loaded them into our Tundra and headed to West Virginia!

Kayaking the Greenbrier

That's my daughter there on her maiden voyage! She had a bit of trouble entering the kayak and introduced her knee to a rock. Once she figured out how to get in, she had a blast paddling around the deeper water near our cabin. I really wanted to give it a whirl, but unfortunately, I failed to pack not only a bathing suit, but also shorts!

American Bald Eagle

Across the river I watched this handsome fella — although it could be gal, I can't tell — land in the tree. It almost looks like the Bald Eagle sees me! Maybe it was eyeing one of the different types of fish you can also try to catch in the river. My husband and his cousin caught small mouth bass, rock bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout. One year he hooked a Fall fish or two but threw them back. Even my daughter cast a line and reeled in a bass, but released it!

Often she'll use her snorkel set to watch the various fish swim by. [All the ones that manage to evade the fishermen!] She noted there were several different catfish swimming a ways off and a few spotted trout.

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, WV

But if you prefer sightseeing to paddling, a wonderful, short hike can be had at the Cranberry Glades. There's a boardwalk that loops around and provides a gorgeous vantage point to see flora and fauna that surrounds the bog. 

One year we saw an enormous crayfish digging around the muddy creek bed. Skittering along the

Red Spotted Newt @ Cranberry Glades

wooden trail we spotted a brightly colored Newt! We think he's a red-spotted Newt! Around my home we see skinks all the time, but this was the first Newt I'd ever seen! Reminds me of the Monty Python quote, "She turned me into a Newt!" 

Depending on the season, you'll see different flowers around the bog. This was the earliest we'd vacationed here and many of the flowers we'd seen in June hadn't yet bloomed in May.

But we were lucky enough to see some flowers. I'm not a botanist, so I don't know what they were, however, I know that Orchids, Cranberries (of course),  Pitcher Plant, Fiddle Fern, Red Spruce, Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Dewberry, Bog Candle, Jewel Weed, Wood Sorrel, and many other plants sprawl across the ground. I presume the flower below is some sort of orchid.

Orchid?

After you pass by the open bog area, you'll come across a tranquil swamp-like space. Below, we caught a lone mallard swimming around. 

Back at our cabin one afternoon, I watched a family of Canada Geese swim up river! Mom and Dad led their entire crew of goslings up the Greenbrier. It was adorable! 

There's so much to discover in Pocahontas County, WV. We'll keep going back, visiting during different seasons, and different regions.  But this year, we thoroughly enjoyed the mild May weather and fewer tourists! Although, if we want to enjoy water sports, like kayaking, we'd probably shoot for June as the water temperature would be warmer!

I hope you enjoyed the mini tour of the Greenbrier River area. West Virginia is an underrated destination for the outdoor enthusiast. From hunting to fishing, kayaking to white water rafting, local crafts and local music, nature hikes and back woods camping - I love it and I loved introducing it to you!