Ride Guide
This scenic lollipop loop begins and ends on the Greenbrier River Trail, combining the trail’s gentle rail-grade with a sustained gravel climb to reach one of the quieter backroads in the Greenbrier Valley. Before beginning the climb, riders can make a short off-route detour to Blue Bend Recreation Area, a popular riverside spot along the Greenbrier known for its clear water and swimming holes. After leaving the trail, the route climbs steadily toward nearly 14 miles of well-maintained gravel along Forest Road 296, offering peaceful riding through rolling farmland and forested hills before a fast paved descent returns riders to the Greenbrier River corridor.
Just before dropping back to the river, riders pass near Renick Farm, part of the historic agricultural landscape that has shaped the Greenbrier Valley for generations. The nearby community of Renick, located along U.S. 219, reflects the region’s long farming tradition, where broad pastures, family farms, and once-active peach and apple orchards defined the countryside.
From Renick, riders can detour west on Spring Creek Station Road above the rail-trail to visit Falling Springs Vineyard, one of several small farms and vineyards contributing to the valley’s growing agritourism scene. Afterward, retrace the Greenbrier River Trail downstream to finish the loop in Caldwell.
For a shorter ride focused on the hillier sections, consider starting in Anthony, which trims about 22 miles and almost no climbing from the full route. Some services are available in Renick, including a country store located just uphill from the river valley.
This route was inspired by local rider Shawn Romano’s “Anthony / Peach Orchard / Renick / GRT” route.
