At a Glance
Marlinton sits at the center of Pocahontas County along the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, where historic railroad tunnels and trestles draw cyclists and hikers from across the country. As part of the Snowshoe Highlands Area Ride Center, mountain bikers can access the Monongahela National Forest’s Tea Creek, Gauley Base, and Williams River trail networks, while the Highland Scenic Highway connects visitors to Cranberry Glades Botanical Area and the Cranberry Wilderness. Within 30 minutes, Watoga, Seneca, and Droop Mountain State Parks offer family camping and cabin stays, making Marlinton a practical hub for exploring both the Greenbrier Valley and high-country backcountry
Places to Play
Itineraries
Stay
After a day biking the Greenbrier River Trail or paddling its gentle waters, enjoy a meal in the heart of Marlinton with cozy cafés, riverside dining, and local favorites serving Appalachian comfort food. When it’s time to unwind, choose from historic inns, family-run motels, or forested cabins that put you right at the edge of adventure.
History
Marlinton is among the earliest settled communities in the Greenbrier Valley, with European settlers arriving as early as the 1740s to establish homesteads along the fertile banks of the Greenbrier River. Early frontier life was marked by isolation, self-reliance, and periods of conflict, including clashes during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary era.
The community remained small until the arrival of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in the late 19th century, which brought sawmills, tanneries, and a thriving timber economy, reshaping the town. After becoming the county seat of Pocahontas County, Marlinton developed into a civic and commercial center, with a courthouse square, hotels, and businesses serving residents and travelers alike.
Today, Marlinton blends its deep frontier roots with a renewed focus on outdoor recreation, arts, and heritage tourism, serving as a gateway to the Greenbrier River Trail and the Monongahela National Forest’s Highland Scenic Highway.
Marlinton W. Va. View From Kee’s Rocks, ca. 1910. Preserving Pocahontas, Pocahontas County Historical Society Collection.
Did you know?
Spellcheck Song
Tired of frequent mispronunciations, Marlinton’s first mayor published a song that reminded visitors “there ain’t no g in Marlinton”
Early Adopters
Established in 1749 as Marlin’s Bottom, Marlinton is considered to be one of the first settlements in the Greenbrier Valley.
Roadside Dining
Marlinton is home to the world famous Roadkill Cookoff Festival, known for culinary creations that walk on the wild side!
