CategoriesUncategorized by

Into the Appalachian Wild: A Thoughtful Packing Guide

Whether you’re climbing through the treetops on the Aerial Adventure Course or paddling across a mountain lake on a stand-up paddleboard, one thing is certain — your adventure with Greenbrier Outfitters is going to be unforgettable. But before you head into the wild beauty of West Virginia, let’s make sure your bag is packed with everything you need (and nothing you don’t).

Here’s your go-to Greenbrier outdoor adventure packing list, curated by locals who live and breathe the Appalachian outdoors.

Clothing & Footwear: Dress for Adventure

Your clothing can make or break your experience, especially when you’re hiking, climbing, or kayaking. The weather can shift quickly here in the mountains, so layering is key.

Essentials:

  • Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom)
  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun and bug protection)
  • Quick-dry shorts or hiking pants
  • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or puffy jacket, depending on season)
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker (even if it looks clear)
  • Comfortable athletic shoes or trail shoes
  • Waterproof hiking boots (for Mountaineer or Alpine Tower activities)
    • Socks (wool or synthetic – avoid cotton)

Adventure-Specific Gear: Tailored to Your Outing

Each Greenbrier adventure has its own gear needs. Here’s a quick breakdown by activity:

For Falconry Lessons:

  • Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen & sunglasses (you’ll be outside for most of it)

👉 Book a Falconry Lesson to walk alongside birds of prey like a true Master of the Mews.

For the Aerial & Alpine Tower Courses:

  • Athletic wear that allows full range of motion
  • No loose items or dangling jewelry
  • Hair ties for long hair
  • Closed-toe Shoes

👉 Get climbing: Alpine Tower Adventure

For Flatwater Kayaking & SUP:

  • Swimsuit or water-friendly clothing
  • Water shoes or sandals with heel straps
  • Sunglasses with a retainer strap
  • Waterproof phone case (optional)

👉 Learn more about Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Flatwater Kayaking

For Paintball Challenge:

  • Long-sleeve shirt and long pants (preferably old clothes)
  • Athletic shoes or boots
  • Change of clothes (trust us on this one)

👉 Ready, aim, fire: Paintball Challenge Info

For the Mountaineer Experience:

  • Comfortable athletic wear
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen & bug spray

👉 Throw like a Mountaineer: Experience the Wild

For E-Bike Tours or Greenbrier River Trail:

  • Padded bike shorts or athletic wear
  • Daypack for personal items
  • Sunglasses and sun protection

👉 Choose your ride: E-Bike Tours or Greenbrier River Trail Shuttle

Must-Have Gear for Any Adventure

These items are musts across all our outdoor activities:

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
  • Bug spray
  • Snacks or energy bars
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Phone or camera (in a protective case)
  • Daypack to carry everything comfortably

What Not to Pack

Traveling light is smart — there’s no need to lug your entire closet into the woods.

  • ❌ Cotton clothing (it traps moisture and dries slowly)
  • ❌ Expensive jewelry or watches
  • ❌ Heavy perfumes (can attract bugs)
  • ❌ Flip flops or slip-on sandals
  • ❌ Large purses or handbags
  • ❌ Drones

Local Tip: Outfitters On-Site

If you forget something — don’t worry. Greenbrier Outfitters provides all the necessary gear and safety equipment for your adventure. Helmets, harnesses, paddles, life vests, tomahawks — you name it, we’ve got it.

And if you’re staying at The Greenbrier, many essentials are available at their on-property shops, from high-end outdoor wear to sunscreen and bug spray.

Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Play Hard

Packing smart means you’ll spend less time adjusting, and more time immersed in the beauty of the Appalachians. From peaceful paddles to high-flying hawks, every Greenbrier outdoor adventure becomes richer when you’re dressed and prepped for the moment.

Want help choosing your next activity? Check out all the guided experiences at Greenbrier Outfitters, and let’s get you geared up for the mountains!

CategoriesUncategorized by

Exploring History Near The Greenbrier: 5 Unique Spots You Don’t Want to Miss

West Virginia is a land of mountains, myths, and memories. Nowhere is that more evident than the area surrounding The Greenbrier Resort. If you’re visiting White Sulphur Springs and itching to uncover more than just scenic trails and luxury amenities, you’re in luck. This region is packed with quirky, moving, and downright fascinating historic attractions that tell the story of Appalachia in unexpected ways.

So lace up your walking shoes (or charge that e-bike from Greenbrier Outfitters!) and get ready to dive into the past. Here are five standout historic sites near The Greenbrier that are well worth the adventure.

1. John Henry Monument – Talcott, WV

If you’ve ever heard the legendary ballad of John Henry, the steel-driving man who took on a steam drill and won (but lost his life in the process), you’ve already touched on a vital piece of West Virginia lore.

Located just under an hour from The Greenbrier in Talcott, this modest monument marks the entrance to Big Bend Tunnel — the site of the iconic battle between man and machine. The monument may be small, but the story it commemorates is huge. Standing there, with the rumble of passing trains echoing nearby, you can almost hear the clang of John Henry’s hammer.

Insider Tip: Visit during one of the annual John Henry Days events in July, when the legend comes to life with music, food, and storytelling.

2. Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion – Alderson, WV

Tucked along a rural road about 30 minutes from the resort is a hauntingly beautiful relic of antebellum West Virginia: the Blue Sulphur Springs Pavilion.

Built in 1834, this Greek Revival pavilion was once part of a thriving health resort, similar in spirit to The Greenbrier. It hosted 200 rooms, a ballroom, and even a casino, attracting wealthy visitors seeking the healing properties of the mineral springs. Today, only the spring house remains — a stately columned rotunda surrounded by grassy fields.

The site is quiet, with the faint scent of minerals still lingering in the air. It’s an ideal picnic stop and a great photo op for history lovers.

3. Lost World Caverns – Lewisburg, WV

For those who want their history underground, look no further than Lost World Caverns. Just a 15-minute drive from The Greenbrier, this otherworldly attraction offers a glimpse into Earth’s deep past.

Discovered in 1942, these massive limestone caverns feature stalactites and stalagmites dating back millions of years. It’s not just a geological wonder — there’s human history too. The cave once hosted the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent underground (45 days!), and its formations have been drawing tourists and scientists alike for decades.

Self-guided tours make it easy to explore at your own pace, and the on-site museum adds context with fossils and minerals found on-site.

4. Greenbrier County Courthouse – Lewisburg, WV

Downtown Lewisburg, just minutes from the resort, is full of charm. But if you’re looking for a true window into local history, head straight for the Greenbrier County Courthouse.

This historic building was completed in 1837 and has stood the test of time — through war, political upheaval, and modernization. Its red brick façade is a classic example of early American civic architecture, and the square surrounding it often hosts community events, live music, and markets.

Even if you’re not heading inside, the courthouse anchors a walking tour of Lewisburg’s National Register Historic District, where every street corner has a story.

5. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory – Monroe County, WV

Although it’s a bit off the beaten path (just over an hour away), the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory blends natural history and environmental conservation in a breathtaking way.

Originally a fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this mountaintop lookout has since become a premier spot for watching migrating raptors. In the fall, the skies come alive with hawks, eagles, and falcons — making it a paradise for birders and casual hikers alike.

Not only does it offer a view into Appalachian wildlife history, but the structure itself is a piece of New Deal-era architecture with stunning 360° views of the Ridge and Valley region.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars and a journal. You’ll want to remember what you spot.

Final Thoughts

The hills around White Sulphur Springs don’t just hide outdoor thrills — they hold stories carved into rock, told in song, and remembered through monuments. Whether you’re tracing the legend of John Henry, wandering an ancient spring pavilion, or standing high above the raptor-filled skies, there’s no shortage of historic attractions near The Greenbrier.

So next time you’re here, go beyond the beaten trail. West Virginia’s past is waiting.