The Greenbrier River has a long and rich history

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The Greenbrier River is a 173-mile-long (278 km) tributary of the New River in eastern West Virginia. It is the longest river entirely within the state of West Virginia. The river rises in the Allegheny Mountains at Durbin and flows generally southward through Pocahontas, Greenbrier, and Summers counties, where it merges with the New River above the town of Hinton.

The Greenbrier River has a long and rich history. It was used by Native Americans as a major transportation route for centuries. The first European explorers to visit the river were the French in the early 1700s. In the 1740s, English settlers began to arrive in the Greenbrier Valley, and the river became an important trade route for the region.

In the 1800s, the Greenbrier River was used to transport timber, coal, and other goods. It was also a popular destination for fishing and recreation. The Greenbrier River Railroad was built along the river in the late 1800s, and it helped to further develop the region.

Today, the Greenbrier River is still a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. It is also home to a number of state parks and recreation areas. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 77-mile-long (124 km) rail trail, follows the old Greenbrier River Railroad bed.

The name "Greenbrier" is thought to come from the greenbrier vines that grow along the banks of the river. The greenbrier is a vine that can grow up to 100 feet long and is known for its sharp thorns. The name "Greenbrier" was first used for the river in the early 1700s.