Another short detour off the Midland Trail leads you past Swift Level Farm, its columned mansion and barns, to Herns Mill Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1884 for $800, the bridge was renovated in 2000 to ensure it stands the test of time for another century or more.
FUN FACT - When a local farmer discovered an unplanned renovation no longer accommodating a piece of his farm machinery, he "tweaked" the bridge with his chainsaw until he achieved the desired width. Unfortunately for the farmer, an otherwise law-abiding citizen, he was charged with destruction of property and paid a hefty fine.
While Greenbrier County is named and known for the Greenbrier River, the 53-mile long Meadow River is also a prominent tributary. Flowing from springs in the county's western wetlands, it eventually meets up with the Gauley in Fayette County. A 15-mile stretch of the river includes class III, IV and V rapids that some experts consider the most difficult stretch of whitewater in the state.
Rainelle owes its existence to the Raine brothers, who bought 100,000 acres of virgin hardwood in the surrounding mountains in the early 1900's and built the world's largest hardwood lumber mill and a town to house the mill's 500 workers. The oak flooring in the Waldorf Astoria's ballroom floor is one of many historic places where you'll find the Raine brother's wood products. While you're in Rainelle, visit the Rainelle United Methodist Church, a 105-year old structure built entirely of American Chestnut, which is virtually extinct.