Rainelle West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rainelle, West Virginia.
1. Rainelle Methodist Church
HISTORIC CHESTNUT WOOD STRUCTURE
The Rainelle Methodist Church stands as the largest structure in the world built entirely out of American Chestnut wood. Visitors can admire this unique architectural marvel that showcases the region's rich timber heritage. The church represents an important historical connection to the area's once-thriving lumber industry established by the Raine brothers.
2. Greenbrier Hills Golf Club
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GOLFING
Greenbrier Hills Golf Club offers visitors a chance to enjoy a round of golf surrounded by the stunning West Virginia mountains. The club provides both golf and tennis facilities for recreation in the peaceful small-town setting. Golfers of all skill levels can appreciate the well-maintained course nestled in the natural beauty of Greenbrier County.
3. Meadow River Rail Trail
SCENIC CONVERTED RAILROAD PATH
The Meadow River Rail Trail stretches 23 miles from Rainelle to Nallen on a converted railroad bed. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can immerse themselves in the pristine natural beauty of rural West Virginia along this scenic pathway. The trail features an in-town trailhead in Rainelle, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventures.
4. Rainelle Public Swimming Pool
REFRESHING SUMMER RETREAT
The Rainelle Public Swimming Pool provides a cooling respite for visitors during the warm summer months. Families can enjoy splashing in the waters while taking in the surrounding mountain views. The pool serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists looking to beat the heat in this charming small town.
5. Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery
HOMEMADE SOUPS AND BURGERS
Fruits of Labor Café and Bakery draws visitors with its reputation for delicious house-made soups and juicy cheeseburgers. This popular gathering spot offers a taste of authentic local cuisine in the heart of Rainelle. Travelers can refuel and relax in this welcoming establishment after exploring the town's outdoor activities and historical sites.
6. Rainelle Deli & Marketplace
LOCAL FOODS AND TREATS
Rainelle Deli & Marketplace showcases the region's agricultural bounty with locally-raised beef and fresh-made sweet treats. Visitors can browse bulk goods or enjoy a menu of sandwiches and salads in this community-focused establishment. The marketplace provides an authentic taste of Greenbrier County's culinary offerings in a friendly small-town atmosphere.
7. Veterans Building
MILITARY HERITAGE SITE
The Veterans Building stands as a focal point for Rainelle's proud military heritage and annual veterans' events. Each year in late May, this historic structure plays a central role in the West Virginia Veterans Reunion that draws participants from across the region. The building represents Rainelle's deep connection to American military service and sacrifice.
8. New River Gorge National Park
AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK
New River Gorge National Park showcases one of the oldest rivers in North America flowing through spectacular canyons and lush Appalachian forests. Visitors can explore over 70,000 acres of natural wonders featuring world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hiking trails. The park's iconic 876-foot-high New River Gorge Bridge provides breathtaking views and hosts the annual Bridge Day festival where daring base jumpers leap from its towering heights.
9. Greenbrier River Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATHWAY
The Greenbrier River Trail extends 78 miles through the stunning landscapes of the Greenbrier River valley. This former railroad corridor now serves as West Virginia's longest rail trail, offering hikers, cyclists, and equestrians passage through remote forests, farmland, and small communities. Travelers can enjoy scenic river views, historic tunnels, and abundant wildlife while traversing this gentle-grade pathway through Greenbrier County.
10. The Greenbrier Resort
HISTORIC LUXURY DESTINATION
The Greenbrier Resort stands as an iconic national landmark that has welcomed guests, including 26 U.S. presidents, since 1778. This luxury resort features world-class amenities including championship golf courses, a renowned mineral spa, fine dining, and a fascinating Cold War-era bunker that once served as a secret government facility. Visitors can explore 11,000 acres of stunning grounds while experiencing the legendary southern hospitality and distinctive Dorothy Draper interior design that have made The Greenbrier famous.
11. Lost World Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Lost World Caverns invites explorers to descend 120 feet below the Earth's surface into a vast chamber filled with spectacular formations. Visitors can marvel at the towering stalagmites, delicate stalactites, and flowing stone draperies that have formed over thousands of years in this registered Natural National Landmark. The self-guided walking tour allows guests to experience the cavern's constant 52-degree temperature while discovering geological wonders like the 30-ton Snowy Chandelier and the War Club, a 28-foot stalagmite.
12. Lewisburg Historic District
CHARMING 18TH CENTURY TOWN
Lewisburg Historic District enchants visitors with its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture spanning over 100 acres of this charming town. Travelers can stroll brick sidewalks past more than 60 unique shops, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants housed in historic buildings. The district's rich history is evident in landmarks like the 1796 Old Stone Presbyterian Church, the oldest church still in continuous use west of the Alleghenies.
13. Beartown State Park
UNIQUE ROCK FORMATION WILDERNESS
Beartown State Park preserves a natural wonderland of massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses formed by the erosion of Droop Mountain's Pennsylvanian sandstone. Visitors can explore this fascinating geological site via a half-mile boardwalk that winds through the rocky formations, moss-covered boulders, and dense rhododendron thickets. The park's otherworldly landscape creates the illusion of streets between rock buildings, inspiring its name from early settlers who imagined it resembled a bear's den town.
14. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park preserves the site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle, fought on November 6, 1863. Visitors can explore eight hiking trails, historical markers, and a museum housed in a rustic log structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park's lookout tower provides panoramic views of the Greenbrier Valley, while a picnic area offers a peaceful setting to reflect on this pivotal moment in American history.
15. Hawk's Nest State Park
DRAMATIC CANYON VIEWS
Hawk's Nest State Park offers some of West Virginia's most breathtaking views from its main overlook perched 585 feet above the New River. Visitors can ride the aerial tramway down to the river's edge or explore miles of hiking trails winding through the rugged canyon landscape. The park's historic stone lodge provides dining with spectacular vistas, while a nature museum educates guests about the region's geology, wildlife, and tragic history of the Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster.