Site icon Almost Heaven – West Virginia

Turn your scenic train trip into a weekend excursion

Justin Ferrell

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time and let you relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass are filled with rich histories of the past, unparalleled views of a vast wilderness area, and close-up encounters with the sights and sounds of original steam-driven locomotives. The town of Cass remains relatively unchanged. The restored company houses add to the charm and atmosphere of the town. From the company store and museum to the train depot, you'll find an abundance of things to do prior to your departure on the historic Cass Railroad. The Cass Scenic Railroad is the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass, and in the rain forests of British Columbia for more than a half-century. The passenger cars are old logging flat-cars refurbished and made into passenger cars. Once you board the train, the real excitement begins! The great pistons of the carefully restored Shay locomotive will start pulsing, driven by hundreds of pounds of steam pressure. The shaft begins turning, the wheels find traction, and the locomotive begins to move. With thick, black smoke belching from its stack, the train pulls away from the station, passing the old water tower from which the locomotive tanks are filled. As the train rounds the curve up Leatherbark Creek, you'll pass the Cass Shop, where the locomotives are serviced and repaired, and a graveyard of antiquated, but fascinating equipment on sidetracks. As the pressure builds, the locomotive is driven at full steam, and the laborious journey up the mountain toward the two switchbacks begin. The loud huff of the stack, the clanking of gears and pistons, the furious scream of the whistle at the crossings, and the ever present clackety-clack of the rails will indeed make you feel as if you have been transported b

Everyone loves a train ride, and West Virginia has quite a few of them—each one offering spectacular scenery and a comfortable place to relax while you take in the peaceful mountain views. Plan your scenic train ride around several other activities in the area to make the most of your Almost Heaven getaway. Here are a few trip suggestions:

New Tygart Flyer

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers several tourist train rides, including dinner trains and holiday-themed trips. For some jaw-dropping scenery, board the vintage New Tygart Flyer, which departs from Elkins and climbs through unspoiled mountain wilderness along the cascading waters of Shavers Fork. The ride features mountain grades, an S-curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing. The 46-mile round trip leads to the spectacular High Falls of Cheat and includes an all-you-can-eat cold sandwich buffet. The cars have comfortable seating and are climate-controlled, but you can upgrade to the Parlor Car for more leg room and adult beverages.

Cass Scenic Railroad

The steam engines of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park once hauled lumber off the mountain to the mill in Cass. Those days are long gone, but the antique Shay locomotives remain, this time hauling passengers up Cheat Mountain to the 4,842-foot high overlook at Bald Knob, where on a clear day you can see into two states. According to Condé Nast Traveler, this scenic train boasts some of the most stunning views in the United States! The 4.5-hour round trip includes a box lunch and a stop at the old Whittaker Station logging camp.

Potomac Eagle

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Excursion Train is best known as the bald eagle train, and with good reason: The train travels through a nesting area for the American bald eagle, and passengers on nearly every trip report numerous eagle sightings. The 3-hour Trough Trip boards in Romney and travels through the Trough of the South Branch Potomac River to Sycamore Creek and back. The 8-hour Petersburg trip include the Trough and includes a layover at the South Side Depot, where passengers can disbark and enjoy the shops and restaurants.

Contact our Call Center at 1-800-CALL-WVA to request a free travel guide or assistance with your trip planning. And don’t forget to share and tag your scenic train photos #AlmostHeaven!

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