Take a trip on board the Cass Scenic Railroad, a state park in West Virginia with train excursions offering incredible long-range views.
Images by Matthew Durfee
In much of the United States, opportunities to take a train trip are few and far between. That's probably why the word "railroad" gives off such a vibe of nostalgia to many of us.
Is that true for you? If so, there's one state park in West Virginia that promises to be right up your alley. It's Cass Scenic Railroad — a park that's built not around hiking trails or camping or lakes, but vintage train travel!
Excursions leave regularly from the depot in Cass, a small former logging town not far from the Virginia state border.
This guide will help you plan your railroad outing!
How Long Is the Ride at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park?
There are three main excursions you can choose from.
The Bald Knob route is about 22 miles and four-and-a-half hours round trip. This includes time spent at the mountain-top overlook.
The Whittaker Station trip is shorter, about eight miles and two hours round trip, including a stop at the logging camp.
The Greenbrier Express is a five-and-a-half-hour trip on a newly restored northern route with a stop in the town of Durbin.
There are occasional special event trips offered from Cass, including a trip to Spruce (a remote logging ghost town). Check the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad website for details.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of early 2024, tickets for the Bald Knob trip and the Greenbrier Express are $81, with small discounts for seniors and children. They both typically run Wednesday through Sunday.
Tickets for the Whittaker Station trip are $61, with the same discounts available. This trip usually runs Friday through Sunday twice a day.
Excursions are available in summer and early fall, though the Greenbrier Express does also have a winter version of its trip.
What Will I See Along the Route?
The Bald Knob route, which is the most popular, gives you a spectacular bird's-eye view of the Appalachian Mountains. Bald Knob is over 4,800 feet in elevation and is the second highest point in the state, so the views from the top are excellent.
You'll also be able to catch sight of the Green Bank Telescope, a massive radio telescope, in the valley below.
The Whittaker Station route climbs part of Cheat Mountain, passing Cass Cave, and then stopping at Whittaker Station, a recreated logging camp with a shady picnic area.
The Greenbrier Express trip follows the river through wilderness and forested areas up to Durbin, a tiny mountain town.
What Are the Railroad Cars Like?
Some of the train cars are old refurbished logging cars made suitable for carrying passengers.
The steam locomotives are also originals, used in the early part of the 20th century for hauling lumber.
The Bald Knob and Whittaker Station trains use open-air cars with wooden benches, while the Greenbrier Express has closed cars with climate control and some table seating.
On the Bald Knob route and the Greenbrier Express, restroom facilities are available on board (though not in each individual car).
Other than that, you'll find bathrooms at the Bald Knob overlook, as well as the Whittaker Station picnic area.
Is There Food Available On the Trip?
Lunch is included in the ticket price of the Bald Knob trip and the Greenbrier Express, which are the longer routes. Lunches are a sandwich, chips, cookie and bottle of water.
If you're taking the Greenbrier Express and stopping in Durbin, you'll find additional food options available for purchase.
Lunch is not included on the Whittaker Station trip because of its short length.
On any of the trips, you're allowed to bring your own food and drink in a handheld cooler, or a picnic backpack might be perfect!
What Else Is There to Do Near Cass Scenic Railroad State Park?
In the community of Cass, you'll find more things related to railroad and logging history, including a Company Store, a small museum, and a historical theater.
The Company Store is home to a gift shop, restaurant, and soda fountain.
Guided walking tours of the town are available.
There's also a small artists' gallery.
Looking for lodging? You can book one of the historical multi-bedroom Company Houses in Cass.
If you want to make the Cass Scenic Railroad part of a longer trip, there are several other parks within easy driving distance. Within about an hour, you could be at any of the following:
- The boardwalk at Beartown State Park, a beautiful stroll alongside unique rock formations
- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, with hiking and historical connections
- Watoga State Park, an official Dark Sky Park
What are some of your favorite discoveries in this corner of West Virginia? Let us know in the comments!
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