There really is no better way to see West Virginia than by train. Historically, the train's presence created many of the towns in this state, and it is through this technology that we understand our past. it is also a great way to view the West Virginia countryside without out having to worry about driving. Just sit back and enjoy.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad (DGVR), located in Elkins, offers train excursions that take riders on scenic tours of West Virginia.

The railroad has several different trains and a host of train packages, depending on the kind of tour you wish to take and the length. Some are just an hour or two, while others last several days. All of them are fun.

Not only does the company have regular trains, they also have authentic steam-powered ones. These particular trains give an authenticity to West Virginia's railroad heritage and feel very much like a step back in time, complete with the unique and unmistakable scent of burning coal, which powers the powerful locomotives.

The DGVR also runs the Durbin Railroad and West Virginia Central Railroad, the Cass Scenic Railroad and the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, located in Virginia. These companies combined run a total of seven heritage trains.

Regardless of the kind of train you choose to ride, these excursions will take you up in the hills and through the mountains with the most spectacular views available in the state. The lush, forested hills of West Virginia roll on for miles as you ride along its winding passages.

There are several excursion packages you can choose from, including short excursions that last anywhere from one hour to all day. Among them is a four hour dinner train, which is pretty popular. Other trips take several days, with overnight accommodations each evening. There is even a package where your train car is dropped off in the woods along the river, turning that car into a temporary camp cabin.

There are even themed train tours, such as the Polar Express and the Elf Limited during Christmas time. Not to mention the historically themed rides you get during The Wild West Weekend, which involves a simulated robbery of the train you are riding, in true Old West fashion. Those occur annually during the summer.

So, whatever you interests, whether its the trains themselves or the whole packaged experience, you will definitely have an experience like no other in the state.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is located at 315 Railroad Ave. in Elkins.

To learn more about the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, visit their website here, and their Facebook page here.

Have you ever been on the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad? What other train excursions would you recommend? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.