West Virginia is a train lover’s paradise. We’ve got scenic train rides galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they all seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round scenic train ride in West Virginia.

Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.
Amtrak
The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.
Steve5863 / Tripadvisor
The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.
Amtrak / Facebook

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If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.
Amtrak / Facebook
What a way to explore the Mountain State!
jpmueller99 / Wikipedia
It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.
Amtrak / Facebook
A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.
AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak through West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

For even more travel inspiration, check out this stunning drone footage of the New River Gorge, one of the landmarks you’d see on your scenic train trip. We bet you’ll be packing your bags in no time!

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scenic train rides in West Virginia

Beth C. | August 24, 2023

What are some of the most scenic places to see in West Virginia?

The Mountain State is truly stunning, impressing visitors with its rugged mountains and dense forests. Below you'll find a list of some of the most scenic places to see in West Virginia:

  • The New River Gorge
  • Red Spruce Knob
  • NROCKS
  • The Trough
  • Dolly Sods
  • Blackwater Falls
  • Organ Cave

 

These are definitely some of the most bucket-list-worthy sites to see in West Virginia. Curious to learn more about them? Check out our previous article highlighting the most beautiful places in West Virginia.

What are the best hiking trails in West Virginia?

Hiking in West Virginia is always a great idea. From the mountains to lakes, rivers, and canyons, there's no shortage of spectacular scenery to enjoy. Below you'll find a list of some of our favorite hiking trails in West Virginia:

 

These hiking trails are some of West Virginia's all-time best. If you're curious to learn more about these fabulous trails, be sure to check out our ultimate list of the best hiking trails in West Virginia. From easy hikes to waterfall trails and even trails you can hike in the winter, there's something for everyone on the list!

 

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