This 22-Mile Train Ride Is The Most Relaxing Way To Enjoy West Virginia Scenery
It’s fun to be a tourist in your own state, and what better way to enjoy the history, some picturesque scenery, and a lovely day than with an open-air train ride through the mountains? You don’t need to be a rail fan to appreciate all that this 22-mile journey on the rails has to offer… so check it out below, and then make plans to hop on board this fun-filled excursion in the Mountain State.
Firstly, there are several train rides you can take from Cass, WV. So if you're buying tickets for this one, it's called the Cass Scenic Bald Knob Trip.
This 4.5-hour train ride is powered by a historic Shay steam locomotive, precisely like the ones that first pulled the trains on this same railroad to the logging operation on the mountain in the early 1900s. (For rail fans, Cass has the largest collection of working Shay locomotives in the world.)
The open-air cars on this ride were once used to haul the logs up the mountain.
Now they carry entire families up to Bald Knob for a journey filled with memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mountain State on this 4.5 hour round trip journey that includes a hobo lunch for everyone once you reach the top of the bald.
From the top of Bald Knob, you'll have a picturesque view of two states, and the rolling hills in the valley immediately below. The train also makes a stop at Whittaker Station, where you'll get off to explore and stretch your legs for a bit.
There are many rides to choose from at Cass Scenic Railroad; however, the Bald Knob trip is only offered seasonally from May through the last week in October.
How long has it been since you took a ride at Cass? Maybe it's time to rekindle the magic.
The train leaves from the historic Cass Depot in Cass, WV.
The Cass Depot is located at 242 Main St., Cass, WV 24927. The Cass Scenic Bald Knob Trip is a seasonal offering only, from May through the last week of October. To see a full schedule of dates and times, refer to this link on their official website. Rates vary by age of passenger, day of week, and season and run between $51 and $66 per person. This train usually departs at 12:00 noon. Learn more about the rates at this link.
You may want to arrive early enough to enjoy a stroll through this historic community, and then have a late breakfast or an early lunch at The Last Run Restaurant. Learn more here.
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
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