Scenic railroad trips are an amazing way to explore America’s countryside—classic, comfortable, and scenic, they are also sometimes the only way to see some of the otherwise untamed wilderness and dramatic, unhampered vistas that still exist throughout the country.
Whether it’s a day-long leaf-peeping excursion, or a multi-day trip complete with accommodations, amenities, and stops along the way, train rides are some of the most fun vacation adventures for travelers everywhere looking for a unique way to go on tour.
And the Cass Scenic Railroad is just one such tour, providing vacationers with the opportunity to experience some of West Virginia’s most breathtaking sights—panoramic vistas backed by the mighty Appalachian Mountains; atmospheric changes in altitude that offer some of the area’s most stunning scenery; and an exciting roundtrip experience through the appropriately named Mountain State all await the adventurous traveler looking to hit the tracks and hear the distinctive call, “All Aboard!”
About The Cass Scenic Railroad
The same line built to transport lumber to the mill in the town of Cass, West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad is home to the same classic locomotives used over a century ago in the region and throughout the rainforests of British Columbia. In fact, some of the refurbished passenger cars used today to transport riders were once used to haul logs long ago.
Also home to the world’s largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives—steam locomotives suited to steep treks and suited for mining, logging, and industrial use—Cass also boasts the iconic C-80 Shay #5 which has been making the trek up Cheat Mountain continuously for over 115 years—all on its original line that visitors can travel on today.
The Cass Scenic Excursion To Bald Knob
The Cass Scenic Railroad departs Cass Depot on a 22-mile, approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion that’s both scenic and adventurous. Passengers will feel like they’re entering another world because of the varying altitudes and backdrops accompanied by the shifting scenery that’s unique to the area. From the over 2000-mile climb from Cass to the heights of Bald Knob, visitors will experience everything from the second-highest point in West Virginia to the scenic vistas dominated by the Appalachian Mountains that the state is famous for. A rustic overlook provides travelers with even more awe-inspiring views; and the surrounding countryside provides a diverse, natural backdrop dotted with a stunning array of both flora and fauna.
Book A Ride On The Cass Scenic Railroad
Because the train features open-air cars (roofed, yet open on the sides), the train rides are seasonal and aren’t available until late Spring. While the 2022 schedule is currently unavailable, travelers can look forward to trips beginning in May and lasting through November.
- Departure Address: Cass Depot, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV
- Contact Info (and to reserve tickets): Call (304)-636-9477 Monday through Friday 9 AM-5 PM; advanced online reservations recommended
- Ticket Prices: Adults (12-64): $77; Senior (65+): $75; Children (4-11): $57; Children (3 and under): Free; Group Rates (25 or more people): $73; Military/Veterans: $75.00. The price does not include taxes and fees and is subject to change. Fall rates are slightly higher and are applied from mid-September through October 31
- Amenities: A “King of the Road” hobo lunch (including sandwich, chips, cookie, and bottled water) is provided to all riders
- Need To Know: While passengers may choose their car of choice, there is no assigned seating, and groups are not guaranteed seats together. Because the cars are open-air, visitors may want to bring a coat or sweater during cooler months; especially as the train experiences dramatic elevation changes which may cause varying temperatures
- Fun Fact: Because of the changes in altitude during the train ride, the 22-mile round trek is equivalent to an 800 mile trip to Canada—the trip from Cass (2,452-feet) to Bald Knob (4,842-feet) alone sees an elevation shift of over 2,000 miles!
Fun Things To See While Riding The Rails
The Cass Scenic Railroad round-trip to Bald Knob isn’t just any old train ride—its shifts in altitudes and climates make it a distinctive, diverse, and exciting trip through the wilds of Appalachia.
- Experience the second-highest point in West Virginia, Back Allegheny Mountain, which has a steep eastern face measuring about 20-miles long, and rises over 4,000-feet above sea level
- Scope out some of the best fall foliage on the East Coast during the state’s peak leaf-peeping season; West Virginia is known for its riotously vibrant autumn hues that are easily visible from the train
- Revel in the variety of trees, flowers, and wildlife; including species found at higher altitudes that are usually only found in the far north
- Check out the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, located at the Green Bank observatory and the world’s largest fully steerable telescope
Scenic train rides are some of the best ways for travelers to experience everything from panoramic countrysides to scenic, sky-high mountains—and the Cass Scenic Railroad offers both of these natural wonders all in the same trip. A classic, steam-powered locomotive with a history all its own, the railroad’s turn of the century C-80 Shay #5 offers travelers some of the best scenic sights in the entire Mountain State on this unforgettable roundtrip tour through Appalachia.