Cass Scenic Railroad
Departing from Cass Station, this train journey is filled with scenery that is so quintessentially Appalachian that guests are struck with awe. Visions of lush deciduous forests fill the landscape. As the train gains altitude, the views become even more dramatic. Evergreen trees and snowshoe hares are just some of the sights travelers can see. As the Cass Scenic Railroad stops at Bald Knob, passengers are at the second-highest point in all of West Virginia. The summit presents incredible views for miles around, looking over wooded mountain peaks, sweeping valleys connecting the mountains.
Winding through zig-zag curves and tight mountain passes adds another layer of excitement to the experience of exploring Appalachia by vintage steam train. The journey to Bald Knob takes about 4 1/2 hours to complete; the train departs once a day.
This casual rail experience features open-air cars. Safety bars surround the converted flat timber cars, and outward-facing bench seating means each guest has the best seat in the house. Passengers can breathe in the fresh mountain air while getting an up-close look at the flora and fauna that make this region so beautiful. The trip is fully narrated, with the conductor presenting exciting facts about the train itself and the area's history. Guests are free to get up and move around their train car throughout the journey to get the most impressive views.