CASS W.Va. (WVDN) – Nestled in the hills of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad is a piece of Appalachian history, rolling along the Green Bank Creek. Train enthusiasts and leaf-peepers are drawn to the beauty of the season.
Cass Scenic Railroad began as a logging railroad in the early 20th century and today offers a glimpse into how steam power shaped the region’s economy and culture. Visitors climb aboard the vintage steam locomotives that puff and hiss as it chugs along the tracks, giving riders a panoramic view of the mountains and beautiful fall foliage. The experience is not just a ride; it’s a look into a working place where tracks, trestles, and wood-fired engines tell a story.
Fall at Cass is a celebration of color and crisp air. The color provides a dynamic backdrop for photographs and family memories. One of the trips features a ride to Bald Knob, one of the highest points in West Virginia, when you ride to the top! The Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher, offering a spectacular view of the giant Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, at the Green Bank Observatory, which is the other destination on our day trip you will definitely want to visit.
Seasonal schedules add to the standard ride. Autumn at Cass often includes special events such as fall foliage excursions, live demonstrations of locomotive maintenance, and educational talks about the region’s logging era. Visitors can also sample local flavors at nearby concessions with seasonal treats on the day’s adventure.
The Fall operating season is late September through mid-November. The ride lengths vary; daily departures generally are morning and afternoon and offer several trips per day. Longtime Cass fans may notice the “cinder car” at the front of the train. The car has been added for weekend Whittaker walkups this fall, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Titans of Logging Photography Weekend is November 8 and 9, a unique event featuring Shay and Heisler locomotives pulling vintage freight trains throughout the weekend. Spectators will have the opportunity to take photos and video from remote scenic locations along the Cass Scenic Railroad and Greenbrier River lines. Night photography session included! Christmas at Cass begins December 4-21.
The approximate one-hour train ride will depart from the Cass depot and travel along the Greenbrier River. This holiday special will feature fun, games, and a visit from Santa Claus! Limited seating available inside the historic Chesapeake & Ohio caboose at the rear of the train! Also, each child will receive a special gift, which is included in the ticket price.
Their schedule includes the newest train trip, the Greenbrier Express; it departs from the Cass depot at 10:00 am, Wednesday through Sunday until Nov. 2nd. This trip takes you 15 miles along the Greenbrier River to the town of Durbin. You then have time off the train to have lunch and walk around the town. You will return to Cass around 3:30 p.m.
The Bald Knob train departs at noon, Wednesday through Sunday, until October 26th. This trip takes you 11 miles up the mountain to an elevation of 4,482 feet. You have a hobo sack lunch while you are off the train for half an hour at the overlook, then return to Cass around 4:30 pm. The Whittaker Station train departs Cass at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until October 26th. This trip takes you 4 miles up the mountain to a replica of an old logging camp. You will have half an hour off the train before returning to Cass.
Beginning December 4 for 3 weeks, Thursdays through Sunday, Christmas at Cass trains will depart at noon and 2 p.m. each day. On Saturdays, there will be a 4 p.m. departure too.
After your train ride, stop by the gift shop. The Cass Scenic Railroad has not one, but two gift shops for visitors to explore.
The Cass Company Store is located in the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This store sells unique gifts and souvenirs and also houses the Cass Historical Theater and Cass Historical Museum. The store is a piece of history, built in 1902 to serve the booming lumber town surrounding the railroad. Also, the Cass Scenic Railroad Gift Shop is another gift shop located within the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and offers a variety of items, including souvenirs. If you’re hungry, stop by the Cass Company Store. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In an era of high-speed travel, Cass Scenic Railroad offers a slower, more relaxing pace. It’s a place where history is not only told but felt in the creak of a coal car through the West Virginia mountains. For those planning a leaf-peeping getaway, Cass provides both an educational experience and a memorable autumn ride, making Cass a perfect day trip!
Some things to know before you go: bring a blanket or jacket. The temperature does get cooler the higher up you go. Bring snacks, water, and earplugs for the little ones as the steam engine is loud in the front cars. Plan on arriving early; it is first-come first serve for the best seats. I spoke
with a representative from Cass Scenic Railroad, who stated tickets are selling fast. For tickets and reservations or more information on the peak fall foliage and Christmas train rides, call 304-636-9477 or book online https://mountainrailwv.com
