Summary
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a train trip. You have time to take in all the scenery without worrying about traffic and road hazards. If your travels take you to West Virginia, you can choose from four different scenic railroad adventures.
Cass Scenic Railroad
The Cass Scenic Railroad began as a logging train, part of West Virginia’s early 20th-century lumber industry. The Shay locomotives that pull the Cass Scenic Railroad train today used to haul logs and finished lumber along remote rail lines. Today, you can ride the rails from Cass to Bald Knob, a four and one-half hour round trip from Cass. The train features both open-air and enclosed cars. A “hobo lunch” is included with your train fare, enhancing your travel experience.
According to Trainmaster G. Fred Bartels, the train can accommodate up to four wheelchair users per trip. One coach has a wheelchair lift that is able to transfer most wheelchairs. However, mobility opportunities at Whittaker station, Bald Knob, and Spruce stations may be limited; therefore, please call ahead for details and planning assistance.
Trains run on Saturdays in May and throughout Memorial Day weekend. From June to August, trains operate Tuesday through Sunday. In late August and mid-September, trains are available Friday through Sunday. During fall foliage season (mid-September through late October), trains run Tuesday through Sunday. Ticket prices vary by season, so consider planning ahead to secure your spot.
A shorter trip from Cass to Whittaker Station is also available; this trip runs on a more limited schedule. Fares to Whittaker Station do not include lunch; however, you may buy food from the Whittaker Station concession stand or bring a snack to enjoy during your layover.
Cass is approximately four hours by car from Pittsburgh and five hours’ drive from Washington, DC. If that’s too far for a round-trip in one day, consider spending the night in a “company house,” a former lumber mill employee residence, in a wilderness cabin, or even in a caboose.
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad takes its name from the bald eagles that passengers typically see in “The Trough,” a steep-sided valley through which flows the South Branch of the Potomac River. The Potomac Eagle’s Wappocomo Station, the starting point for all trains, is located in Romney, about two and one-half hours by car from Washington, DC, and three hours’ drive from Pittsburgh. The Potomac Eagle train is pulled by General Motors locomotives from the late 1940s and 1950s, providing a nostalgic experience. You can choose between open-air or traditional rail cars. There is a concession stand onboard, or you may bring your own snacks in a small, non-wheeled cooler. Most trips last three and one-half hours, though the Potomac Eagle also offers all-day excursions.
The Potomac Eagle operates Saturdays from May through September, daily in October, and for weekend trips in early November. Ticket prices vary based on the season and length of the journey. Club car fares include a meal.
One train car is a retrofitted combine car (half baggage, half passenger) featuring 16 seats, accessible restrooms, and a sliding door wide enough to accommodate a scooter, according to Potomac Eagle Vice President Dan Snyder. Wheelchair users can utilize the train’s airplane-size folding wheelchair to transfer to their own wheelchairs, which they can station at a table in one of the other train cars. It’s advisable to call the reservations office in advance, especially in October when the train is 16 cars long, to ensure convenient access.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad provides four different scenic railroad excursions. Most depart from Elkins, but the Durbin Rocket, pulled by a Climax-geared steam locomotive originally used on logging trains, leaves from Durbin, and the Cheat Mountain Salamander offers round-trip departures from both Elkins and Cheat Bridge. The New Tygart Flyer and the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train also leave from Elkins. Overnight accommodations are available in the “Castaway Caboose,” which is towed by the Durbin Rocket and can be left overnight in a riverside campsite.
Trip durations range from two to nine hours, with most trains operating on weekends from May through September and adding some weekday departures during October. The Mountain Explorer Dinner Train has a very limited schedule, so check availability. Some excursions include a sandwich buffet, and ticket prices vary according to trip length and season. It is highly recommended to plan your visit in advance.
According to Durbin & Greenbrier Railroad spokeswoman Amanda Swecker, “The Durbin Rocket is wheelchair accessible,” but she notes that some historic trains may not be. Please contact the railroad for detailed accessibility information.
New River Train
The New River Train runs only four times a year, specifically on weekends in October, and ticket prices are on the higher side. This trip is a treasure for railroad enthusiasts and lovers of breathtaking scenery. Covering 300 miles, the New River Train takes you through West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River, part of the US National Park system, during peak fall foliage season—making the views truly remarkable. Operated by the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society, the New River Train utilizes Amtrak and private railcars. Board the train in Huntington or St. Alban’s for a round trip to Hinton. Huntington is only two and one-half hours by car from Columbus, Ohio, four and one-half hours from Pittsburgh, and nearly seven hours from Washington, DC.
Ticket prices vary based on the type of service selected. Premium service includes a continental breakfast and dinner, while coach service does not. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the train, and you can buy food during your stop in Hinton. Unfortunately, the train is not wheelchair-accessible; therefore, if you use a wheelchair, it is recommended to travel with a companion. For more details, contact the C. P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society.
