There are so many great train rides available in West Virginia, but this amazing trip combines some of the best trains and locations into one epic two day journey. The Cass Scenic Railroad joins with the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad to bring guests the “Wild Heart of West Virginia Adventure Package,” and it’s truly amazing.
You’ll start your journey at the Elkins Depot.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad/Facebook
From here, you’ll board the Cheat Mountain Salamander to take you through the forest.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad/Facebook
There’s a 30 minute layover at the High Falls of Cheat.
http://www.forestwander.com/ This waterfall is especially beautiful in the autumn season.
From there, you’ll stop at the ghost town of Spruce.
The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association
Spruce was a historic logging and railroad town.
The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association It was once one of the highest and coldest towns in West Virginia. It built up around the operations of West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.
The town has since crumbled, but you can still see the concrete foundations of many of the buildings.
The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association
Signs around the site can help you imagine the town.
The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association Images of Spruce are courtesy of the The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association. You can see more images and read more about the town on their website.
At Spruce, you’ll change trains to one pulled by a historic coal-fired engine.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
These passenger cars are open air, letting you experience the fall air and the smokey train engine.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
You’ll make another stop at Bald Knob to enjoy the overlook here.
Flickr/Harold Neal
Then the train travels through the forest to the town of Cass.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
In Cass, you’ll stay overnight in one of the historic company houses in the town.
Highland Adventures After your stay here, you’ll return to Elkins in the morning. Alternatively, you can start your visit in Cass and stay in Elkins overnight.
This looks like an experience that will be worth remembering for a lifetime. You can book the trip through the end of October by visiting the Mountain Rail Adventures website.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad/Facebook
This waterfall is especially beautiful in the autumn season.
The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association
It was once one of the highest and coldest towns in West Virginia. It built up around the operations of West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company.
Images of Spruce are courtesy of the The Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association. You can see more images and read more about the town on their website.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Flickr/Harold Neal
Highland Adventures
After your stay here, you’ll return to Elkins in the morning. Alternatively, you can start your visit in Cass and stay in Elkins overnight.
For another great railroad adventure in West Virginia, check out the Castaway Caboose, where you can be dropped off in a caboose and spend the night camping.
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