There are a number of tourist railroads in West Virginia, but the Cass Scenic Railroad combines scenery, history and nostalgia in a manner that would be hard to beat. To start with, the former lumber company town of Cass, where the trip begins, exudes history in its well-kept clapboard homes. Departing the depot there, the excursion passes the Railroad's large stable of puffing shay locomotives (and one Heisler). It climbs steeply through second-growth forest, with expansive views across the West Virginia mountains to historic places along the former logging railroad. The fall colors during our trip were a special treat.

We took the excursion to Spruce pushed by one of the shay locomotives. The four-hour trip was leisurely, long enough to get a good experience but not so long as to be tiresome. The first stop, halfway up the hill, provided a restroom stop and a small snack bar. At the top of the hill, the train stopped at the historic site of Spruce long enough for a nice lunch break (be sure to bring your own). The narration by a State Park Ranger as the train rolled along was excellent.

Compared to other rail excursions we considered, the cost was very reasonable.

This was part of an annual "chick trip" I make with my mother each year. We opted for the longer trip to Bald Knob to be able to have reserved seating in the Leatherbark Car, which was doubly nice because it was a rainy wet day. The clouds were so low, we were unable to view the panorama from the top of the mountain, but the observation deck had a wonderful picture of what we would have been able to see, if we'd been able to see.

I'm definitely glad we took the longer trip, as the segment into Whitaker Station seemed such a short ride. There is much to be learned about the history of the logging industry as well.

The information shared on the ride was supplemented by the diorama and video presentation in the building behind the depot. We almost ran out of time though to get something to eat at the company store restaurant as everything closes down at 5 p.m.

One recommendation if you are not staying in Cass is to allow plenty of driving time on the narrow windy roads needed to get there. Our host at the B&B where we stayed quipped that there are only two miles of straight road in WV.

I have been to Cass and ridden the trains many times. We have stayed in the company houses. We love it all. Just a few miles from Cass is a wonderful bakery, the food is great. The best part is in the evening when all the toursits except the people staying in the company houses have left, it is so peaceful. I would recommend this town to anyone who wants to get away from everything.

In August 2006, we drove up the winding twisting mountain roads of West Virginia to ride the Cass Scenic railroad train.
We took the two hour trip, one hour each way and a break in an area where there was shacks and lumber machinery from the 1900's lumber camp.
I enjoyed the train ride and the history lessons from the past. My husband enjoyed it mostly because of the engine used, one of the last existing piston driven engines.

Great time and lots of lovely old towns on the way up the mountain