Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, the historic town of Cass is home to one of West Virginia's most beloved attractions — the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This living history destination offers visitors a unique opportunity to ride a vintage steam-powered locomotive through the breathtaking mountain landscape, just as loggers and sawmill workers did over a century ago.
The Train Ride to Bald Knob
The centerpiece of the Cass Scenic Railroad experience is the four-hour round trip to Bald Knob, the third-highest peak in West Virginia at 4,842 feet. The journey covers 11 miles of track, climbing 2,400 feet in elevation through pristine forests and past dramatic overlooks. The Shay steam locomotives — powerful geared engines designed for steep mountain grades — pull the train as it chugs its way to the summit.
At Bald Knob, passengers are treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of the Allegheny Mountains. On a clear day, you can see five states: West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The summit features a picnic area and a warming hut, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view before the return trip.
The Historic Town of Cass
The town of Cass itself is a living museum. Built in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the entire town was a company town, with houses, a store, and a school all owned by the mill. Today, the town is preserved as a state park, and many of the original buildings have been restored. Visitors can tour the company store, now a museum, and stay overnight in the historic Cass Country Inn.
The Cass Scenic Railroad also offers shorter rides, including the two-hour trip to Whittaker Station, where visitors can explore a recreated logging camp complete with a cookhouse and a log loader. The park also features a museum that tells the story of the railroad and the logging industry that shaped the region.
Plan Your Visit
The Cass Scenic Railroad operates from late May through October, with special events including the Peak Foliage Express in the fall and the Santa Train in December. Tickets are available online and sell out quickly, especially during peak foliage season. The train departs from the Cass depot at 2:00 PM for the Bald Knob trip, with additional morning departures during busy periods.
Be sure to dress warmly, as temperatures at the summit can be 20 degrees cooler than at the base. The open-air cars offer an unobstructed view, but closed-window cars are also available for those who prefer a more comfortable ride. Whether you are a railroad enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, the Cass Scenic Railroad is a truly unforgettable experience.