West Virginia Fall Foliage Train Rides: Best Scenic Train Trips for Autumn

One of the most famous West Virginia fall foliage train rides begins in the tiny mountain community of Cass. The Cass Scenic Railroad preserves an important piece of West Virginia's logging history. Historic steam locomotives that once hauled timber through the mountains now carry passengers into some of the highest elevations in the state.

One of the premier excursions is the Bald Knob Trip. This approximately 22-mile round trip climbs from Cass toward Bald Knob, reaching an elevation of approximately 4,842 feet. The journey takes about five hours.

During autumn, the elevation change can produce spectacular scenery. Passengers may travel through forests displaying different stages of fall color as the train steadily climbs the mountain. Another shorter option is the trip to Whittaker Station, which provides the Cass steam-train experience without requiring most of the day.

For travelers searching for authentic West Virginia fall foliage train rides, Cass should be near the top of the list. It sits in Pocahontas County, close to Snowshoe and other mountain attractions.

The Greenbrier Express provides a completely different experience from the mountain-climbing Bald Knob excursion. Departing from Cass, the steam-powered train follows the Greenbrier River north toward the mountain community of Durbin.

The route travels through remote portions of the Monongahela National Forest, giving passengers views of forested mountains, river scenery and areas that can be difficult to reach by automobile.

The full excursion lasts approximately 5½ hours and provides plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Wildlife sightings are also possible along the route, including deer, birds of prey and occasionally black bears. During October, the surrounding hardwood forests make this one of the most scenic West Virginia fall foliage train rides available.

Another excellent destination for fall train enthusiasts is Elkins. The New Tygart Flyer departs from the historic Elkins Depot and travels into the mountains along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River.

Unlike the steam-powered trains at Cass, the New Tygart Flyer uses diesel locomotives and comfortable passenger coaches. One of the highlights of the excursion is a stop at the High Falls of Cheat, a beautiful waterfall located in a remote section of West Virginia.

The combination of waterfalls, mountain streams, forests, bridges, tunnels and changing leaves makes this one of the most diverse West Virginia fall foliage train rides. Visitors can also spend time exploring downtown Elkins before or after their trip, making this an excellent option for a weekend fall getaway.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad provides one of the state's most distinctive autumn railroad experiences. Departing from Romney, the train follows the South Branch of the Potomac River through a narrow gorge known as The Trough.

This remote canyon is known not only for its scenery but also for its population of American bald eagles. Passengers frequently watch the surrounding trees and cliffs hoping to spot an eagle soaring above the river. During October, the forested mountains surrounding the river explode with fall colors.

Potomac Eagle offers several excursion and seating options throughout its operating season. Depending on the trip selected, passengers may choose from traditional coach seating or upgraded dining experiences. For visitors traveling from northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania or Washington, D.C., this can be one of the most convenient West Virginia fall foliage train rides to experience.

Mountain Rail West Virginia, operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, manages several of the state's most popular scenic railroad excursions. Rather than operating a single train, Mountain Rail offers multiple experiences departing from locations including Elkins and Cass.

Depending on the seasonal schedule, travelers may find excursions such as the New Tygart Flyer, Greenbrier Express, Cass Bald Knob trip, Cass Whittaker Station trip and special seasonal excursions.

Fall is one of the busiest times of year for these trains because the routes pass through some of the most heavily forested sections of the Allegheny Mountains. Because schedules and special excursions can change from year to year, travelers should check the current operating schedule before making travel plans. See our scenic drives and hiking guides for nearby things to do.

Choosing the right date is important because West Virginia's fall colors do not peak everywhere simultaneously. Elevation plays a major role. Higher mountain locations such as Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties generally begin showing significant color earlier than lower river valleys.

As a general rule, travelers interested in West Virginia fall foliage train rides should consider a window stretching from late September through late October. For high-elevation train rides around Cass and the mountains near Elkins, late September through the middle of October can offer excellent opportunities for fall color. Lower elevations and river valleys may retain good color later into October.

Weather conditions, rainfall, temperatures, elevation and the timing of the first frost can shift peak foliage dates every year. For more seasonal ideas, see our West Virginia fall festivals and fall travel guide.

The popularity of West Virginia fall foliage train rides means advance planning is highly recommended. Fall weekends can sell out quickly, particularly during October. Reserving tickets well in advance provides the best opportunity to choose your preferred train, departure time and seating option.

Travelers should also consider spending at least one night near their departure location. Mountain roads around Cass and Elkins can take considerably longer to drive than mileage alone might suggest. For overnight options, see our guides to Pocahontas County and Randolph County.

Bring a camera or smartphone because the scenery changes constantly. Window seats provide excellent photography opportunities, while some excursions may offer open-air viewing areas. Dress in layers as well. Temperatures in West Virginia's higher elevations can be significantly cooler than temperatures in the valleys, especially during morning departures.

A fall train excursion can easily become part of a larger West Virginia weekend getaway. Visitors traveling to Cass can explore nearby attractions such as Snowshoe Mountain, Green Bank and Seneca State Forest, along with other destinations throughout Pocahontas County.

Those traveling to Elkins can explore the city's downtown district, local restaurants and the surrounding Randolph County mountains. Travelers visiting Romney can explore additional attractions throughout West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands, including Seneca Rocks.

Combining a train ride with scenic drives, hiking, local restaurants and small mountain towns can turn a simple excursion into a memorable fall vacation.

West Virginia is one of the country's great destinations for combining railroad history with spectacular mountain scenery. The state's steep mountains, deep river valleys, hardwood forests and historic rail corridors create an ideal setting for autumn sightseeing.

Whether you're riding a steam locomotive toward Bald Knob, following the Greenbrier River from Cass, traveling through the mountains aboard the New Tygart Flyer or searching for bald eagles along the Potomac River, West Virginia fall foliage train rides provide a memorable way to experience the Mountain State.

For the best experience, plan early, watch the changing leaves and select a route that matches the portion of West Virginia you want to explore. Explore more with our small towns and New River Gorge guides, or plan ahead for the holidays with our Christmas events guide.

When autumn arrives and the Appalachian Mountains begin changing color, there may be no better seat in West Virginia than one beside the window of a historic train.