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West Virginia Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Except for the popular and long-running Cass Scenic Railroad in Pocahontas County, most folks do not realize what a gold mine of West Virginia train rides are available to enjoy today. Cass is certainly the most popular, offering the largest collection of operating geared steam locomotives in the world and fabulous views of West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. However, you now have the option of enjoying meals in climate-controlled cars along the West Virginia Central and experiencing the scenic views of the state's Eastern Panhandle in an open-air setting aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. Finally, the sometimes forgotten Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad in the tiny hamlet of Durbin offers the chance to see even more geared steam in action. If you have the time, desire, and budget you can truly have a nice vacation by visiting all of the state's tourist railroads (which are all located within an hour or two of each other).

West Virginia's history with tourist railroads began in the early 1960s when the Cass Scenic Railroad began over tracks once part of a local logging line. The operation began more or less as a novelty but as its popularity grew the state realized the railroad's tourism potential. Today, the state is home to four excursions altogether and all offer something a little bit different. In terms of excursion options and available packages the West Virginia Central has the most to offer, providing guests with a variety of trains and onboard amenities, including meals both on the train as well as at the Elkins station. In any event, to learn more about all West Virginia train rides please read more about each railroad listed below.

West Virginia Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Cass Scenic Railroad

Cass Scenic officially debuted on June 15, 1963 on a few miles of railroad originally owned by the Mower Lumber Company in Pocahontas County, which for decades had been exploiting the region's vast timber reserves. Today, the railroad operates a fleet of five geared steam locomotives and has rebuilt more than a dozen miles of track reaching Bald Knob and the former town of Spruce where it connects with the West Virginia Central. To learn more about the railroad please click here. Also, to visit their website please click here.

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

The little Durbin & Greenbrier Valley, sometimes forgotten because of its small size and out-of-the-way location, uses a short section of the Chesapeake & Ohio's former Greenbrier Branch that terminated at Durbin (where the railroad once connected with the Western Maryland). From the town's restored depot the D&GV operates a restored Climax geared steam locomotive. To learn more about the railroad please click here. Also, to visit their website please click here.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Located in the state's Eastern Panhandle on a branch line originally owned by the Baltimore & Ohio the Potomac Eagle Scenic meanders along the South Branch Potomac River with surprisingly incredible scenery for an area known for being in the flatter region of the state. The tourist line is best known for its regular sightings of Bald Eagles. To learn more about the railroad please click here. Also, to visit their website please click here.

West Virginia Central Railroad

Quickly becoming the state's most popular excursion train the West Virginia Central operates former branch lines owned by the Western Maryland Railway around Elkins. Based out of the town's restored WM depot they now offer a wide range of trips by rail for visitors. To learn more about the WVC please click here. Also, to visit their website please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Tourist Railroads Section

To learn more about the history of West Virginia's railroads please click here. Also, for more information about West Virginia train rides you might want to consider the book Tourist Trains Guidebook, which is put together by the editors of Kalmbach Publishing's Trains magazine. The guide below is the latest, released in just April, 2011 that now includes more than 470 museums and tourist trains (it also lists all of Alabama's rail museums). In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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