This is another in my series of West Virginia Day Trips.  In most cases, you can get from any one point in WV to any other with one tank of gas, and we've got plenty of great things here to see!

The Cass Railroad line was built in 1901 to haul lumber.  West Virginia's mountains created challenges for train engines, and the Shay Locomotives were the answer.  These engines are designed for hauling heavy loads up and down our steep grades and sharp turns.  At one time, West Virginia had over 3,000 miles of lumber railway tracks.  Now only 11 miles remain, and they are all available for you to enjoy at Cass Scenic Railroad. 

You'll begin your visit in the town of Cass.  Enjoy the restored company houses, museum, company store and train depot while you await your train.  YOU WILL KNOW when your train arrives, you can't miss the thunderous chugging or the whistle blasts of these nearly antique locomotives.  Click the photo to the left to see a 17 second video of the train's arrival. 

Passenger cars are recycled logging flat cars.  They are open and have bench seating.  Most of the time you will probably want to stand so you won't miss any of the sights!  You'll have your choice of trips. 

• Whittaker Station.  This tour takes you on a two hour trip to the station recreated by Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association.  The train will make two "switchbacks" on it's way up the mountain.  (Switchbacks are basically a zig-zag up the mountain so the engines can more easily handle the steep grade.)  Because of the switchbacks, sometimes the engine will be pulling the cars, other times pushing.  You'll stop at Whittaker Station and have time to take a nice look around at the historic area.
• Bald Knob.  Take a jacket if you're going to Bald Knob.  The temperature is 10-15 degrees cooler than in Cass and has a climate very much like Canada.  It's 4,842 feet above sea level, the second highest point in West Virginia.  You'll go 11 miles up the mountain, and the trip takes 5 hours.
• Spruce.  Spruce is also a 5 hour trip.  You'll visit the former logging town which was once the highest and coldest town in America east of the Rockies.  Again, might want a jacket!

In addition to the day trips, you can also rent a cottage cabin, caboose or rustic cabin.  There is one cottage cabin that is handicapped accessible and some will permit dogs or cats.  (No animals allowed on the train, however.)  The cabooses are very interesting.  Built in the 1920's and 40's, they've been refurbished as little cabins.  If you rent one, it will be towed to your destination by the train.  You'll be provided with coal for heating and with water (note -- there is no bathroom!) and you'll be picked up at the end of your stay and towed back down to the station.  What a trip!

There are also specialty trips such as "Murder Mystery Train" which offers dinner and lets you play detective, and "Fiddles and Vittles" which translates as bluegrass and a buffet.  (On all trips you are allowed to bring food and picnic either at your destination or on the train.)  Be sure to think about a visit in the fall when West Virginia really shows it's colors!