Mountain Rail Adventures

In the highlands of West Virginia, there’s a spiderweb of scenic rail lines used to haul passengers to some of West Virginia’s most remote and picturesque locations. Once used to haul timber and coal off the Appalachians and into small rural towns, these rail lines have been preserved for a new purpose: entertaining tens of thousands of visitors each year. with one of our seasonal events such as the Ramps & Rails Festival, an Easter-themed Cottontail Express, Bluegrass specials, or something festive like the Polar Express! And the fun doesn’t end even as the trains stop running. In Elkins, our MountainRail packages partner with other local attractions for theatre, dining and lodging partnerships for a true weekend getaway.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, a company founded in 1997, and its portfolio of West Virginia MountainRail Adventures, offer train rides from three historic depots in West Virginia - Elkins, Cass, and Durbin. While relatively close in distance, the three depots offer a variety of train rides ranging from 2-hour day trips to overnight destinations, wine trains, and special holiday venues. Seasonal train rides, which typically operate April through December, afford visitors the chance to explore many of West Virginia’s hidden treasures by rail. From Elkins, passengers can travel to High Falls waterfall on the New Tygart Flyer or tour the entire rail line on a 128-mile journey on board the Cheat Mountain Salamander. Both Elkins trips include a buffet style lunch for every passenger at no additional cost. If you’re looking for an added bonus, plan your trip in coordination “It’s more than just a train ride. It’s about creating lifelong memories with your kids, your friends, and family by truly experiencing West Virginia and this beautiful part of the state,” says Chase Gunnoe, business development manager at the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. “From local and unique restaurants to at least two different theatre productions and local hotels, Elkins is about more than just a train ride - it’s about exploring and being a part of West Virginia’s unique mountain heritage for a weekend,” adds Gunnoe.

Cass Railroad Depot

Spring 2020 | www.shenandoahvalleyguide.com 15 And Elkins isn’t the only destination. If you’re looking for a true mountain getaway, the Cass Scenic Railroad and Durbin may be the destination for you. The Cass Scenic Railroad is a steam locomotive treasure and the home of a former timber hauling railroad and logging community. With more than 100-year-old company houses, remnants of a saw mill, and the largest collection of geared steam ‘Shay’ locomotives, the Cass Scenic Railroad is a household name for West Virginians and a place truly unlike anything else. “Cass is a treasure - there’s really no other way to explain it. You wake up hearing the steam train whistle echo off the hills as you sit on the porch of a company home enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s a beautiful start to the day that just keeps getting better,” says Gunnoe, who was an avid railroad enthusiast and native West Virginian who visited the railroad years prior to working for the company. The Cass Scenic Railroad takes passengers to a former logging camp known as Whittaker Camp and to the very top of the mountain at Bald Knob overlook. Bald Knob is West Virginia’s second highest mountain - reaching more than 4,800 feet in elevation. Trains operate through switchbacks and up a 9 percent grade. Whether you’re visiting Elkins for arts and entertainment, history or stepping back in time on the Cass Scenic Railroad for an experience from the early 1900s, West Virginia’s MountainRail Adventures offers a variety of trips that cater to visitors with different objectives and interests. Day trips remain a popular option, but weekend getaways are increasingly popular because they give visitors the chance to experience the area, form a friendship with local tourism folks, and connect with nature. Learn more about MountainRail Adventures, their vacation options, and more history about the uniqueness of one of West Virginia’s most hidden treasures. www.mountainrail.com and call 304-636- 9477 for a brochure and other information!