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wva-cass scenic railroad

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looking to go to the scenic railroad soon,mrs is wanting to see wva,and the beautiful view of the mountains and changing leaves.i gather from their site its a 4 plus hr ride to the top,and 4 hr back down ??,is their a restaurant at the top ??,would you recommend the trip,its roughly 5 hr drive for us.is it too late now for the leaves changing now,or do we have a few weeks left,whats your opinion on best day to go ??
 
it's worth the trip, done it twice. there are 2 rides, one is the short trip to the sheep station that's 1/2 way, the other goes to the top with awesome view. there is no restaurant at the top. and watch out for the cinders, they're hard on the eyes.
 
We have been there a couple of times. It is a great trip up the mountain with the mostly open cars being pushed up the mountain by the Shay locomotives. Keep in mind that the temperature will be colder as you climb the mountain and the passenger cars are mostly open. Take warmer clothing than you might think you need. I believe it is the second highest mountain in the state. At least 10 years ago, there was nothing except great scenery at the top. Try to plan your excursion for a day when the weather will be clear. You might check with their information number about when the fall color will be good.
 
Agree with others so far. Well worth it. View at top is into a valley with the Green Bank Radio Astronomy center in it, another worth it stop while you are in the area. Sort of an opposite of the Cass railroad. The last time I was there you could still go into the shop and look at the work being done to the engines and the machine tools they have, see if you can still do it. With it being fall and leave viewing time you might want make sure you get there EARLY to be sure and get a ticket, I have heard they sell out in the fall. While waiting gives you a chance to look around the shop and maybe the store and museum at the station. And be sure and check out the neat mechanicals on the engine side of the Shay engines. I think they also have at least one each of a Heisler and Climax engine also, don't remember if they are running or maybe they are by now. Let us know about your trip, it is about time I get back down that way and also visit a friend in Virginea, maybe next summer. Tom
 
As all of the others have said it is a nice trip. First time was 1975 in my brand new VW Dasher wagon. There are two trips up Bald Knob. Two trips to Whitaker station, and one all of the way up. Stop in the store first thing and order a box lunch. It was very good eating and I really liked the "ham biskit". They have a one hour lunch break at the top. You might want to go when they are having the Fall railfan special. They will have three or four engines all going at the same time and there is loads of action! They will let you take pictures at a lot of locations and it is a load of fun. Get back to us!!
 
You want scenery and few people to hassle with drive from Elkins WV to West Augusta VA on US 250,good little country restaurant on the WVA side before you start up the mountains.Monterey VA on the route is also a
unique place.
 
It's a neat ride. If you come when the leaves are in full color, it is stunning. Also visit the Greenbank Observatory too.
 
If you have a 5 hour drive you may want to make sure there are tickets available before making the trip. Around here those sorts of trips sell out fast. The RR museum I belong to is running this week as a pumpkin patch weekend. Not a very long train ride but a chance to see our museum operation and get a pumpkin and we have had the trains sold out for a month.
 
Nothing to do with WV, but here are a couple of pictures taken From the Million Dollar Road between Ouray, Silverton and Durango CO last weekend.
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I have ridden it many times. Pack a picnic lunch. Nothing at the top of the mountain, but an old caboose that you can spend the night in, restrooms, and a really great view. There is a stop (Whittaker Station)part of the way up. Watching the steam engine(s)work is my favorite part. We get in one of the cars farthest from the engine(s) so that you can look back as you are going around a curve and see a side view of the engine(s). If they use the Shay engines, you will have two engines push you up the mountain. One of the Shays (No.5)has been there since 1905, when the saw mill was operational. I don't know which is the best day to go. The cars are covered, ashes are not a problem.
 
It would be a great trip. Wife and I live about an hour from Cass. It has been a long time since I have been on the train ride. I would call for schedule and availability of tickets. The leaves are just now starting to turn so next couple of weeks should be good for leaf peeping. Be sure to take warm clothes because weather can be unpredictable this time of year. Hope you have a good time. Let us know how your trip goes.
 
The color is peaking later this year in the front range of Appalachians with all of the warm weather. Wonderful trip up to Bald knob. I would go mid week to avoid a crowd. Much more there that just the Shay engines, alot of logging history and an authentic logging village.
 
I live in Charles Town WV and work in Harpers Ferry,If I can be of any help let me know.Leaves aren't turning here yet 304-582-9995
 
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