Cass Scenic Railroad
This will focus on the rail-centric traveler; using the info most useful for those riding the train.
Four main issues/FAQs to cover..
At time of this being published; COVID 19 standards are in place in West Virginia. Please make sure you pack accordingly.
The excursions ran by Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Scenic Railroads aka Mountain Rail Adventures run out of Elkins, Durbin, and Cass. During the fall months; the trips are extremely popular.
With that in mind; book well ahead in advance; Cass Excursions are selling out quickly. You can book the Durbin Rocket one day and railfan Cass the next.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia is a cell phone zone. There is wifi at Cass Company Houses and select resorts and hotels. There is a pay phone at the company store if ourside contact is needed via phone call.
Basic info on the Bald Knob Excursion(the only excursion running currently due to COVID 19 standards; per Mountain Rail’s website)
Home
Mountain Rail Adventure’s Website Link
Cass Depot
Cass, WV 24927
38°23’50.6”N 79°54’51.2”W
To Reserve By Phone – 304-636-9477
Call Monday – Friday – 9AM – 5PM
Group Seating: Every effort will be made to seat groups as close together as possible on the train. Please let us know your needs prior to boarding.
Boarding: Cass boarding area is located at the Cass depot at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass, WV.
Important Info: If you have a reservation, please check in a ticket window prior to boarding. If you forget your tickets, we can print them for you. Walk-up tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis only. As the Cass cars are open air, you may want to bring a jacket during cooler weather as the temperature can vary as you climb in to the higher elevations weblink. Also, as these are steam engine trains, if anyone in your party is sensitive to loud noise, you may want to bring ear plugs on the day of your excursion.
Cancellation Policy*: If cancellations are made within 48 hours prior to boarding, there will be no refund. If notice of cancellation is made before 48 hours before departure, a 10% cancellation will be charged to any refund. You may reschedule at any time with no charges for a trip in the current season. Gift certificates can be issued for the full amount of the reservation at any time.
As for the actual trip today; we were extremely blessed by the staff.
The nearly 4 and 1/2 hour trip is worth every penny. A box lunch is provided for you and your guests per ride ticket.
Cass Scenic crew make sure all West Virginia and CDC standards are upheld. However; if six feet away from others guests….you can be without face coverings.
If staying at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park…
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Although rustic looking; central air and heat, small kitchen, various bedroom configurations, and front porches are on these properties.
The village of Cass does have a small restaurant at the State Park’s restored company store as well as a small grocery/restaurant next to the Greenbrier River.
Being the company houses have working kitchens; I would packing enough food for your stay.
The small grocery is Cass is a basic hub for hikers, bikers, adventures and kayaking adventures. The Cass Company Store has some staples.
Again, Cass Scenic Railroad Scenic Park is operated separate from the railroad operation and available year round.
Having stayed one night; I would easily book an outdoor getaway again here.
Look for more details in an upcoming article; Upon The Mountain: Cass 2022.
(Due to the Green Bank Radio Observatory being nearby by; other than wifi at village of Cass and select resorts; no cell phone service in Pocahontas County)
For a more in depth photo album; please see Columbus Wired's FB Page
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3387034321361207&type=3
