Cass Scenic Railroad
Cass, WV
Geared Shay steam locomotives climb switchbacks from an old logging company town to mountain overlooks. Book ahead for fall trips.
The Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass, West Virginia, is a heritage railroad in Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Cass was founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company as a company town. The sawmill and railroad closed in 1960, and the state park was created on March 7, 1961. Today steam locomotives of the Shay type run on the 11-mile (18-kilometer) standard-gauge line; Cass No. 6, built in 1945, is regarded as the largest surviving Shay and the last one ever built.
The highlight is the trip to Bald Knob, the third-highest mountain in West Virginia, with an overlook; the round trip takes four and a half to five hours (sources give slightly different times). The ride to Whittaker Station is shorter (about two hours round trip), and the longest is the trip to Durbin (about five and a half hours). The trains are operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
According to Lonely Planet, the visitor center gives out a map for a walking tour of the town. Schedules and booking depend on the season, so check the railroad's website (mountainrailwv.com) in advance. It can be much cooler at the top than in the valley, so pack a warm layer.
- Nearest town
- Cass, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.3970, -79.9152
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- East Fork Campground & Horse HotelCampsite11 mi from Cass Scenic RailroadTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Island CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Cass Scenic Railroad
- Kumbrabow State Forest CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Cass Scenic Railroad
- Hidden Valley CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Cass Scenic Railroad · 31 pitchesWaste disposal
- Blowing Springs CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Cass Scenic Railroad · 22 pitches
- Riverside CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Cass Scenic Railroad · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansShowers
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cass Scenic Railroad?
Cass Scenic Railroad is in Cass, WV, at GPS 38.3970, -79.9152. It is about 4 mi from Snowshoe.
Can you camp near Cass Scenic Railroad?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Seven Mile Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cass Scenic Railroad?
Cass Scenic Railroad is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: West Virginia highlands: Dolly Sods to Cass.
What is there to see near Cass Scenic Railroad?
Places worth a stop nearby: Green Bank Observatory (5 mi), Spruce Knob (29 mi), Seneca Rocks (42 mi) and Staunton Historic Downtown (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cass Scenic Railroad?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)