This Scenic Prepare Journey By West Virginia Has Among the Greatest Fall Foliage Views within the State

When the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change, the countdown to peak fall foliage is on. The window is comparatively brief, so planning a visit to see the crimson, orange, and yellow hues is a time-sensitive matter. It’s additionally one which requires a little bit of analysis into the place you’ll discover the perfect autumnal tones. If you happen to’re serious about leaf-peeping in West Virginia, there are just a few above-average spots to hunt out, like New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect and the Greenbrier River Valley. And the most effective methods to absorb the fantastic thing about the latter is by boarding the Greenbrier Categorical.

The steam-powered scenic practice leaves from Cass, West Virginia, snakes via the Monongahela Nationwide Forest, and takes passengers on a 15-mile journey to the city of Durbin. Alongside the way in which, anticipate river views, an impressive fall colour palette, and the occasional wildlife recognizing. “It’s common to see wildlife comparable to eagles and deer, so maintain your eyes peeled in the course of the journey,” says Walter Scriptunas II, advertising and marketing director of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. “My private favourite location is Hosterman, the midway level between Cass and Durbin. A big beaver pond borders the tracks, and waterfowl can typically be seen.”

The views are only one facet of the Greenbrier Categorical expertise, although. There’s additionally a little bit of historical past and the possibility to stretch your legs. “All departures are pulled by considered one of our 100-plus-year-old steam locomotives,” Scriptunas says. “On the midway cease in Durbin, passengers unload from the practice and are handled to lunch, included within the ticket worth. After lunch, there may be time to seize a espresso or smoothie on the Merely Candy Cafe and browse the Rail & Path Retailer for distinctive railroad souvenirs.”

Tickets and Schedule

The Greenbrier Categorical runs on choose days from Might via October, however Scriptunas notes that you could additionally come for a winter trip (you’ll simply miss the autumn foliage). “We now provide Greenbrier Categorical rides on weekends within the winter, starting in mid-January,” he says. “These journeys have gotten highly regarded, particularly following a contemporary snowfall.” The round-trip Cass-to-Durbin practice leaves Cass at 10 a.m. and returns by 3:30 p.m.

Tickets could be bought prematurely on-line, and fares differ relying on time of 12 months and age; kids, seniors, veterans, and lively navy can get discounted tickets. For October 2025 rides, a typical grownup ticket is $93. Each table-style and bus-style seating is out there, and, in contrast to some practice rides, you get to decide on your seat once you e-book.

“Many first-time passengers ask which is the perfect aspect of the practice to trip on; the reply is each,” Scriptunas explains. “On the midway level of the trip, the complete practice is turned for the trip again to Cass, giving passengers on each side of the practice an equal view of the surroundings.”

He does have one piece of recommendation for locating the perfect views, although. “Ask the conductor on board for instructions to the bags automotive—the massive, open doorways on this automotive provide nice views of the encompassing surroundings,” he says.

Vacationers using the Greenbrier Categorical within the fall or winter ought to you’ll want to costume warmly. “Whereas the automobiles are climate-controlled, temperatures can change quick in the course of the trip, and also you don’t wish to be shocked when disembarking the practice,” he provides.

What to Do in Cass, West Virginia

Make a weekend of your journey to Cass. Exterior of using the Greenbrier Categorical, you possibly can take part in a handful of different actions within the space. “Go to the close by Inexperienced Financial institution Observatory Science Middle for a guided tour of the telescopes, and revel in a stroll or bike trip on the Greenbrier River Path, which begins in Cass,” says Scriptunas. He additionally recommends CW’s Corn Maze, which he notes is positioned on Cass Highway and opens on the weekends from Sept. 27 via October.

Railway fanatics and newbie historians alike may additionally wish to leisurely discover the city of Cass. “Earlier than or after your practice trip, take a city tour and go to the Cass Historic Museum to find the historical past of the Cass Scenic Railroad,” he says. The museum is open Tuesday via Sunday, and it’s free to enter. There’s additionally the choice to observe a documentary on Cass and the Cass Scenic Railroad on the Cass Historic Theater, with 4 completely different showtimes all through the day from Tuesday via Sunday.