Mountain Rail Adventures

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad’s Mountain Rail Adventures feature vintage rail excursions from late spring to the end of fall each year in West Virginia’s remote wilderness of Pocahontas County. Re-live the history of authentic steam-powered locomotives at Durbin and Cass on adventure excursions that provide access to beautiful mountain vistas, river valleys, and remote areas of the Monongahela National Forest and West Virginia state park lands that can only be brought to you by rail!

Pocahontas County’s rich coal and timber hauling rail history is preserved today through train rides departing the Durbin Depot and the historic downtown Cass Depot. A wide range of special events accentuates the seasonal schedules of all Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad Mountain Rail excursions. New schedules, an expanded operating season, and a wide assortment of family-oriented events throughout the spring, summer, and fall make Pocahontas County a RAIL destination for all.

Mountain Rail Adventures – Pocahontas County Excursions:

Durbin Rocket:
“Best for Kids!” is the Durbin Rocket, the steam-powered “Climax” locomotive that chugs alongside the Greenbrier River. This former timber-hauling locomotive, one of only three operating in the world today, departs the Durbin Depot for a trip to the picnic area of Hevener Station. The two-hour round trip is optimal for children, due to its open car configuration. Passengers can wander freely through enclosed and open cars, and little ones love the Caboose. The Durbin Rocket offers two departures, Thursday – Sunday throughout the summer and early fall, and every day in October!

Cass Scenic Railroad:
After a ride on the Rocket, drive on over to the Cass Scenic Railroad (a mere 29 minutes from Durbin via WV 92-S) to experience the world’s largest collection of operational coal-fired Shay locomotives. These more-than-a-century-old steam locomotives used to be the “titans of the timber”, hauling timber on and off the Appalachians in the early 20th century. Today, the equipment is preserved and rail trips from the historic town of Cass offer some of the most beautiful mountain views as the train ascends to Whittaker Station and onto Bald Knob. The 1.5-hour round trip to Whittaker Station departs the Cass Deport twice daily from Tuesday-Sunday throughout the summer and early fall, as does the 4.5 Bald Knob round-trip excursion. Both schedules expand to daily departures beginning in October. After October 25, schedules vary.

Wild Heart of West Virginia:
The Wild Heart of West Virginia adventure package allows riders to connect between the Cass Scenic Railroad and the Cheat Mountain Salamander, a diesel-powered passenger train originating in Elkins. This new multi-day adventure package brings passengers from Elkins to Cass and Cass to Elkins with special attractions at each destination.