The Best Fall Activities At Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Ride the rails of the original 1901 Cass Scenic Railroad this fall and step into a living piece of history. Explore the legacy of the region’s turn-of-the-century timber industry while taking in sweeping views of the vibrant foliage covering the mountains of Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Here are the best fall activities at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park to add to your trip.
Scenic Train Rides
Experiencing Nature’s Mountain Playground by way of a steam-driven locomotive is one of the most unforgettable memories you can make here. Cass is famous for its scenic train rides — and for good reason. The park is home to the last and largest remaining Shay locomotive ever built!
Mountain Rail Adventures operates three distinct excursions at Cass, each highlighting the region’s natural beauty and deep railroad heritage.
Whittaker Station (2 hours)
For a shorter ride through the mountains, take the Whittaker Station route. This excursion climbs the lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along Leatherbark Creek, zigzagging through switchbacks before stopping at Whittaker Station. It’s the perfect trip for families or first-time visitors.
Bald Knob (4 hours)
Climb to one of West Virginia’s highest peaks on the Bald Knob excursion. Passengers ascend 2,390 feet from Cass to Bald Knob, experiencing the unique high-elevation climate where spruce trees and alpine plants thrive. Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of the valleys below and a lunch to complete the journey.
Greenbrier Express (6 hours)
For a full-day adventure, hop aboard the Greenbrier Express, a round-trip journey from Cass to Durbin. The route follows the serene Greenbrier River and passes through a section of the Monongahela National Forest. In Durbin, take time to explore the town, enjoy lunch and go on a self-guided historical walking tour or view local public art before returning to Cass.
Each train ride offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience West Virginia’s rolling mountains and deep valleys from a nostalgic and scenic vantage point.
Fishing
Just steps from the Cass Company Store and within walking distance of the Cass Company Houses, the Greenbrier River is a peaceful spot to cast a line. Try your luck catching trout or smallmouth bass while listening to the distant whistle of the locomotives. Be sure to have a current West Virginia fishing license before you fish.
Hiking and Biking
Cass sits at the northern end of the Greenbrier River Trail — West Virginia’s longest rail trail, stretching 78 miles. Whether you’re hiking or biking, it’s a beautiful way to explore the area’s quiet woodlands.
The park also offers bike rentals. Pedal around the historic logging town or tackle one of the nearby trails in the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center.
The History
Discover the history of Cass through guided tours and museum visits. Join a Historic Town of Cass Walking Tour, offered Tuesday through Sunday at noon and 4 p.m., to learn about the town’s roots. Stop by the Cass Historical Museum — open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — to see exhibits about the railroad and the community of Cass. At the Cass Historic Theater, watch a short documentary that shares more about the town’s past.
Extend Your Stay
Make your visit even more memorable with an overnight stay in one of the historic company houses. Built in 1901 for the town’s loggers, these restored homes offer a cozy, authentic way to experience the history of Cass. Each house is just a short stroll from the Cass Company Store, the railroad depot and Shay’s Restaurant.
While you’re in town, explore the gift shop, The Shops at Leatherbark Ford and The Burner Homeplace, a museum and art gallery housed in the oldest house in Cass, built in 1885.
Plan Your State Park Getaway
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is beautiful in every season, but there’s something truly special about seeing the steam trains surrounded by autumn color. Request a free Adventure Guide and start planning your getaway now!