A trip aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad is well worth planning for your family this fall. The Cass was a logging railroad that is now part of a state park. Passengers board open-air cars for their choice of two excursions, both of which climb an 11% grade as the train travels two switchbacks using steam locomotives. Even during the peak fall weeks, the trip is certainly as breathtaking as the scenery.
2004 Rates
All passengers board at the depot in historic Cass, West Virginia. The summer schedule last from May 28th through September 6th. The fall schedule starts September 10th through 30th and October 21st through 31st. The special Fall Color trains run daily from October 1-17. The special Fall Color rates are as follows: for Whittaker Station $15 for adults ($17 for weekends) and $10 for kids ages 5-12 ($12 for weekends), and for Bald Knob or Spruce $19 for adults ($21 for weekends) and $11 for kids ages 5-12 ($13 for weekends).
The Whittaker Station excursion takes passengers on an 8-mile tour of the wilderness area. The round trip takes about 1 1/2 hours and costs $13 for adults (weekends: $15) and $8 for children ages 5-12 (weekends: $10). The regular departure times are 12 a.m. and 2:30 p.m for May 28 through October 31.
The Bald Knob or Spruce excursion is a 22-mile journey into a colorful fall wonderland. From the highest point in West Virginia at 4,842 feet, passengers can see two states! Each car has its own brakeman who explains the history of the railroad and offers a host of fun facts. The fare for this excursion is $17 for adults ($19 on weekends) and $10 for children ages 5-12 ($12 on weekends) The trip takes 4 1/2 hours to complete, so parents should plan accordingly. All departures are at 12 noon. Admission to the Cass Showcase, Wildlife Museum and Historical Museum are included in the price of the train tickets.
