Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
West Virginia
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, preserves a historic heritage railroad and the former company town of Cass. Established in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the park showcases an 11-mile standard gauge railroad originally built to transport timber from the mountains. The railroad climbs Back Allegheny Mountain, reaching notable points such as Whittaker Station and Bald Knob, the third highest peak in the state. Visitors can ride on historic geared steam locomotives, including Shay, Heisler, and Climax models, through steep mountain terrain, experiencing the area's logging history firsthand. The park also offers refurbished company houses for lodging and a unique opportunity to stay in a cabin on Bald Knob or reserve cabooses for private use. With its combination of industrial heritage, scenic beauty, and immersive train excursions, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers a distinctive glimpse into early 20th-century Appalachian logging and railroading.
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Tip: Plan your visit between April and October for full park access and daylight rides from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. Advance reservations are recommended for lodging options like refurbished company houses or the Bald Knob cabin. Consider purchasing tickets ahead for popular train excursions to Whittaker Station, Spruce ghost town, or Bald Knob to secure your preferred trip. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or children. Dress in layers and prepare for variable mountain weather, especially on longer trips to higher elevations.
Zajímavosti
- •The Cass sawmill was once the largest double-band sawmill in the world, processing approximately 1.25 billion board feet of lumber.
- •The railroad includes eight Shay locomotives, a Heisler, and a Climax locomotive, all historic geared steam engines.
- •Bald Knob, accessible via the railroad, is the third-highest peak in West Virginia.
- •The ghost town of Spruce, once served by the railroad, was known as the coldest and highest town east of the Rocky Mountains.
- •The railroad track was originally laid by immigrant workers in 1901 and climbs steep grades of Back Allegheny Mountain.
Historie
Founded in 1901 as a company town by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, Cass was created to support logging operations in the region.
The railroad was built to transport timber, reaching various logging camps and towns including Spruce and Old Spruce.
The mill at Cass was once the largest double-band sawmill worldwide, processing over a billion board feet of lumber.
In 1942, operations were sold to Mower Lumber Company, which ceased activity in 1960 due to industry decline.
Local efforts led to the railroad becoming a state park in 1963, preserving its heritage.
The park and railroad were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and in 2015 operations were leased to the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad.
Průvodce po místě
Cass Company Town1901
Explore the preserved company town of Cass, featuring refurbished houses originally built for logging workers, a historic hardwood mill, and community buildings reflecting early 20th-century Appalachian life.
Heritage Railroad Line1901
Ride the 11-mile heritage railroad line that climbs Back Allegheny Mountain, offering scenic views and historic logging railroad experience aboard vintage geared steam locomotives.
Historic Locomotives
View and ride behind eight Shay locomotives, a Heisler, and a Climax locomotive, all examples of geared steam engines used in logging operations in the early 1900s.
Bald Knob Summit
Visit Bald Knob, the third highest point in West Virginia, accessible by the railroad. The summit offers panoramic mountain views and a small rental cabin for overnight stays.
Kontakt
Telefon: (304) 456-4300