West Virginia’s rigged Appalachian Mountains are home to some the most scenic railway in the country. Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to Bald Knob, taker the New Tygart Flyer into the Cheat Mountain wilderness and ride the coal-fired locomotives of the Durbin Rocket, along the scenic Greenbrier River
Day
1 Depart Illinois
Depart Illinois and travel across Ohio into Pennsylvania for a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Manager. (Dinner)
Day
2 Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and Canaan Valley Resort
Begin the day at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. See its extensive collection of trolleys and experience a bygone era with a scenic 4-mile long ride aboard one of the museum’s restored streetcars. Later, arrive in Canaan Valley State Park and the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of this area which backs up against the Allegheny Mountains. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Resort. (Breakfast and dinner)
Day
3 Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad to Bald Knob
This morning travel to the town of Cass. Here, climb aboard the steam locomotives of the Cass Scenic Railroad for an excursion into Monongahela National Forest. Built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill, you will follow the old logging route. With grades as much as 11% you climb through the forest to Whitaker Station, where a “King of the Road” hobo lunch awaits. At the Bald Knob overlook, some 4,842 feet high, take in the spectacular views into two states and the valley below. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day
4 New Tygart Flyer and Graceland Inn
Today, travel deep into the mountains of West Virginia aboard the vintage diesel-powered New Tygart Flyer. Armed with a box lunch for the journey, the stylish Flyer features large windows, reclining seats and takes you into the Cheat Mountain wilderness to High Falls for photos and a visit with the natural beauty of this area. Back in Elkins, stop at the West Virginia Railroad Museum where a rare 1946 Cadillac Series 62 Rail Car is housed. Dinner tonight is at the majestic Graceland Inn, built in the 1890’s at the height of the Timber Barons. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day
5 Durbin Rocket
Climb aboard the Durbin Rocket today. This unique Heisler No. 6 coal-fired steam locomotive has strong ties to the West Virginia logging industry. Ride the 1920-era coaches and vintage wooden cabooses as they steam along the Greenbrier River through Monongahela National Forest. Tonight, enjoy the evening’s farewell dinner hosted by your Tour Manager. (Breakfast and dinner)
Day
6 Travel Home
Travel home with many fond memories of the Railways of West Virginia. (Breakfast)