Steam, Lights, and Spruce: Riding the Cass Christmas Train Through West Virginia’s Winter Woodlands
60–75 minutes of steam, lights, and Appalachian history — book early.
When the last pale light of afternoon slips behind the Allegheny ridgeline, the town of Cass takes on the kind of hush that makes ordinary roads feel intimate and small. Steam unfurls from a 1920s locomotive; the whistle is a punctuation mark in the quiet valley. Inside the heated, decorated coaches the air smells faintly of coal and pine, and families press cheeks to window glass to watch the Greenbrier River slide past like a dark ribbon of mirror. This is not a theme-park Santa spectacle or a generic holiday parade — it is a living, breathing piece of mountain history. The Cass Christmas Train makes the season tactile: a warm coach, a caboose with a story, and a town that lights the river trail in strings of thousands of bulbs.
Trail Wisdom
Book early
This experience often sells out around the holidays; reserve seats and choose coach type when you buy tickets.
Dress in layers
Coaches are heated but outdoor transfers and the platform can be cold—bring insulated outer layers and a hat.
Plan restroom stops
Not all cars have restrooms and the caboose has none; choose a coach with facilities if that matters.
Arrive early to explore
Get to the depot ahead of departure to visit park displays and walk the lit riverside trail before boarding.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Walk a quiet section of the Greenbrier River Trail lit at night
- •Explore the displays at the Cass depot and small museum exhibits
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, Wild turkey
Conservation Note
The railroad and state park preserve historic equipment and nearby riparian habitats; visitors are asked to stay on trails and pack out trash to protect the river corridor.
Cass was founded as a company town in the early 1900s tied to the timber and logging industry; the railroad once hauled spruce and lumber from the highlands.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Quieter crowds, Budburst and early greenery
Challenges: Variable late-season weather, Limited holiday programming
Spring brings milder days and quieter rails; the Christmas event itself is winter-focused, but off-season rides showcase the valley waking up.
summer
Best for: Longer daylight rides, Pairing with hiking and paddling
Challenges: Higher demand for general tourist season, Warmer coach temperatures may be noticeable
Summer sees full service on the railroad; evening light shows are seasonal, but daytime scenic runs make the most of warm weather.
fall
Best for: Peak foliage, Photogenic valley colors
Challenges: Shorter daylight hours, Cooler nights
Autumn offers spectacular color along the river and ridges — a great time for photographers seeking saturated landscapes.
winter
Best for: Holiday lights and events, A classic steam-in-snow atmosphere
Challenges: Cold temperatures, Not wheelchair accessible
Winter is prime for the Christmas program: decorated coaches, gift surprises for children, and thousands of lights in town.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Warm insulating layerEssential
Keeps you comfortable during platform time and in chilly coaches.
Compact camera or smartphone with low-light capability
Capture low-light scenes of the river, lights, and steam; a fast lens helps.
Small daypack
Holds extra layers, snacks, and tickets while you explore the depot and trail.
Cash and cardEssential
Some local vendors or parking areas may prefer cash; cards are accepted for tickets online.
Common Questions
How long is the Cass Christmas Train ride?
The roundtrip excursion lasts approximately 60–75 minutes.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
No. Because the coaches are historic and have multiple boarding steps, the trains are not wheelchair accessible.
Are restrooms available on the train?
Yes on select coaches: Coach Cars 3607 and 835 contain restrooms; Coach Car 202 and Caboose 90658 do not.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed, although service animals required for a disability are permitted.
Do trains run in snow or rain?
Yes. All trains run rain, shine, or snow as scheduled.
Is the caboose a good option for families?
The caboose offers a unique historic experience but has no restroom and passengers cannot leave during the trip, so consider coach options for families with young children.
What to Pack
Warm jacket, hat and gloves for platform time; camera with low-light capability for night shots; snacks and water for convenience; identification and ticket confirmation for check-in
Did You Know
Cass was established in 1901 as a company town to support the timber and logging industry and the railroad that hauled spruce out of the Alleghenies.
Quick Travel Tips
Buy tickets in advance online; arrive 30 minutes early for parking and exploration; choose a coach with restrooms if needed; expect spotty cell service in the valley
Local Flavor
After the ride, head to nearby Marlinton for hearty Appalachian fare and local hospitality; sample pepperoni rolls or trout at a family-run diner, then warm up with a locally brewed ale in a friendly pub. The Greenbrier River Trail offers gentle hiking or biking if you want to extend the day.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) ~1–1.5 hours drive; Closest town: Marlinton ~20–30 minutes; Driving: route includes rural mountain roads—allow extra time in winter; Cell service: intermittent in the valley; Permits: advance tickets required but no special permits.
Sustainability Note
This experience operates within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park—please pack out all trash, respect historic equipment, and avoid disturbing shoreline habitats along the Greenbrier River.