Are meals included with the Club Service?

Yes, Club Service includes a meal prepared with entrée selection required at booking.

Is the train ride suitable for children?

This experience has a minimum age of 17, so it is not suitable for younger children.

Can passengers open the windows in the Club Service car?

No, the windows remain closed to maintain climate control during the trip.

How long is the train journey?

The excursion lasts approximately three hours, covering roughly 35 miles round-trip.

Is advance reservation required for this excursion?

Yes, advance reservations are required to secure your seat and meal choice.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, restroom facilities are available on the train for passenger convenience.

Experience Scenic Luxury on the Trough Canyon Train Journey | Train | Sightseeing Tour

Adventure Brief

Discover the Trough Canyon train ride near Romney, WV—a three-hour excursion through dramatic limestone cliffs, complete with gourmet meal service in beautifully restored lounge cars. Experience nature, history, and vintage rail elegance all in one trip.

3 hours

easy

From $176.30

Winding through the rugged terrain of West Virginia’s Trough Canyon, the Club Service train excursion transforms a simple rail ride into an indulgent retreat. Departing from Romney, this three-hour round-trip voyage traces approximately 35 miles southbound to Sycamore Bridge and back, offering expansive views of untouched wilderness and a bird’s-eye perspective on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The Trough itself is famed for its steep limestone cliffs framing the South Branch Potomac River, home to distinctive flora and fauna that make the landscape a rare Appalachian gem.

This trip’s hallmark is its exclusive Club Service, where passengers step into beautifully restored lounge cars outfitted with elegant Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad china and plush loveseats arranged around intimate tables. Climate control ensures comfort in any season, whether you’re escaping summer heat or enjoying a cozy autumn ride. Unlike standard excursions, the windows in these cars remain sealed to preserve that perfect environment, ensuring your focus stays on the stunning vistas outside—and the gourmet meal inside.

Advance reservations are essential, allowing guests to select an entrée ahead of time tailored to their taste, enhancing the unique dining-on-the-move experience. Meals are served table-side, creating a rare blend of fine dining and vintage rail travel that reflects the rich railroading heritage of the region. As your train snakes past dramatic rock walls and through deep forest stands, you’ll notice the quiet presence of wildlife like bald eagles soaring overhead and white-tailed deer glimpsed through the trees.

Romney’s proximity makes it an ideal base for exploring Eastern West Virginia’s outdoor recreation, from hiking nearby trails to paddling calm river stretches. The Sycamore Bridge area itself holds historical weight as a once-crucial crossing on the C&O rail line, adding a layer of cultural resonance to this immersive journey. The Trough Canyon train ride offers more than sightseeing; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor a slice of American railroad history nestled within a stunning natural setting.

For travelers seeking a luxurious, scenic adventure that combines comfort, history, and spectacular wilderness, the Trough Canyon Club Service is a standout. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone looking to experience West Virginia’s rugged beauty without roughing it, this excursion delivers an unmatched perspective from the rails with an elevated twist.

About Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad operates scenic passenger train excursions in West Virginia, specializing in wildlife viewing, historic railcars, and themed dining experiences. The railroad runs multiple trip formats — short 75-minute family rides, 1.5–3 hour scenic trips through the South Branch and Trough Canyon, and full-day 9-hour round trips to Petersburg with a three-hour layover. Trains travel southbound to Sycamore Bridge and along the Potomac and South Branch rivers where passengers commonly sight nesting bald eagles and dramatic rock formations. Vintage, beautifully restored dining and lounge cars are climate-controlled and feature period details such as Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad china; seating options include standard coach, standard dining, superior and premium dining, and exclusive club service. Advance reservations are required for dining and recommended for premium or holiday trains. Seasonal and special event departures include the interactive North Pole Express, holiday-themed Holiday Trough Canyon trips, Sunset Trough monthly evening runs, and community events like the Moorefield Fourth of July train that supports the American Eagle Foundation. The company also packages excursions with boxed lunches or meal service and connects passengers to local destinations during the Petersburg layover for shopping and dining. Safety, historic preservation, and customer service are emphasized through restored equipment and trained crew. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad partners with local businesses and attractions such as Smoke Hole Caverns to expand family-friendly options. These curated rail experiences combine natural scenery, regional history, and comfortable vintage rail travel to create reliable, memorable outings for families, photographers, and rail enthusiasts.