Explore the Historic Ghost Town of Spruce on West Virginia's Cass Scenic Railroad

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad offers an exceptional journey into the heart of Appalachia’s logging history. The Cass Scenic Spruce Trip departs from the small town of Cass, WV, and transports adventurers back in time aboard a powerful Shay steam locomotive. This 4.5-hour trip travels deep into the forested highlands to the abandoned ghost town of Spruce—once known as the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River and accessible only by rail.

Spruce was established in 1902 by the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company as a remote logging hub at the headwaters of the Shavers Fork of Cheat River. The town thrived briefly, boasting a mill, locomotive shop, company offices, a hotel, and rows of electric-lit company housing. Today, passengers witness the skeletal remains of this ghost town, with foundations and remnants that echo the region’s industrious past.

The ride itself is a highlight, with the vintage open-air cars offering panoramic views of dense Appalachian woodlands, craggy ridges, and mountain streams. The roar of the Shay locomotive and the rhythmic clatter over wooden trestle bridges create an immersive soundscape that connects riders to an era when rail and logging shaped the region’s identity. At milepost 6.7, the tracks split, trailing alongside the pristine headwaters of the Shavers Fork before reaching Spruce, where passengers disembark to explore the historic site on foot.

Part of what makes this trip unique is the authentic experience it delivers: the original steam engines, hand-built wooden cars with open sides, coupled with a “King of the Road” hobo lunch served onboard. This classic lunch includes cold sandwiches, chips, and homemade cookies—a delicious taste of old-fashioned travel hospitality.

Cass Scenic Railroad has long been integral to West Virginia’s outdoor recreation and heritage tourism, preserving one of the nation’s few remaining steam-powered logging rail lines. It’s a standout adventure for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers craving an accessible mountain escape off the beaten path.

Travelers should note that while most cars feature traditional wooden bench seating, Car B is wheelchair accessible, and all rides operate rain, shine, or snow. Layered clothing is essential, especially in cooler months when mountain air chills the open cars.

Whether you’re captivated by Appalachian history, steam railroading, or the rugged beauty of the Allegheny Mountains, the Cass Scenic Spruce Trip is an unforgettable journey into America’s industrial past and natural splendor.