Cass Scenic Spruce Trip (DEPARTS FROM CASS, WV)

ALL TRAINS RUN RAIN/SHINE/SNOW

Enjoy this scenic ride to the ghost town of Spruce!

For the first time since 2019, passenger service returns to the ghost town of Spruce. Once known as the the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi and accessible only by rail, Spruce has become a popular destination for those wanting to experience the notorious ghost town.

Established in 1902, the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company chose the remote location at the headwaters of Shavers Fork of Cheat River to build a complex to supply pulpwood for the company paper mills in Covington, Virginia, and Luke, Maryland.

At its height, the town featured a mill, locomotive shop, company offices, hotel and row houses identical to the ones seen at Cass today. All buildings featured electric lights, a rare amenity of the day.

In 1926 the mill closed and the future of the town became uncertain until the Western Maryland Railway took over a portion of the rail to take advantage of the booming coal industry in the area. The WM RY abandoned their Spruce facilities in 1949 and the remaining families moved away. Now only foundations of the once thriving town can be seen.

On your journey from Cass you’ll travel uphill along the Cass Scenic Railway pushed by a powerful Shay steam locomotive. At milepost 6.7 the tracks diverge and travel alongside the headwaters of the Shavers Fork. During the layover at Spruce passengers will have the opportunity to walk around the town site.

A “King of the Road” hobo lunch will be provided to enjoy with your ride as well. The hobo lunch consists of a cold sandwich (lunch meat, cheese, etc. all separated in plastic wrap), chips, cookie, applesauce and a bottled water. Children 3 and under will receive a free applesauce, chips & cookie only.

Please bring a lunch for your free 3 & under child.

A ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Important Seating Note:

The Spruce train features open-air cars (they have roofs but are open on the sides) and seating is at traditional wooden benches. When booking, you will choose a car on the train which will be your car assignment on the day of your trip (Car A is closest to the engine while Car E is farthest away from the engine). Once aboard your assigned car, you will then choose your own seats. THE TRAIN RUNS RAIN OR SHINE! Jackets/layers are highly recommended during cooler weather. If anyone in your party is sensitive to loud noises, ear plugs are also recommended.

PET POLICY:

• We DO NOT allow pets on any of our excursions
• Service animals which are required due to a disability are allowed

ADA INFO:

• The Spruce train contains one car (B) that is wheelchair accessible. All other cars are not accessible.