Cass Scenic Bald Knob Trip (DEPARTS FROM CASS, WV)

ALL TRAINS RUN RAIN/SHINE/SNOW

Historic. Authentic. A ride into yesterday

The Cass Scenic Railroad is the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass during that time, and in the rainforests of British Columbia for more than a half-century. Many of the passenger cars are old logging flat cars that have been refurbished.

Cass is the home to the world’s largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives. Five Shays, one Heisler, and one Climax reside here. The legendary turn-of-the-century class C-80 Shay, #5 has been toiling up Cheat Mountain for nearly 115 years, making it one of the oldest engines in continuous service on its original line, and the oldest operable Shay in existence! Reserve Now!

Trip Summary

Bald Knob – Approximately 22-mile, 4.5 hr. Round – trip Excursion

The long haul of 11 miles to Bald Knob takes about four and a half hours for the 22-mile round trip. Panoramas of the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. Passengers suddenly realize they are entering a completely different world, mainly because of the change in trees, flowers and atmosphere. By climbing the 2,390 feet from Cass (2452-feet) to Bald Knob (4842-feet) on Back Allegheny Mountain and second highest point in West Virginia, passengers have made the equivalent to an 800 mile trip to Canada in climate because of the higher altitude. Here are found spruce trees, snowshoe hares and other plants and animals typical in the far north. The rustic overlook affords one of the most awesome, overwhelming spectacles in the cast. Dwarfed by distance and almost lost in the vastness of the panorama is the giant Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, at the Green Bank Observatory in the valley near the foot of the mountain. A remarkable contrast between the wilderness at Bald Knob and today’s space-age facilities!

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, and bottled water. A ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Important Seating Note:

The Bald Knob 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 I 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 Bald Knob train contains one car (G) that is wheelchair accessible. All other cars are not accessible.