Spacious Cabins & Scenic Train Rides: Unveiling America’s Most Underrated State Park

2025 is the 12 months of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey alternate options.

Exhausting to imagine it has been years for the reason that pandemic was declared over, however one factor has change into more and more clear to at the present time — journey is again.

Whether or not or not it’s famend resorts offered out evening after evening, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being pressured to share selfies in what-should-be extensive open plains of nationwide or state parks, vacationers are embracing their sense of wanderlust all of the over the world, leaving the door open to find extra hidden gems.

With regards to the U.S., one might argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?

Identified extra for its deeply rooted historical past of coal mining and longstanding tales of Appalachian folklore, those that have visited West Virginia sometimes come out the opposite facet shocked by how lovely the “Mountain State” actually is ,particularly being house to America’s most underrated state park.

West Virginia, Take Me…To Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Something beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even faux there’s a greater highway journey tune than Take Me Dwelling, Nation Roads.

We have all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme tune at one level or one other, however not often can we ever scope out the state itself for a pleasant, enjoyable getaway.

Full disclosure – West Virginia has usually discovered itself on the mistaken facet of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities nowadays, leaving locals residing in poverty in some instances, and holding the very best demise price for overdoses within the nation, in keeping with the CDC.

These very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have forged a shadow over the intense spots of West Virginia folks have lengthy been lacking out on — one in all them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Those that have visited completely adore it! The park’s Google ranking stands at a formidable 4.7 out of 5, with one current visitor claiming, “My household and I really loved this journey. Stunning surroundings, educated employees. Good locations to remain close by and good locations to eat. There may be a lot to do. Lunch was supplied with our prepare experience. 10/10 would suggest!”.

All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailRoad!

Cass Scenic Railroad locomotive in state park

Positioned in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is house to breathtaking mountain vistas, historical forests, and mazes of climbing trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic prepare experience courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.

Better of all, come Might, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with beautiful views of waterfalls, lush wilderness, and rustic cities like Durbin nestled within the mountains.

These are Cass Scenic Railroad’s present excursions:

Cass Scenic Railroad heading toward Bald Knob

New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –

TLC was mistaken on this one; you will positively wish to chase waterfalls. Get pleasure from snug, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and gorgeous views of Excessive Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure surprise, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.

Waterfall excursions start Might 4, 2025.

Greenbriar Categorical (working Might – October) –

Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Categorical affords a scenic journey to one in all West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless allure with common shops, Mother & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela Nationwide Forest.

Cass Bald Knob Journey (working Might – October) –

Hope you are not afraid of heights! This 4.5 hour trek to Bald Knob takes passengers upwards of two,300 toes for breathtaking views of Appalachian landscapes starting from spruce forests and staggering mountains as that is the second highest level in West Virginia.

Cass Whitaker Station (working Might – October) –

Taking 2 hours round-trip, visitors can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, in the end reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the realm’s historic logging operations.

This route features a 30 minute break to absorb sweeping views of the countryside and peruse the recreated logging camp and intriguing displays.

Hire A Spacious Cabin

Former company house now rented as cabin in Cass, WV

Tenting is not for everybody. That is why “glamping” has change into extra fashionable, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?

In truth, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins could be the perfect of all as a result of they home as much as 14 folks comfortably with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts.

These “cabins”, described as ‘restored firm homes’, have been previously quarters for loggers again within the day however now function actually distinctive stays to make your base for exploring the park or indulging within the delights of Cass’s small city allure.

Homes can be found year-round and will be booked straight here with charges beginning at $105 per evening this spring and upwards of $180 this summer season.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.

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