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.
Laborious to imagine it has been years because the pandemic was declared over, however one factor has turn out to be more and more clear to at the present time — journey is again.
Whether or not it’s famend resorts offered out night time after night time, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being compelled 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.
Relating to the U.S., one may 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 aspect 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 street journey track than Take Me House, Nation Roads.
We have all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme track 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 typically discovered itself on the incorrect aspect 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 loss of life price for overdoses within the nation, in response to the CDC.
These very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have solid 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 score stands at a formidable 4.7 out of 5, with one current visitor claiming, “My household and I really loved this journey. Lovely surroundings, educated workers. Good locations to remain close by and good locations to eat. There’s a lot to do. Lunch was supplied with our prepare trip. 10/10 would advocate!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailRoad!
Positioned in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is house to breathtaking mountain vistas, historic forests, and mazes of mountaineering trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic prepare trip courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.
Better of all, come Could, 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:
New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –
TLC was incorrect on this one; you will positively need to chase waterfalls. Take pleasure in comfy, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and gorgeous views of Excessive Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure marvel, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start Could 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Categorical (working Could – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Categorical presents a scenic journey to one in all West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless attraction with basic shops, Mother & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela Nationwide Forest.
Cass Bald Knob Journey (working Could – 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 Could – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, company can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, finally reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the world’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
Tenting is not for everybody. That is why “glamping” has turn out to be extra standard, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
In truth, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins could be one of the best 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’, had 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 attraction.
Homes can be found year-round and might be booked immediately here with charges beginning at $105 per night time this spring and upwards of $180 this summer season.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.