The history of railroading in West Virginia is as rich as the state’s coal unearthed from deep within the Appalachian Mountains. While West Virginia might not have as many tourist railroads and museums as other states, the ones that are located in the Mountain State are considered unique with experiences that’ll rival the best. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook, let’s check them out.
West Virginia Tourist Railroads and Museums
Metro Valley
Autumn Colors Express – 935 7th Avenue, Huntington
This is one of the few mainline excursions in the United States that takes you through a scenic wonder of the East during peak fall foliage. The diesel-powered Autumn Colors Express runs on a selected weekend in October over the former Chesapeake & Ohio main line from Huntington to Hinton, W.Va. Traversing the famous New River Gorge is the excursion’s headline full of notable landmarks including the New River Gorge Bridge, Kanawha Falls, Hawks Nest Dam, and Stretcher Neck Tunnel. The trips are scheduled around Hinton’s annual Railroad Days, which is part of the layover.
New River-Greenbrier Valley
Princeton Railroad Museum – 99 Mercer Street, Princeton
Next to the ex-C&O, the Virginian Railway was a household name in the railroad lore of West Virginia. Today, memories of the former coal carrier exist in a replica of the downtown Princeton station. The museum features exhibits full of artifacts and photographs surrounding the history of the Virginian as well as the Norfolk & Western Railway. The most notable pieces in the collection are former Virginian Railway caboose No. 308 and a rare 1894 Sheffield Velocipede.
Potomac Highlands
Cass Scenic Railroad – 12363 Cass Road, Cass
If you’re looking for an authentic mountain logging line with an impressive fleet of geared steam locomotives, the Cass Scenic Railroad is just the ticket! Steam-powered excursions climb the Appalachians, which is full of 11% grades and switchbacks to Whittaker and Bald Knob. Special events like the Parade of Steam are scheduled throughout the year for the railroad to show off the largest fleet of operating logging steam locomotives in the world. After all, Cass is the only place where you can see all three types operating in the form of Shay, Heisler, and Climax.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad – 315 Railroad Avenue, Elkins
The Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad operates individual steam- and diesel-powered excursions throughout the state. The Cheat Mountain Salamander takes passengers right into the Cheat Mountain, the Durbin Rocket travels along the Greenbrier River, and the New Tygart Flyer traverses the wilderness canyons, rivers, and waterfalls of West Virginia. The newly launched Greenbrier Express connects the Durbin Rocket with the Cass Scenic Railroad, providing opportunities for the ultimate adventure in mountain railroading!
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad – 149 Eagle Drive, Romney
While Cass and the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley usually get the spotlight, the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad deserves recognition as well. The trip across the Potomac Highlands landscape starts with rolling hills that ultimately lead to the cut-through Trough Canyon as it parallels the Potomac River. This area is a popular habitat for American bald eagles, which are regular highlights to view from aboard the train. All this makes the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad a gem worth riding.
