Cass: Appalachian Railroad History

Cass connects the history of the Appalachian timber industry with a historic railroad and activities along the Greenbrier River. For trip planning, local history, train rides, and outdoor opportunities offer different points of focus.

Timber Industry and Railroad History

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park preserves an authentic example of Appalachian timber industry history. Cass was founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company as a company town for timber workers employed in the nearby mountains. The Cass Historic District is representative of the timber industry that developed in West Virginia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Over the years, the railroad was converted into a tourist railroad. The town of Cass was repaired and restored. The park’s historic railroad is 11 miles long. This development connects the history of work in the mountains with the railroad’s later use for tourism, while Cass itself remains part of the area’s history.

Train Rides of Different Durations

The Whittaker Station excursion departs from the Cass Depot. The eight-mile round trip takes two hours. At Whittaker Station is an authentic logging camp reconstructed by volunteers from the Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association.

A longer ride is offered by the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad: it runs from Cass’s historic town center to Bald Knob and takes 4.5 hours round trip. The two train rides therefore differ considerably in the time they require. Departure details and schedules may change; check them before your trip.

Trail, River, and Bald Knob

Bald Knob is 4,842 feet high and the third-highest point in West Virginia. The Greenbrier River Trail has its northern terminus in Cass. The 78-mile route is used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, offering a different focus from the train rides.

Single and tandem kayaks are available to rent in Cass for river trips. Seasonal conditions and availability may change. The Greenbrier River in front of the Cass Company Store offers opportunities for fishing for trout and black bass; applicable fishing regulations may also change.

Museum, Theater, and Music

The Cass Historical Museum offers free exhibits. Visitors can also see engineers repair and maintain historic Shay locomotives there. Hours and operational details may change.

The Cass Historic Theater screens a documentary about the history of Cass and the Cass Scenic Railroad; screening times may change. Pickin’ on the Porch takes place every Saturday from May through October at around 5 p.m. Check the event date before you arrive.

Getting There

The 11-mile connecting route WV 66 links Cass with U.S. 219 at Slatyfork.

Discover more destinations: Edray.

Go to the main travel overview: Pocahontas County.