12 Scenic Train Journeys Across West Virginia With Breathtaking Mountain Views
West Virginia’s rugged mountains and lush valleys create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable rail adventures. The Mountain State’s historic train routes wind through tunnels, across trestles, and alongside rushing rivers, offering views you simply can’t see from the highway.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just seeking a unique way to experience Appalachia’s splendor, these scenic train journeys showcase the wild, wonderful heart of West Virginia.
1. Cass Scenic Railroad
Steam-powered Shay locomotives chug up Bald Knob on this heritage railway, climbing to the second-highest point in the state. The vintage engines date back to the early 1900s when they hauled timber from these same mountains.
I love watching the countryside transform as we gain elevation – from hardwood forests to spruce-covered highlands. At the summit, panoramic vistas stretch across the Allegheny Mountains for miles.
The 4.5-hour round trip includes a stop at Whittaker Station, where you can explore an authentic logging camp and enjoy a picnic amid the mountain scenery.
2. New River Train Excursions
Fall foliage transforms this journey into a moving painting as the train follows the New River Gorge. Rustic towns and abandoned mining sites tell stories of West Virginia’s industrial past while the train rumbles alongside America’s newest national park.
The breathtaking highlight comes when crossing the river on steel trestles with the famous New River Gorge Bridge visible in the distance. I always recommend securing a seat on the right side heading outbound for the best views of the rushing water below.
These seasonal excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak autumn colors when the hillsides burst with crimson and gold.
3. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Majestic bald eagles soar overhead as this train meanders through the South Branch Valley, nicknamed “The Trough.” The narrow passage between mountains creates perfect hunting grounds for these magnificent birds, with sightings almost guaranteed.
You’ll want to bring binoculars for wildlife spotting. Besides eagles, I’ve seen deer, foxes, and wild turkeys from my window. The train’s slow pace allows plenty of time for photography as it hugs the riverbank.
During narrated portions of the journey, local guides share stories about the valley’s history, pointing out historic homesteads and explaining the region’s natural features.
4. Durbin Rocket Excursion Train
Aboard a rare Climax locomotive, this journey feels like stepping into a time machine. The antique steam engine pulls open-air cars along the Greenbrier River, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains.
The leisurely 10.5-mile round trip gives me plenty of opportunities to photograph wildflowers in spring or vibrant foliage in fall. Children especially love this adventure since the open cars make them feel connected to the passing scenery.
Pack a lunch to enjoy during the halfway stop, where you can dip your toes in the clear mountain river or explore the shoreline before the return journey.
5. Mountain Rail Adventures’ Cheat Mountain Salamander
Remote wilderness unfolds outside your window on this remarkable journey through Cheat Mountain’s spruce forests. The train climbs steep grades that once challenged early loggers, passing through a landscape that feels virtually untouched by time.
My favorite stretch takes us through the High Falls of Cheat, where the isolated waterfall can only be viewed from these tracks. The train crosses over 30 bridges and passes through the impressive 1,800-foot Cheat Mountain Tunnel.
During winter months, special “Polar Express” themed rides transform this route into a magical holiday experience, complete with hot chocolate and visits from Santa.
6. Tygart Flyer Excursion Train
Racing alongside the tumbling Tygart River, this diesel-powered journey showcases the rugged beauty of north-central West Virginia. The highlight comes midway when the train stops at the magnificent High Falls of Cheat, a remote 150-foot waterfall accessible only by rail.
You’ll have time to disembark and follow a short trail for better views of the cascading water. I always bring a small picnic to enjoy while listening to the thundering falls.
The vintage climate-controlled passenger cars offer comfort in any weather, with large windows perfectly framing the mountain scenery as you travel through the wild heart of the Mountain State.
7. Greenbrier Valley Railroad
Rolling through the picturesque Greenbrier Valley, this historical line connects charming small towns with stories to tell. The vintage diesel locomotive pulls restored passenger cars past working farms, historic homesteads, and through tunnels carved into limestone ridges.
Spring brings wildflowers dotting the hillsides, while summer offers lush green vistas. I particularly enjoy the narration that points out Civil War sites along the route, bringing history alive as we pass through this contested territory.
The train makes a leisurely stop in Alderson, giving you time to explore this quintessential river town before continuing your journey through some of West Virginia’s most fertile farmland.
8. Elkins Depot Christmas Train
Holiday magic fills the air on this special seasonal journey departing from the beautifully restored Elkins train depot. Snow-dusted mountains create a winter wonderland backdrop as the festively decorated train winds through the Appalachian highlands.
Carolers move through the cars leading passengers in classic Christmas songs while hot chocolate and cookies are served. The kids’ faces light up when Santa boards midway through the trip, distributing small gifts and listening to wish lists.
Evening departures offer the added enchantment of mountain silhouettes against the twilight sky, with the train’s windows casting warm golden light onto the snow-covered landscape.
9. Potomac Highlands Rail Trail
Unlike traditional passenger services, this rail trail offers self-propelled adventures on converted train tracks. You can bike, hike or cross-country ski along the former Western Maryland Railway, enjoying the same spectacular mountain scenery the trains once traversed.
The gentle grade makes for easy pedaling as you cross historic trestles spanning mountain streams. My favorite section passes through a canopy of trees that form a natural tunnel, especially beautiful when fall colors are at their peak.
Trailside interpretive signs explain the railroad’s crucial role in developing this remote region, pointing out remnants of old stations and water towers still visible along the route.
10. Gandy Dancer Excursion Train
Named after the railroad workers who maintained the tracks with rhythmic precision, this excursion travels the historic coal routes through Preston County’s highlands. The train climbs steadily through tunnels and around horseshoe curves that showcase remarkable engineering feats.
Massive rock cuts reveal geological layers formed millions of years ago, telling Earth’s story as we pass. I’m always struck by how the vegetation changes with elevation – from deciduous forests to pine-covered ridges.
During summer months, the train offers special dinner excursions featuring local cuisine. Imagine enjoying farm-to-table specialties while watching the sunset paint the mountains in golden hues.
11. Romney Heritage Railway
As one of America’s oldest railroads, this historic line offers a journey through both time and stunning landscapes. The route follows the South Branch of the Potomac River, with water views on one side and mountain vistas on the other.
Eagle-eyed passengers might spot river otters playing along the shoreline or ospreys diving for fish. The train slows at particularly scenic spots, giving photographers perfect opportunities to capture the rugged beauty.
Special themed excursions run throughout the year, including murder mysteries, wine tastings, and seasonal celebrations that add extra dimensions to the mountain scenery.
12. Blackwater Canyon Railroad
Dramatic cliffs and dense forests define this breathtaking journey through one of West Virginia’s most spectacular canyons. The vintage train hugs narrow ledges as it descends alongside the tumbling Blackwater River, offering views few hikers ever witness.
The canyon’s rich history comes alive through narration about logging camps, coal mines, and the hardy people who once made this wilderness their workplace. You’ll see remnants of this industrial past juxtaposed against the recovering natural landscape.
Morning departures often feature magical moments when mist rises from the river, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the forest canopy.
