Deep in the West Virginia mountains, Cass is way off the beaten path and not near any major urban areas. But despite its remote setting, it is a worthwhile destination that offers a rare glimpse into history and a memorable train ride.
BEFORE YOU GO, DO SOME PRE-TRIP RESEARCH AT:
• • • •
gotowv.com cassrailroad.com mountainrailwv.com facebook.com/casssenicrailroad
GETTING THERE
Cass is best reached by highway or train. • By highway: Cass is in eastern West Virginia, roughly between I-79 and I-81. Once you leave the interstate, the driving is over twisty two-lane mountain roads. Cass is accessible by State Route 28/92N between Dunmore and Green Bank in Pocahontas County. An 11-mile connector route, WV 66, links the town
The observation tower at Bald Knob overlooks Green Bank, W.V. The mountains in the distance are in Virginia.
of Cass to U.S. 219, which connects to Slaty Fork. The driving distance from Cass, West Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia is 158 miles and Roanoke is 141 miles away.
Ginny O’s Tips For Dressing The Simply Smart Travel Way For Cass Casual and comfortable are the operative words. There is no reason or place to dress up. Be comfortable and be warm. Layers help. It can be as much as 10 to 15 degrees colder at Bald Knob than Cass. Also, wear dark clothing and a hat because steam locomotives produce prodigious amounts of soot which can land back on the passenger cars.
• By train: the Cheat Mountain Salamander offers service from Elkins.
The morning’s first train to Whittaker Station led by Shay locomotive #2 eases its way from the shop toward the station to pick up passengers as it glides by Shay #3 parked at the station.
• By air: The closest major airport to Cass, West Virginia is Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, W.W., 68 miles away. It is served by United and Silver. The nearest airports with extensive service are Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) at 121 miles and Washington Dulles International (IAD at 198 miles distant).
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