West Virginia's Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Somehow, fall always brings Cass Scenic Railroad State Park to mind. I suppose it's because the railroad's season ends around the third week of October each year, after the vibrant fall colors have come and gone. I lived in West Virginia for two years and learned while there that, for some, a fall ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is almost a religious pilgrimage.

My children think otherwise. For them, as for most kids, trains are cool regardless of season. They love hearing the train whistle and seeing the smoke plume pulse out of the locomotive's smokestack. To children (and to many adults), trains are magical.

Perhaps it's the locomotive's power. As the Shay locomotive chugs up the mountain, it's easy to imagine that you're in Cass's logging camps, or even in The Little Engine That Could. Designed to haul heavy logs down the mountain to Cass, the locomotives easily pull logging cars packed with passengers. This year, an enclosed, climate-controlled rail car became part of the Cass Scenic Railroad experience, but even this additional load is no problem for the powerful steam locomotives.

On the other hand, perhaps it's the mountain scenery. Regardless of season, you're surrounded by beauty and enveloped in a quiet peacefulness, broken only by the locomotive's whistle and puffing. West Virginia's forests are both tranquil and timeless. If you visit in the springtime, you can go on special wildflower train rides. Fall foliage is on display in late September through early- to mid-October. In between, you can imagine yourself in Cass's heyday, when lumber was king. Trains hauled loggers uphill o the forestst and dragged timber downhill to the mills in Spruce and Cass.

Today, the mills are silent, but you can be part of their history. Spend a night or two in one of the "Company" houses, originally built to house mill workers, or in a train caboose refitted as an overnight vacation spot.

If you prefer modern activities, try one of the railroad's murder mystery train rides, which include a buffet dinner. Personally, I'd love to go on one of the "Fiddles and Vittles" train rides. You can enjoy a dinner buffet and listen to live West Virginia bluegrass. What a treat!

If you plan to travel on the Cass Scenic Railroad, you'll need to think ahead. First, if you take the train all the way to Bald Knob - a five-hour round trip - you will need to bring a jacket, sweatshirt or other outerwear. Bald Knob can be quite a bit cooler than Cass Station. You will stop at Whittaker Station, an old logging camp, part way up the mountain. Here you can buy lunch or eat food you've brought from home. Beware of the yellow jackets; they're especiall aggressive in late August and September, just before the weather turns cold.

Arrive early, even if you've reserved your tickets. Unless you pay extra to sit in the enclosed Leatherbark Creek car, you will either sit or stand in one of the open logging cars. Truthfully, there just aren't that many seats in an old train car that was designed to carry logs. If you know you want to sit during the trip, pay extra to reserve a spot in the Leatherbark Creek car. (Please be courteous if you notice that someone in one of the open cars looks uncomfortable standing up.)

Many people return to Cass each year to ride the rails. Perhaps, this year, it's your turn.