Cass Scenic Whittaker Trip

2024 SCHEDULING COMING IN EARLY 2024!

Historic. Authentic. A ride into yesterday

The Cass Scenic Railroad is the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass during that time, and in the rain forests of British Columbia for more than a half-century. Many of the passenger cars are old logging cars that have been refurbished.

Cass is the home to the world’s largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives. Five Shays, one Heisler, and one Climax reside here. The legendary turn-of-the-century class C-80 Shay, #5 has been toiling up Cheat Mountain for 115 years, making it one of the oldest engines in continuous service on its original line, and the oldest operable Shay in existence!

Trip Summary

Whittaker Station – 4 mile, approximately 2 hr. Round – trip Excursion

Departing the Cass depot, the trip to Whittaker Station takes two hours for the eight-mile round trip. Passing the water tower and machine shop, the railroad begins to climb lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along picturesque Leatherbark Creek. The train then zigzags through two switchbacks, the engines alternately pushing then pulling passenger cars because the grade is so steep. After passing the entrance to Cass Cave, the railroad levels off for the stop at Whittaker Station, surrounded by green meadows and fine views of the countryside. There is a cool, shady picnic grove with tables where excursionists may rest and enjoy the scenery.

Whittaker Station is the location of an authentic logging camp recreated by volunteers of the Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association,  passengers will have a 30 minute layover to enjoy the views.

Price (2 hr trip)

* Taxes/fees not included. Rates, times, and dates are subject to change. Fall rates apply to every departure starting in mid-September through the end of October.

Advanced online reservations are recommended to guarantee seating.

Important Seating Note:

The Whittaker Station train features open-air cars (they have roofs but are open on the sides) and seating is at traditional wooden benches. When booking, you will choose a car on the train which will be your car assignment on the day of your trip (Car A is closest to the engine while Car E is farthest away from the engine). Once aboard your assigned car, you will then choose your own seats.

Pet Policy:

We DO NOT allow pets on any of our excursions. Service animals which are required due to a disability are allowed.

ADA Info:

The Whittaker Station train contains one car (D) that is wheelchair accessible. All other cars are not accessible.

Boarding Location

Cass Depot
Cass, WV 24927
38°23’50.6”N 79°54’51.2”W

Reservations

To Reserve by Phone – 304-636-9477

Call Monday – Friday – 9AM – 5PM

Group Seating: Every effort will be made to seat groups as close together as possible on the train. Please let us know your needs prior to boarding.

Important Info: If you have a reservation, please check in a ticket window prior to boarding. If you forget your tickets, we can print them for you. Walk-up tickets may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis only. As the Cass cars are open air, you may want to bring a jacket during cooler weather as the temperature can vary as you climb in to the higher elevations. Also, as these are steam engine trains, if anyone in your party is sensitive to loud noise, you may want to bring ear plugs on the day of your excursion.

Cancellation Policy*: If notice of cancellation is made prior to 48 hours before departure, we will be able to issue a 90% monetary refund (booking fees are non-refundable). If cancellation is made within 48 hours before departure, there will be no monetary refund. However, you may reschedule at any time for another date in the current season. Gift cards can also be issued for the full ticket amount (minus booking fees) at any time and will not expire. If you paid with only a credit card, self-cancellation is available via the “View Online” link in your booking confirmation email. If you paid with a gift card, please contact a Mountain Rail WV customer service representative at 304-636-9477 to cancel. Send all general reservation inquiries to ticketinfo@mountainrail.com.

*DUE TO COVID-19, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ALTER THIS POLICY AT ANY TIME.