Cass Bald Knob Trip

The long haul of 11 miles to Bald Knob takes about four and a half hours for the 22-mile round trip. Panorama vistas of the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. Passengers suddenly realize they are entering a completely different world, mainly because of the change in trees, flowers and atmosphere. By climbing the 2,390 feet from Cass to Bald Knob (Elev. 4842-feet) on Back Allegheny Mountain and second highest point in West Virginia, passengers have made the equivalent to an 800 mile trip to Canada in climate because of the higher altitude. Here are found spruce trees, snowshoe hares and other plants and animals typical in the far north. The rustic overlook affords one of the most awesome, overwhelming views of the valleys below. Dwarfed by distance and almost lost in the vastness of the panorama is the giant Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, at the Green Bank Observatory in the valley near the foot of the mountain. A remarkable contrast between the wilderness at Bald Knob and today’s space-age facilities!

A “King of the Road” hobo lunch will be provided to enjoy with your ride as well. The hobo lunch consists of a cold sandwich (lunch meat, cheese, etc. all separated in plastic wrap), chips, cookie, applesauce and a bottled water. Children 3 and under will receive a free  applesauce, chips & cookie only.

The Cass Scenic Railroad travels over the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The steam locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass during that time for more than a half-century. Many of the passenger cars are old logging cars that have been refurbished for passengers.

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 Shay, #5 has been chugging up Cheat Mountain for nearly 119 years, making it one of the oldest engines in continuous service on its original line, and the oldest operable Shay in existence!

A ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.