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Cass Bald Knob Trip

Ride to the top!

Quick Details

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

  • This train in not fully wheelchair/handicap accessible. A wheelchair/handicap car (G) is available but must be reserved in advance.
  • There is only one restroom onboard (in Car G).
  • Restroom facilities are available at both stops (Bald Knob overlook and Whittaker Station picnic area).

BOARDING ADDRESS:

12363 CASS ROAD
CASS, WV 24927

Cold Cut Lunch Included per ticket

Fall Rates ($10 Increase) Start September 11

Adult

Ages 12-64

$ 81

Senior

Ages 65+

$ 79

Military/Veteran

With Valid ID

$ 77

Child

Ages 4-11

$ 61

Infant (FREE BUT TICKET REQUIRED)

Ages 3 and Under (TICKET REQUIRED)

Free

Enjoy this scenic ride to the second highest point in West Virginia!

Trip Summary

Bald Knob ā€“ Approximately 22-mile, 4.5 hr. Round ā€“ trip Excursion

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 worldā€™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 todayā€™s space-age facilities!

A ā€œKing of the Roadā€ 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 freeĀ  applesauce, chips & cookie only.

Please bring a lunch for your free 3 & under child.


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 worldā€™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.