2025 is the yr of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey alternate options.
Hard to imagine it has been years because the pandemic was declared over, however one factor has develop into more and more clear to at the present time — journey is again.
Whether it’s famend resorts bought out evening after evening, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being compelled to share selfies in what-should-be broad open plains of nationwide or state parks, vacationers are embracing their sense of wanderlust all of the over the world, leaving the door open to find extra hidden gems.
When it involves the U.S., one may argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?
Known extra for its deeply rooted historical past of coal mining and longstanding tales of Appalachian folklore, those that have visited West Virginia sometimes come out the opposite aspect shocked by how lovely the “Mountain State” actually is ,particularly being residence to America’s most underrated state park.
West Virginia, Take Me…To Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Anything beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even fake there’s a greater street journey music than Take Me Home, Country Roads.
We’ve all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme music at one level or one other, however not often will we ever scope out the state itself for a pleasant, stress-free getaway.
Full disclosure – West Virginia has usually discovered itself on the improper aspect of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities nowadays, leaving locals dwelling in poverty in some instances, and holding the best dying fee for overdoses within the nation, in line with the CDC.
Those very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have solid a shadow over the intense spots of West Virginia individuals have lengthy been lacking out on — one in all them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Those who’ve visited completely adore it! The park’s Google score stands at a powerful 4.7 out of 5, with one latest visitor claiming, “My family and I truly enjoyed this trip. Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable staff. Nice places to stay nearby and good places to eat. There is so much to do. Lunch was provided with our train ride. 10/10 would recommend!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailHighway!
Located in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is residence to breathtaking mountain vistas, historical forests, and mazes of mountain climbing trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic prepare trip courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.
Best of all, come May, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with attractive views of waterfalls, lush wilderness, and rustic cities like Durbin nestled within the mountains.
These are Cass Scenic Railroad’s present excursions:
New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –
TLC was improper on this one; you may positively need to chase waterfalls. Enjoy snug, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and gorgeous views of High Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure marvel, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start May 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Express (working May – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Express affords a scenic journey to one in all West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless appeal with normal shops, Mom & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela National Forest.
Cass Bald Knob Trip (working May – October) –
Hope you are not afraid of heights! This 4.5 hour trek to Bald Knob takes passengers upwards of two,300 ft for breathtaking views of Appalachian landscapes starting from spruce forests and staggering mountains as that is the second highest level in West Virginia.
Cass Whitaker Station (working May – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, visitors can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, in the end reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the realm’s historic logging operations.
This route features a 30 minute break to absorb sweeping views of the countryside and peruse the recreated logging camp and intriguing reveals.
Rent A Spacious Cabin
Camping is not for everybody. That’s why “glamping” has develop into extra common, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
Truthfully, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins could be the perfect of all as a result of they home as much as 14 individuals comfortably with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts.
These “cabins”, described as ‘restored firm homes’, had been previously quarters for loggers again within the day however now function actually distinctive stays to make your base for exploring the park or indulging within the delights of Cass’s small city appeal.
Houses can be found year-round and might be booked immediately here with charges beginning at $105 per evening this spring and upwards of $180 this summer time.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
