West Virginia has strong historical ties to the railroad industry. Many cities, such as Huntington, owe their existence to the railroad. So, it is no surprise that West Virginia offers several train themed events for people to enjoy. And one of the best in the state is West Virginia Mountain Rails & Trails, a seven day train adventure that incorporates several individual train excursions into the ultimate rail package.
The tour actually leaves out of Pittsburgh and begins with a visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum before moving on to West Virginia.
WikiMedia/jpmueller99 The next day will be spent touring Morgantown before your first train ride onboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad on the third day. The train will take you along the Potomac River while you enjoy an included dinner. Along this branch of the river, you will see many eagles that live and hunt in this region.
The next day, you will board the Cass Scenic Railroad near Seneca Rocks.
WikiMedia/Richard A. Weaver The train will carry you up the mountain peak to take in the view at Whittaker station. Your journey will then take you to see the largest steerable astronomy dish in the world before spending the evening in Lewisburg. The next day, you will be treated to a tour of the Greenbrier Resort and dinner at Tamarack.
The following day will be a full one.
WikiMedia/New River Gorge National River You will begin with a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where you will travel underground on a smaller set of rails in authentic mining cars. After that, your journey will lead you through the New River Gorge, followed by a tram ride through Hawk’s Nest State Park. Next, you will take a ride along the river in a covered jetboat before capping off the day with dinner in a nineteenth century mansion.
You final day of the trip will consist of two more train rides.
WikiMedia/Stihler Craig, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The first will be a steam powered train called the Durbin Rocket that will take you along the Greenbrier River Valley. Bordered by the majestic mountains of Monongahela National Forest, this journey will offer up some of the most beautiful views in the state. After lunch, you will board the Cheat Mountain Salamander and ride to the falls at the top. The tour will conclude with dinner and a show at the Grady Dancer Theater.
By the time the tour is complete, you will have traveled a giant loop across the state, covering a considerable portion of central and eastern West Virginia. When it’s over, you can confidently say that you have seen and experienced the best West Virginia has to offer.
WikiMedia/Mobilus In Mobili Learn more information about this epic train excursion at this link.
What West Virginia train excursions have you taken? Feel free to share your adventures with us in the comments below.
WikiMedia/jpmueller99
The next day will be spent touring Morgantown before your first train ride onboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad on the third day. The train will take you along the Potomac River while you enjoy an included dinner. Along this branch of the river, you will see many eagles that live and hunt in this region.
WikiMedia/Richard A. Weaver
The train will carry you up the mountain peak to take in the view at Whittaker station. Your journey will then take you to see the largest steerable astronomy dish in the world before spending the evening in Lewisburg. The next day, you will be treated to a tour of the Greenbrier Resort and dinner at Tamarack.
WikiMedia/New River Gorge National River
You will begin with a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where you will travel underground on a smaller set of rails in authentic mining cars. After that, your journey will lead you through the New River Gorge, followed by a tram ride through Hawk’s Nest State Park. Next, you will take a ride along the river in a covered jetboat before capping off the day with dinner in a nineteenth century mansion.
WikiMedia/Stihler Craig, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The first will be a steam powered train called the Durbin Rocket that will take you along the Greenbrier River Valley. Bordered by the majestic mountains of Monongahela National Forest, this journey will offer up some of the most beautiful views in the state. After lunch, you will board the Cheat Mountain Salamander and ride to the falls at the top. The tour will conclude with dinner and a show at the Grady Dancer Theater.
WikiMedia/Mobilus In Mobili
Learn more information about this epic train excursion at this link.
For even more great fun in the Mountain State, check out these nine amazing natural wonders hiding in plain sight!
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