Interesting Historical Facts about Cass Scenic Railroad
  • The first mile of track was laid from Old Spruce to Spruce, located on the Cheat River around 1904. 

  • Spruce then became the highest town in eastern United States at the elevation of 3853 feet.

  • All total, the railroad built 250 miles of track. 

  • The town of Spruce was most active from 1904 -1925.  It began to diminish when the peeling mill ceased operations in 1925.

  • With the coming of diesels, the Cass locomotives were transferred to elsewhere and Spruce became a ghost town

  • Due to a death in the family in 1955, the Mower’s were unable to keep the operation going. The train logging operation and mill stopped operating in July 1960.

  • In 1960, a Pennsylvanian named Baum began to try and save the railroad. Baum thought the Shays and the old rail track could become a great tourist attraction. He was right!  The Cass Planning commission was formed by local business men to approach the state legislature.

  • In 1961, the governor of West Virginia signed a bill that brought the Cass Scenic Railroad into the State Park System.


The Locomotives

The Shay logging locomotives are not your everyday locomotive.  They where created to climb astonishing grades and negotiate sharp turns while traveling over weakly constructed temporary tracks.   Only 11 miles are left of the historic West Virginia logging railroad that once led the nation at 3000 miles in railroad line. The Shays, Climax and Heisler engines were specifically designed to travel the harsh mountain grades and they differ from the standard steam locomotives.  They are driven by direct gearing to each wheel to handle the difficult mountain terrain.  It is exciting to view these antique locomotives in action on your trip visiting the Cass Scenic Railroad. 

Our Advice

  • Bring warm clothes.  We visited in July and it was literally freezing by the time we reached the summit
  • Bring food.  Pack a cooler full of snacks and drinks for your train ride. 
  • Bring a blanket/cushion.  The seats are plain wooden benches so if you need any creature comforts you will have to bring them.
  • Don’t forget your camera.  There are breathtaking views all throughout the Cass Scenic Railroad trip.
  • Check out the gift store. 

Be sure to check out the official Cass Scenic Railroad website.
www.cassrailroad.com