History

The town of Cass remains relatively unchanged since its founding in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company. Cass was built as a company town for the loggers who worked in the nearby mountains. Construction of the railroad started in 1901. It was used to haul lumber to the mill at Cass. The railroad track was eventually extended to the top of Bald Knob, the third highest mountain peak in West Virginia. In June 1942, the Cass operation was sold to Mower Lumber Company, which operated the town until July 1960, when the mill and railroad were shut down due to rapid decline of the timber industry in the region. In 1961, Cass was brought into the state parks system. In 1977, the company town also was made part of the parks system. Over the years, the railroad was turned into a tourist line and the town was repaired and restored. Today, the railroad is still in full operation, but is managed by the Durbin and Greenbrier Railroad.

Scenic Train Rides

Catch a ride on Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s main attraction, the 4.5-hour train ride to the overlook at Bald Knob. Bald Knob is the third highest point in West Virginia, making for a breathtaking views and amazing photos. In addition to other train excursions, the park offers a series of dinner train rides throughout the summer and a variety of special train rides and packages during the year.

To purchase tickets, visit mountainrailwv.com

Accommodations

Renovated Company Housing

Go back in time and stay in one of Cass’ historic, two-story company houses. The 20 company houses have been refurbished and can sleep anywhere from four to 14 people. They feature bathrooms and fully-equipped kitchens, television and WiFi, cooking utensils, tableware, towels, dishcloths and linens. Houses are heated for winter rentals and two houses are disability accessible.

Caboose Rentals

You deserve to travel in style! Enjoy a train ride to Bald Knob in an authentic caboose. Cass Scenic Railroad offers cabooses for overnight stays or multiple nights with private accommodations for up to 5 people. All rentals are by reservation only during normal operating season. Each caboose is equipped with a coal heating stove and sink. Drinking water is provided for guests. Get off the grid and explore the remote backcountry of Cheat Mountain on this unique excursion!

Dining

The Last Run Restaurant, operated by the Bodkin Sisters, features home cooking, (they’ll even pack lunches for trips up the mountain!) and a hearty welcome to Cass. Sandwiches, daily specials and beverages are available at reasonable rates. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about meal and dining specials, check out their Facebook page.

The Last Run Restaurant was featured in the “101 Unique Places to Dine” (in West Virginia) in 2009. The Last Run Restaurant also received this honor in 2015! It’s a step back in time with good food and great people preparing it for you. If you’ve not taken time to eat at the Last Run Restaurant, you’re missing an item on your bucket list!

Additional Information

Art and Shopping

Cass has a restaurant and museum, plus shopping at the Company Store and the shops at Leatherbark Ford, featuring handcrafted items and artistry including paintings, needlework, quilts, blacksmithing, baskets, soaps. Guided tours of the Town of Cass are available, and the park features an intricate diorama of the town when it was a logging community.

Trails

While Cass Scenic Railroad State Park does not have any trails of its own, the Greenbrier River Trail is close by. This 78-mile-long rail trail (operated by the West Virginia state park system) is popular with hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

Nearby Attractions

Beartown State Park

Just an hour south of Cass, Beartown State Park’s natural area expands 107 acres across the eastern summit of Droop Mountain.

Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

Who else can say they toured the largest area of bogs in West Virginia? The U.S. Forest Service conducts spectacular guided tours during the summer months here.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

Experience history like never before at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. This is the site of the famous Civil War battle. Visit in October and you can catch a re-enactment!

Greenbrier River Trail

Enjoy nature like never before! Experience a 78-mile- long rail trail operated by the West Virginia State Park system that is a hit with hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

Highland Scenic Highway

Don’t stick to the same old roads! Take a detour on the National Scenic Byway, a beautiful 43-mile corridor through the Monongahela National Forest.

Falls of Hill Creek

Cool off a bit or simply take in the natural beauty! Just off of the Highland Scenic Highway, this popular 114-acre area contains three waterfalls.

Kumbrabow State Forest

At 3,930 feet above sea level, this is the state’s highest forest. It features fully equipped pioneer cabins, campsites, bathhouse, picnic areas and an abundance of wildlife.

Green Bank Observatory

Reach for the stars at Green Bank Observatory! Public tours are available at this advance research facility. Check out the gift shop for cool souvenirs or grab a bite to eat at Starlight Cafe.

Pearl Buck Birthplace

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum showcases the home in which the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author was born in 1892.

Seneca State Forest

Enjoy West Virginia’s oldest state forests! With pioneer guest cabins, lake fishing, camping and hiking it has fun waiting for every guest.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort

What could be better than skiing in the winter? Come ski at Snowshoe, a four-season resort that’s especially popular during the winter season.

Spruce Knob State’s Highest Point and Observation Tower Walk

Hike Whispering Spruce Trail and climb the tower for beautiful vistas and observe how vegetation has adapted to this high-elevation environment.

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park offers 10,100 acres of endless beauty just for you. The park is filled with recreational activities including hiking, swimming fishing and boating and vacation cabins that are open year-round.

Elk Springs Resort

Unwind at this luxurious fishing getaway, where trout are plentiful. Get help from professional guides or load up at the fly shop— the largest in West Virginia. Stylish lodging and cabins make your mountain stay complete.