Cass: Railroad History and Nature Experiences

Cass combines the history of the timber industry in the Appalachians with impressive railroad experiences and activities along the Greenbrier River. The town was founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company as a company town for timber workers who worked in the nearby mountains. Today, the Cass Historic District is a prime example of the timber industry that developed in West Virginia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Historic Railroad as a Defining Experience

At Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass preserves an authentic example of this industrial history. The historic railroad is 11 miles long and was converted into a tourist railway over the years. At the same time, the town was repaired and restored. This makes it possible to trace the town’s development not only through exhibitions but also through its historic townscape.

Different excursions are available for planning your trip. The Whittaker Station excursion starts at the Cass Depot and includes an eight-mile round trip lasting two hours. A longer option is offered by the Durbin Greenbrier Valley Railroad: it departs from Cass’s historic town center for a 4.5-hour round trip to Bald Knob. The summit is 4,842 feet high and the third-highest point in West Virginia.

At Whittaker Station, there is an authentic logging camp reconstructed by volunteers from the Mountain State Railroad & Logging Historical Association. At the Cass Historical Museum, you can visit free exhibitions and watch engineers repair and maintain historic Shay locomotives. The Cass Historic Theater shows documentaries about the history of Cass and the Cass Scenic Railroad.

River, Trail, and Regional Discoveries

Cass also appeals to travelers who want to add active days to their stay. The northern endpoint of the Greenbrier River Trail is located in Cass. The 78-mile trail is used for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. This allows you to shape your trip in a variety of ways: with a walk, a longer bike ride, or a horseback excursion, without letting the town’s historic side fade into the background.

For water-based experiences, single and tandem kayaks are available for rent in Cass for trips on the river. The Greenbrier River in front of the Cass Company Store also offers opportunities to fish for trout and black bass. Those who want to combine different interests within a travel group can thus incorporate railroad history, exercise, and time by the water into their plans.

A special regional connection leads to nearby Green Bank. The area is located within a National Radio Quiet Zone, and it is also home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. From Cass, visitors can therefore discover an unusual scientific aspect of the surrounding area alongside its timber and railroad history.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans

When choosing accommodation, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your days there. Those who primarily want to experience the historic trains, museum, theater, and restored local history should focus their search on Cass and its historical connections. The historic company houses in Cass offer overnight accommodation and directly reflect the character of the former company town.

If, on the other hand, you are planning longer days on the Greenbrier River Trail, by the river, or on a trip to Bald Knob, your vacation rental or vacation home should suit this excursion program. The train rides, museums, trails, and water activities each offer different highlights; Cass therefore provides a clear basis for choosing accommodation according to your preferred balance of culture, landscape, and activity. To compare other locations, you can also visit Edray.

For the broader travel overview: Pocahontas County.