Autumn, with its mild temperatures and vibrant leaf colors, is an ideal time to ride the rails. Whether you enjoy the thrill of a special-themed train ride or just want to enjoy the scenery, West Virginia’s railways offer a variety of options that are sure to please.
New River Train Excursions
866-639-7487; www.newrivertrain.com
Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25: Each of the four trips departs at 8:30 a.m. from the Huntington C&O Depot, with additional boarding stops in St. Albans and Montgomery. The train follows the Kanawha River to the mouth of the New River at Gauley Bridge and into Hinton. Landmarks and scenic locations on the route include downtown Charleston and the State Capitol building, WVU Tech in Montgomery, Kanawha Falls, Hawks Nest dam and bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge at Fayetteville, Grandview, Stretcher Neck Tunnel, Sandstone Falls and numerous other historical artifacts and towns from the coal-mining area.
The destination town of Hinton offers a street fair each day with local food stands, arts and crafts, entertainment, a railroad museum and many other attractions. Passengers will have about three hours to tour the town while the train prepares for departure.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
304-456-4300; www.cassrailroad.com
Oct. 24 – Halloween Train: Bring your family for a “terror-ific” train ride to Whittaker Station. Come dressed in costume and listen to some spooky ghost stories. Advance reservations are required.
Oct. 6-27 – October Fall Foliage Trips: Regular 3.5 hour trips (3 hours on weekends) daily from Romney feature fall foliage in the Trough, which is one of the state’s best locations for spotting bald eagles. Check the calendar for departure times.
Oct. 31 – Loy Foundation Murder Mystery Trips: Ticket fare of $75 will benefit the Loy Foundation, which operates The Bottling Works, and ongoing projects for the community. Reservations will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
877-686-7245; www.mountainrail.com
The Durbin Rocket, the Cheat Mountain Salamander and the New Tygart Flyer offer trips on weekends and select days in October. With departures from different towns and small cities along their route, these trains transport you into some of the best scenery this side of the Rockies.
South Side Depot
304- 257-9264; www.southsidedepot.com
Oct. 17 – Autumn Splendor: This adults-only dinner train is a casual but elegant affair. Board the train in Petersburg, see the beautiful fall leaves, listen to soft music and enjoy a delicious prime rib dinner prepared by Gourmet Delights. Early reservations recommended.