2025 is the yr of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey options.
Hard to consider it has been years because the pandemic was declared over, however one factor has grow to be more and more clear to today — journey is again.
Whether it’s famend resorts offered out evening after evening, having to unnecessarily verify luggage, or being pressured to share selfies in what-should-be large open plains of nationwide or state parks, vacationers are embracing their sense of wanderlust all of the over the world, leaving the door open to find extra hidden gems.
When it involves the U.S., one might argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?
Known extra for its deeply rooted historical past of coal mining and longstanding tales of Appalachian folklore, those that have visited West Virginia usually come out the opposite facet shocked by how lovely the “Mountain State” really is ,particularly being dwelling to America’s most underrated state park.
West Virginia, Take Me…To Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Anything beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even faux there’s a greater street journey music than Take Me Home, Country Roads.
We’ve all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme music at one level or one other, however hardly ever can we ever scope out the state itself for a pleasant, stress-free getaway.
Full disclosure – West Virginia has usually discovered itself on the incorrect facet of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities today, leaving locals residing in poverty in some instances, and holding the very best loss of life price for overdoses within the nation, based on the CDC.
Those very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have solid a shadow over the brilliant spots of West Virginia folks have lengthy been lacking out on — one among them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Those who’ve visited completely like it! The park’s Google score stands at a powerful 4.7 out of 5, with one current visitor claiming, “My family and I truly enjoyed this trip. Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable staff. Nice places to stay nearby and good places to eat. There is so much to do. Lunch was provided with our train ride. 10/10 would recommend!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailHighway!
Located in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is dwelling to breathtaking mountain vistas, historical forests, and mazes of mountain climbing trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic practice journey courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.
Best of all, come May, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with beautiful views of waterfalls, lush wilderness, and rustic cities like Durbin nestled within the mountains.
These are Cass Scenic Railroad’s present excursions:
New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –
TLC was incorrect on this one; you may positively wish to chase waterfalls. Enjoy snug, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and beautiful views of High Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure surprise, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start May 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Express (working May – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Express affords a scenic journey to one among West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless appeal with normal shops, Mom & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela National Forest.
Cass Bald Knob Trip (working May – October) –
Hope you are not afraid of heights! This 4.5 hour trek to Bald Knob takes passengers upwards of two,300 ft for breathtaking views of Appalachian landscapes starting from spruce forests and staggering mountains as that is the second highest level in West Virginia.
Cass Whitaker Station (working May – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, friends can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, in the end reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the world’s historic logging operations.
This route features a 30 minute break to soak up sweeping views of the countryside and peruse the recreated logging camp and intriguing displays.
Rent A Spacious Cabin
Camping is not for everybody. That’s why “glamping” has grow to be extra standard, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
Truthfully, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins could be the most effective of all as a result of they home as much as 14 folks comfortably with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts.
These “cabins”, described as ‘restored firm homes’, had been previously quarters for loggers again within the day however now function really distinctive stays to make your base for exploring the park or indulging within the delights of Cass’s small city appeal.
Houses can be found year-round and could be booked straight right here with charges beginning at $105 per evening this spring and upwards of $180 this summer season.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.