8 Fall Train Rides In West Virginia With Unbeatable Views

West Virginia’s mountains transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows each autumn, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable train journey. These historic railways wind through remote valleys, alongside rushing rivers, and up steep mountain grades that would be otherwise inaccessible. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing way to experience fall’s splendor, these eight train excursions showcase the Mountain State’s most breathtaking autumn landscapes.

1. Greenbrier Express Through Monongahela Forest

Family-friendly and perfectly timed at just two hours round-trip, the Greenbrier Express offers maximum scenic payoff with minimal time commitment. The historic diesel locomotive departs from Cass and follows the crystalline Greenbrier River, where autumn reflections double the visual impact of the colorful hillsides.

Children especially love spotting wildlife like deer, turkey, and black bear that frequently appear along the forest edges. The route cuts through sections of the magnificent Monongahela National Forest before reaching the quaint mountain village of Durbin, where passengers can briefly explore before the return journey.

2. Cass Scenic Railroad’s Journey to Bald Knob

Steam-powered Shay locomotives chug steadily upward on this remarkable 22-mile round-trip adventure that climbs to West Virginia’s third-highest point. The vintage trains follow the same route once used by logging trains in the early 1900s, transporting passengers through a time portal of Appalachian history.

As you ascend 2,390 feet in elevation, dense forests of maple, oak, and birch create a fiery canopy overhead. The 4.5-hour expedition includes a rustic “King of the Road” hobo lunch and culminates at Bald Knob’s 4,700-foot summit, where panoramic vistas stretch across three states.

3. New Tygart Flyer’s High Falls Adventure

Departing from the charming depot in Elkins, this elegant vintage train carries passengers on a 46-mile odyssey through some of the most remote wilderness in the eastern United States. Comfortable climate-controlled cars feature large windows perfect for admiring the autumn spectacle as you trace the pristine Shavers Fork of the Cheat River.

Halfway through the journey, the train pauses at the magnificent High Falls of Cheat, where water cascades dramatically through a boulder-strewn gorge. Passengers disembark to photograph this hidden gem while enjoying the included cold-cut lunch amid a symphony of fall colors.

4. Potomac Eagle’s Bald Eagle Expedition

Nicknamed “The Eagle Train” for good reason, this remarkable excursion through the Trough Canyon offers wildlife viewing opportunities as spectacular as its fall scenery. The South Branch of the Potomac River carves through steep mountainsides ablaze with autumn color, creating a natural corridor for migrating bald eagles.

The 3-hour journey from Romney provides passengers with open-air observation cars perfect for spotting these majestic birds soaring against vibrant foliage. Train staff announce eagle sightings, and the slow pace allows ample photography opportunities. History buffs appreciate learning about the area’s Civil War significance while nature lovers marvel at the untouched wilderness.

5. New River Train’s Gorge Exploration

Marvel at engineering wonders alongside natural splendor on this southern West Virginia journey that traverses the breathtaking New River Gorge National Park. The highlight comes when the train passes beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge – once the world’s longest single-span arch bridge – while fall colors cascade down the steep canyon walls 876 feet above.

The excursion makes a delightful stop in historic Hinton, where passengers disembark to explore local craft shops and railway museums. Keep cameras ready for Sandstone Falls, where the New River spreads 1,500 feet wide across a series of dramatic drops framed by autumn-painted mountains.

6. Mountain Rail Adventures’ Cheat Mountain Salamander

History and natural beauty intertwine on this full-day expedition that climbs the steep grades of Cheat Mountain, once considered an impossible engineering feat. The vintage diesel locomotive tackles an impressive 11-mile section known as “The Loop,” where tracks spiral around the mountain gaining elevation through stands of sugar maple trees displaying their fiery autumn glory.

The train crosses a series of trestles offering vertigo-inducing views of valleys below. During the journey, knowledgeable guides share tales of the railroad’s construction and the hardships faced by early loggers and miners who first settled these remote mountains. Pack extra memory cards – photographers consider this route among West Virginia’s most photogenic.

7. Durbin Rocket’s Riverside Steam Experience

All aboard the rare Climax-geared steam locomotive – one of only three operating worldwide! This century-old marvel chugs along the Greenbrier River at a leisurely pace perfect for immersing yourself in autumn’s spectacle. Unlike faster trains, the Rocket’s unhurried 10-mph maximum speed allows passengers to fully absorb the seasonal transformation.

The open-air gondola cars provide unobstructed 360-degree views as golden poplars and crimson maples line the riverbanks. During the 2-hour journey from Durbin, friendly conductors encourage passengers to move between cars for different vantage points. The route’s gentle grade makes this excursion ideal for multi-generational family outings, with even the youngest travelers enchanted by the steam whistle echoing through the colorful mountains.

8. Blackwater Canyon Fall Foliage Special

Offered exclusively during peak autumn weekends, this rare excursion traverses terrain otherwise inaccessible to visitors. The seasonal special follows abandoned logging routes through the legendary Blackwater Canyon, where dense forests of ancient hemlock and northern hardwoods create a spectacular color display against the backdrop of dramatic waterfalls.

The train passes the ghost town of Douglas, where guides share spooky tales of this once-thriving lumber community. Wildlife sightings abound, with passengers frequently spotting black bear preparing for winter among the berry-laden understory. Book months in advance – these limited-run autumn excursions sell out quickly as they coincide perfectly with the canyon’s peak color period in mid-October.