The highest point in West Virginia is well-known by locals and tourists alike: Spruce Knob. But do you know the second highest point in the state? It’s Bald Knob. And while the best way to view Spruce Knob’s splendor is with a drive up to the lookout tower, the best way to experience Bald Knob in all its glory is by train.
Coal mining. Logging. Two industries that dominate West Virginia’s history. And hand in hand with both come the railroad.
Mountain Rail West Virginia
Built to transport logs to a lumber mill, Cass Scenic Railroad has been transformed into one of the most scenic, historic, interesting passenger rail lines in the nation.
Mountain Rail West Virginia
And one of the prettiest routes you can take on Cass Scenic’s faithful Shay engines is the trip up Bald Knob.
Brittany N./Alltrails
Featuring a unique ecosystem that’s more similar to what you might expect to find in Canada than West Virginia, Bald Knob rises high above all but one of West Virginia’s plethora of mountain peaks.
Jonathan Crocker/Alltrails
And while you can hike to this scenic spot, you can see even more of its beauty perched high in a Cass Scenic Railroad train car.
Brittany N./Alltrails
Round-trip, the ride covers 22 miles and lasts for about 4.5 hours.
Mountain Rail West Virginia And all of it is up (or down, depending on whether you’re going or coming) - the train climbs an impressive 2,290 feet from the Cass Depot to the top of Bald Knob!
At the top, you’ll be able to climb off the train to stretch your legs and take in one of the best views in the state from a rustic wooden overlook.
Mountain Rail West Virginia In addition to miles of beautiful mountains, you’ll even be able to see the Green Bank Observatory if you look closely enough!
Be sure to bring along a camera. There’s no bad views to be had along the entire trip; it’s all gorgeous!
Mountain Rail West Virginia
Have you ridden up Bald Knob courtesy of Mountain Rail before? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
Mountain Rail West Virginia Maybe this is the year to make it happen!
To learn more or book a trip, visit Mountain Rail’s website page devoted to Cass Scenic Railroad’s Bald Knob Trip. Tickets are approximately $75, and the train runs from mid-May to early November. While we’re on the topic, be sure to check out some of the other amazing trips through West Virginia that Mountain Rail has to offer!
Mountain Rail West Virginia
Brittany N./Alltrails
Jonathan Crocker/Alltrails
And all of it is up (or down, depending on whether you’re going or coming) - the train climbs an impressive 2,290 feet from the Cass Depot to the top of Bald Knob!
In addition to miles of beautiful mountains, you’ll even be able to see the Green Bank Observatory if you look closely enough!
Maybe this is the year to make it happen!
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Address: Cass, WV 24927, USA
