2025 is the 12 months of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey alternate options.
Onerous to consider it has been years for the reason that pandemic was declared over, however one factor has turn into more and more clear to at the present time — journey is again.
Whether or not it’s famend resorts offered out night time after night time, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being compelled 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.
In the case of the U.S., one may argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?
Identified 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 stunning 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
Something beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even faux there’s a greater highway journey music than Take Me Residence, Nation Roads.
We have 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, enjoyable getaway.
Full disclosure – West Virginia has usually discovered itself on the fallacious facet of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities lately, leaving locals residing in poverty in some instances, and holding the best loss of life fee for overdoses within the nation, in line with the CDC.
These very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have solid a shadow over the intense spots of West Virginia individuals have lengthy been lacking out on — one in every of them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Those that have visited completely find it irresistible! The park’s Google ranking stands at a powerful 4.7 out of 5, with one latest visitor claiming, “My household and I really loved this journey. Stunning surroundings, educated employees. Good locations to remain close by and good locations to eat. There’s a lot to do. Lunch was supplied with our practice journey. 10/10 would suggest!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailRoad!
Situated in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is dwelling to breathtaking mountain vistas, historic forests, and mazes of mountaineering 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.
Better of all, come Might, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with attractive 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 fallacious on this one; you will positively need to chase waterfalls. Take pleasure in comfy, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and gorgeous views of Excessive Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure surprise, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start Might 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Categorical (working Might – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Categorical gives a scenic journey to one in every of West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless allure with normal shops, Mother & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela Nationwide Forest.
Cass Bald Knob Journey (working Might – 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 Might – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, company can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, finally 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.
Lease A Spacious Cabin
Tenting is not for everybody. That is why “glamping” has turn into extra well-liked, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
Honestly, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins may be the perfect of all as a result of they home as much as 14 individuals 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 allure.
Homes can be found year-round and may be booked immediately here with charges beginning at $105 per night time this spring and upwards of $180 this summer time.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, 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 publish.