Cass Scenic Spruce Trip
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Scenic ride to the historic ghost town of Spruce
Open-air cars with traditional wooden bench seating
Stunning views of mountains, forests, and wildlife
Experience the history of a once-thriving logging town
Experience the haunting beauty and rich history of Spruce aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad, where passenger service has returned to this remote ghost town for the first time in many years. Nestled at the headwaters of Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, Spruce was once known as the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi, accessible only by rail. Established by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the town thrived with a mill, locomotive shop, company offices, hotel, and row houses similar to those still standing in Cass. Every building was equipped with electric lights, a remarkable feature at the time. After the mill closed and the Western Maryland Railway abandoned its facilities, the town slowly emptied, leaving only foundations and remnants of its past. Today, visitors can journey through the surrounding wilderness and imagine the bustling life that once defined this isolated community, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the Appalachian landscape.
The Spruce train features open-air cars with traditional wooden bench seating, allowing passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the rugged mountains and lush forests. Guests select their car when booking, with seats chosen upon boarding, ensuring a comfortable and flexible experience for families and groups. The train runs in all weather conditions, so layered clothing or jackets are highly recommended, and ear protection is suggested for those sensitive to the sounds of powerful steam locomotives. As the train climbs through the forested slopes toward Spruce, passengers are treated to dramatic scenery, glimpses of wildlife, and the sense of stepping back in time. This journey offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, making a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad to Spruce an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Experience the haunting beauty and rich history of Spruce aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad, where passenger service has returned to this remote ghost town for the first time in many years. Nestled at the headwaters of Shavers Fork of the Cheat River, Spruce was once known as the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi, accessible only by rail. Established by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, the town thrived with a mill, locomotive shop, company offices, hotel, and row houses similar to those still standing in Cass. Every building was equipped with electric lights, a remarkable feature at the time. After the mill closed and the Western Maryland Railway abandoned its facilities, the town slowly emptied, leaving only foundations and remnants of its past. Today, visitors can journey through the surrounding wilderness and imagine the bustling life that once defined this isolated community, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the Appalachian landscape.
The Spruce train features open-air cars with traditional wooden bench seating, allowing passengers to enjoy unobstructed views of the rugged mountains and lush forests. Guests select their car when booking, with seats chosen upon boarding, ensuring a comfortable and flexible experience for families and groups. The train runs in all weather conditions, so layered clothing or jackets are highly recommended, and ear protection is suggested for those sensitive to the sounds of powerful steam locomotives. As the train climbs through the forested slopes toward Spruce, passengers are treated to dramatic scenery, glimpses of wildlife, and the sense of stepping back in time. This journey offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure, making a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad to Spruce an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
- Hobo lunch with sandwich, chips, cookie, applesauce, and water
- Kids three and under get applesauce, chips, and cookie
- Gratuities
$ 65
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Activity Provider: Mountain Rail West Virginia
Customer Reviews
Absolutely loved our Christmas train. The trains were warm and the food after was delicious! Their staff is fun and friendly. Highly recommend for all ages but especially if you have young kids.
We went here on a trip through WV because my wife's father used to take them here when she was a kid. The museum was very nice and even the tourist store had some neat items. We did not ride the train but I am sure that would be fun. The docent/information guy in the museum was very helpful. His name was Nathaniel (a young guy). I asked him a question and he had so much information and knowledge that we spent a long time speaking with him. He was also drawing an incredibly detailed drawing of a locomotive. He had a lot of talent. If you go there, don't just ignore the museum, spend some time. It was extremely interesting.
Our family had a wonderful day trip to the Cass Scenic Railroad. We opted for the four and a half hour trip to the top of Bald Knob mountain and back, and we were not disappointed with the beautiful views! The steam locomotives are truly an amazing relic from the past, and riding on one is a privilege you truly must experience firsthand to appreciate fully! To think of how many times these locomotives have transported hundreds of loggers and all of the logging products through the century up and down these same unforgiving mountains gives you a unique perspective for sure. Be sure to give yourself some extra time to check out the Cass Museum as they have some excellent railroad items as well some clothing from the period. The staff running the train did an amazing job with courteous and professional service. Many of the staff are career workers and their knowledge and skills are a treasure trove of historical facts. These guys were fun to watch work! For your trip planning, be sure to take extra clothes for warmth and protection and perhaps an umbrella or two. The cars, although covered, are open-air (no windows or doors). You WILL occasionally get engulfed with black smoke and soot (sometimes with small pieces of carbon still a bit hot) from the engine when the wind does not cooperate, and you will get a bit dusty/dirty (all part of a very cool and authentic experience). The closer you are to the front of the train, the more you'll have to deal with the smoke, soot, and loud steam vents and whistle (children may need ear protection), but the more you get to watch a real steamer in action. The seats are merely wood, so bring a cushion as it is a long ride. I HIGHLY recommend this experience for anyone that is in decent physical shape (you will have to go up and down steep steps to board and disembark at each stop). Do not expect luxury - that's not what this trip brings. It's a genuine, old-fashioned train ride from another time. 🚂🛤🚞
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