A Unique Autumn Experience in Appalachia
As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the landscape, nature enthusiasts and train lovers alike are eager to experience the beauty of fall foliage. Among the many destinations that offer this seasonal spectacle, one hidden gem stands out: the Greenbrier Express. This scenic train ride is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking views of the Northeast.
The Greenbrier Express is a steam-powered train that departs from the unincorporated community of Cass, West Virginia. It takes passengers on a 15-mile journey through the Monongahela National Forest, offering an unobstructed view of the changing leaves. According to Lauren Bodnar, a representative from WV Tourism, there is something truly special about experiencing fall in the Mountain State.
Passengers aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad’s newest excursion can enjoy the scenery from one of the company’s 100-year-old steam locomotives. At the halfway point of the trip, they are treated to a lunch that is included in the ticket price. Afterward, they have the opportunity to explore the town of Durbin, where they can stop by the Rail & Trail Store for souvenirs.
Ticket prices for the Greenbrier Express start at $93, which includes a $10 upcharge to meet the demand of the autumn season. Although most tickets are already sold out through the end of October, some remain available for purchase online. The excursion was introduced in 2023 and has quickly become a favorite among travelers.
According to the official website, the route from Cass to Durbin passes through a secluded wilderness area within the 950,000-acre Monongahela National Forest. Passengers can enjoy beautiful scenes of forested mountains as the train travels along the river. The original 95-mile stretch of the railway was constructed in 1902, but for this particular excursion, passengers are taken on a refurbished 15-mile course.
Walter Scriptunas II, the marketing director of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, shared insights with the Daily Mail, noting that passengers are often surprised by the amount of wildlife they encounter during the trip. Glimpses of eagles and deer are common, so travelers are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled.
Since the train turns around after the halfway point, no matter where passengers sit, they can enjoy optimal views. The slow-paced train ride allows for great views of the colorful foliage throughout the journey. The route closely follows the Greenbrier River, providing colorful reflections around each bend.
Passengers can choose between window or aisle seats and bus-style or table tickets. However, Scriptunas told Travel + Leisure that the best views aren’t necessarily in the ticketed seats. He advised passengers to ask the conductor for directions to the baggage car, where large, open doors offer excellent views of the surrounding scenery.
The Greenbrier Express only operates from May through October. The roundtrip journey between Cass and Durbin, WV, begins at 10 am and returns by 3:30 pm. Bodnar emphasized that West Virginia, the third most forested state in the U.S., offers unmatched leaf-peeping opportunities aboard the Greenbrier Express.
The five-hour ride has received rave reviews from many passengers on TripAdvisor. One visitor shared, “The weather was great. The train ride was wonderful, the views were more than I could have imagined.” Another traveler wrote, “This was one of the most satisfying trips we ever took.”
“The big Shay locomotives are a piece of history, one I would encourage everyone to experience. It will take you back to another era. Families should take children, for sure! The staff makes it a pleasant day.” Another passenger noted, “There is available restrooms, food, and plenty to see and hear. The West Virginia mountain views are spectacular. All in all, a perfect day, even in the rain!”
According to the Fall Foliage Map, the best time to enjoy vibrant fall colors in Pocahontas County is before mid-October. However, Bodnar pointed out that due to the wide range of elevations in the region, the fall season lasts more than eight weeks, giving leaf peepers ample time to experience the beauty of the state.
Weather in North Eastern West Virginia during the autumn months typically has a high of 61 degrees and a low of 46 degrees. Employees of the Greenbrier Express recommend that passengers dress in layers, as temperatures can drop quickly.
For those who cannot make it to Cass to enjoy fall in the Monongahela National Forest, the Cass Scenic Railroad also offers train rides through the snow-covered woods on select weekends in the winter.
