West Virginia’s Mountain Railroads

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From the Editor

“Looking for a fabulous, unique ride into the past on trains of yesteryear? Well, no one does vintage rail trips better than Word Wide Country Tours. Envision mesmerizing scenery, classic steam trains, fun tour guides and nostalgic venues and you’re just beginning to capture the enjoyment of this distinctive way to travel. And the friendly, down to earth people who frequent WWCT tours always make me feel like I’m traveling with family.”

John Burlingham, Reminisce Editor

Ride the rails with Reminisce magazine and relive the glory days when mighty steam- and diesel-powered trains were the fashionable way to travel. You’ll journey on five vintage trains past scenic countrysides, rolling mountains, lazy rivers and impressive architectural sights, including the New River Gorge Bridge —it’s breathtaking! You’ll even relive the heydays of thriving coal and lumber towns, and reminisce about the days of horse-drawn vehicles at the Thrasher Carriage Museum. All aboard!

Tour Highlights

Ride the rails on five vintage steam and diesel trains.
Gaze in awe at unparalleled mountain greenery.
Relive the exciting heyday of thriving coal and lumber towns.
Remember the good old days at the Thrasher Carriage Museum, featuring horse-drawn vehicles from sleighs to milk wagons.

2011 Dates and Pricing

July 19-25 Call For Availability
August 16-22 Call For Availability
September 27 - October 3 Call For Availability
September 29 - October 5 Call For Availability
October 1-7 Call For Availability
October 2-8 Call For Availability
October 10-16 Call For Availability
October 11-17 Call For Availability
October 18-24 Call For Availability

Price Per Person:

Double: $1,497
Single: $1,795

Depart & Return: Charleston, West Virginia

Pre/Post-Tour Hotel: $178/night

Meals Included: 14

Itinerary

Day 1—Charleston: Meet your fellow rail travelers for a welcome reception at our hotel in Charleston, the historic and friendly capital city of West Virginia. Meals included: Welcome reception.

Day 2—Charleston/Beckley: Board a modern motorcoach and relax as we wind our way through beautiful mountain scenery. We’ll see Kanawha Falls and Hawk’s Nest overlook on our way to the New River Gorge, home to the world’s second-largest and highest single-span, steel-arch bridge. At 876 feet high and 1,700 feet long, it offers an unparalleled view of the area’s mountains and valleys.

This afternoon, we’ll tour the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, which boasts 1,500 feet of underground passages. It begins with a display of mining artifacts and other features of early life in the coal towns of southern West Virginia. The highlight of the day is a fascinating journey below ground with an experienced coal miner in authentic, track-riding “man cars”.

Later, we visit the renowned Tamarack Arts Center, West Virginia’s showcase for talented artists, musicians and chefs. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 3—Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: It’s “all aboard” today for our first unforgettable rail adventure. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will transport you back to the heyday of steam locomotives and thriving logging towns. The highlight of this visit is a thrilling ride on an old-fashioned logging train. An awesome, steam-powered Shay locomotive will pull us up a logging line to the top of Bald Knob. At 4,482 feet, this is the third-highest point in the state.

Tonight we relax at the Inn at Snowshoe. Meals included: B, L.

Day 4—Durbin Rocket/Cheat Mountain Salamander: We double our railroading fun today with rides on two old-time trains. In historic Durbin, we’ll experience the sights and sounds of the Durbin Rocket excursion train, powered by “Old #3,” one of only three Climax-geared logging locomotives in existence. Sit back and enjoy the ride in an authentic 1920’s-era caboose as she puffs and whistles along the Greenbrier River.

Next, we’ll ride the classic diesel locomotive of the Cheat Mountain Salamander on a spectacular trip through one of the largest wilderness areas in the eastern United States. We’ll glide through seemingly endless miles of mountains situated so remotely that few people have seen them.

This evening enjoy a group dinner and lively entertainment at the American Mountain Theater. Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 5—The Potomac Eagle: Make sure your cameras are ready for one of America’s most breathtaking train rides—the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. Hauled by a combination of four 1950’s-era diesel locomotives, you’ll be treated to a narrated excursion past historic farms and lush mountain greenery including evergreens, hardwoods and wildflowers. In the spectacular narrow valley called “the Trough,” we’ll pass above the Potomac River, where the water is so clear you can see the fish! Meals included: B, L.

Day 6—Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: We venture into Maryland for more railroading and history today. At Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, we’ll see exhibits on boat-building at the Cumberland boatyards. We’ll also become familiar with how the “Grand Old Ditch” was used to transport coal from the Allegheny mountains, serving the Allegany County coal industry.

Our final rail journey is on the popular Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. An authentic steam locomotive will power us through the bridge in the Narrows, Brush Tunnel and Frostburg Depot.

While in Frostburg, we’ll explore the Thrasher Carriage Museum. Horse-drawn vehicles from sleighs to milk wagons will take you back to yesteryear. Tonight we return to West Virginia to relax at the magnificent Stonewall Resort in Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Meals included: B, L.

Day 7—Charleston: Before you bid farewell to your newfound friends, we’ll stop by the studio of Appalachian Glass. Then you’ll return home with a lifetime of happy memories of lovely West Virginia! Meals included: B, L.