Cass Scenic Railroad, WV
Steam locomotives to Bald Knob — mountain logging heritage
🚗 3½–4 hours from Johnson City · ~170 miles · Johnson City via I-77 N, WV-28 toward Cass
Best season: Summer–fall operations; peak foliage Oct
Getting there
Get driving directions from Johnson City ↗ · Open in Google Maps ↗
Map shows Cass Scenic Railroad, WV. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park preserves logging-era Shay locomotives that still haul passengers up Cheat Mountain to Bald Knob — open cars, coal smoke, and sweeping Allegheny views at the top.
This is honestly an overnight trip from the Tri-Cities; same-day is only for train obsessives willing to leave before dawn.
Highlights
- Shay steam locomotive excursion to Bald Knob
- Cass company town preserved buildings
- Mountain photography at Whittaker Station (shorter trip option)
- Nearby Green Bank Observatory (quiet zone)
Sample one-day itinerary
Book timed train tickets weeks ahead for fall.
Bald Knob trip ~4.5 hours on train; shorter Whittaker option available.
Plan lodging in Marlinton or Snowshoe area if not camping.
Know before you go
- Tickets sell out October weekends — reserve early.
- Open cars — dress warm even in summer at elevation.
- Compare Snowshoe guide for same mountain region.
Links & resources
More day trips
25–35 min 📖 Jonesborough, TN
25–35 min 🌊 Erwin & the Nolichucky Gorge
30–45 min 🛥️ South Holston Lake
30–45 min
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