Pocahontas County
All Aboard West Virginia is known for its breathtaking fall scenery, woods packed with wildlife, and miles uponmiles of rolling hills, but many people don’t know about the historic railroads deep in the heart of beautiful Appalachia. These historical treasures, including the Durbin&Greenbrier Valley Railroad and Cass Scenic Railroad , are a wonderful and relaxing way to enjoy the natural wonders of the state without leaving your seat. The Durbin &Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers mountain rail adventures that depart from the depots of Elkins, Durbin, Cheat Bridge, and Cass April through December. These remote wilderness excursions on historic steam-driven locomotives and vintage diesel-powered passenger trains explore the more remote areas of the Mountain State, places even autos cannot access. Choose from two- to eight-hour excursions, dinner trips, or an overnight experience in the Castaway Caboose. If Elkins Depot is one of your stops, check out the Railyard Restaurant right next door for a variety of family dining options and a menu to fit any budget. Just 30minutes fromDurbin, Cass is a historic town steeped in the logging and lumber industries of the early 20th century.
extended stays. On the original 1901 rail line, passengers travel through graceful mountain valleys as the train reaches heights of more than 4,000 feet. A trip toWhittaker Station allows visitors to walk through a re-created logging campsite from the 1940s, while a stop at Spruce Run reveals the beautiful Shaver’s Fork of the Cheat River. Bald Knob, the second-highest natural point inWest Virginia, is the last stop on the line and affords an awe-inspiring view of two states from its summit. 304.636.9477, mountainrailwv.com; 304.456.4300, cassrailroad.com
In its heyday, theWest Virginia Pulp and Paper Mill inCass—a little over an hour’s drive south of Elkins—was a powerful symbol. Nearly every man inCass worked for themill—more than 2,500 at its peak—and the trains kept the timber flowing down from the hills. Although the mill closed in 1960, Cass was brought into theWest Virginia State Parks system as Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with the railroad’s first tourist trip on June 15, 1963, and has since become one of the state’s biggest attractions. A company store, museum, and train depot have all been preserved in their 1940s grandeur, and the company houses and even cabooses can be rented for overnight or
Other Fishing Hot Spots Shavers Fork stretches nearly 90 miles. This branch of the Cheat River lies east of Elkins and is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The cold, clear waters separating Elkins from the sweeping wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest are perfect for the fisherman who likes to get off the beaten path. You can fish the stream all the way from Snowshoe Resort downstream to Elkins and beyond. Looking for a trophy trout? Shavers Fork has excellent catch-and-release fishing areas. Looking for dinner?The same river also has “put and take” systems that let you keep your catch.
Fly Fishing Paradise Fly fishing is rapidly becoming the fishing style of choice for many anglers, and as the “Birthplace of Rivers,” Pocahontas County offers some of the best fly fishing on the
east coast. Old Field Fork, one of the headwaters of the Elk River, is located just outside the doors of the Elk River Inn. Take a guided fishing trip or enroll in their weekend fly fishing school. Relax at night in one of he 13 guest rooms in the luxurious inn or in one of their 3 beautifully appointed cabins. Wake up to a big, tasty breakfast to start your day of adventure. 304.572.3771, elkriverwv.com Located inMarlinton, Knapp’s Creek Trout Lodge offers superior customer service and comfort along the banks of Knapp’s Creek. They offer professional guided fly fishing trips and facilitated paddling, hiking, and biking explorations. 304.799.6445, knappscreektroutlodge.com
The Lower Shavers Fork and Cheat River areas are great for bass fishing and the occasional trout. They are also perfect locations for relaxing on the water in canoe or kayak. The first fewmiles of the Elk River headwaters, known as Slaty Fork , are a catch-and-release-regulated wild trout fishery. It’s a great place for naturally reproducing brown, rainbow, and brook trout.
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker