Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana) berries are bright red and abundant in higher elevations found at state parks such as Blackwater Falls, but perhaps the best way to see them is to ride the train at Cass Scenic Railroad in October. “At Cass, in addition to the ash berries, fall foliage is ablaze in an unbelievable color explosion,” said Cass Supt. Scott Fortney.
Cass Scenic Railroad is open and the fall foliage schedule runs through Oct. 27. The Whittaker Station trip is a 2-1/2 hour train ride and an excellent length of time for families that include youngsters. The stop at Whittaker Station includes visiting Whittaker Camp #1 to see logging equipment and exhibits that were once part of Cass area logging history. Whittaker Station runs are daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. through Oct. 23. Oct. 24-27 will have two daily Whittaker trips scheduled at 1 and 3 p.m. The Last Run Restaurant offers picnic packs to purchase for the train trip or to enjoy at the eatery located at the Cass Company Store.
The Bald Knob trip is a 4-hour to 4-1/2 hour experience and the destination summit, Bald Knob, is the second highest natural occurring elevation in West Virginia. “The view is outstanding and in October that includes mountains painted in fall colors,” Fortney said. The observation platform is expansive and the view of the valley and mountains is breathtaking.
A Halloween Train is scheduled Oct. 26 and departs at 6 p.m. Reservations are required for this excursion. Passengers are encouraged to wear costumes and to enjoy the haunts along the rail for ”boo-oodles” of fun. Fortney reminds visitors to bring outerwear as the temperatures are cooler in the higher elevations of Pocahontas County.
The rail season at Cass Scenic Railroad concludes for the year Oct. 27. Locomotives gear up again in May 2014 for Rail Fan Weekend and continue through the summer. Company Houses at Cass are available for rent year-round. Online reservations for house rentals are available at www.cassrailroad.com or call 304-456-4300 for house rentals or train tickets.
