2025 is the yr of the Dupe. No, not dupe such as you’ll fall for the ol’ three-card Monte trick; dupe as in journey options.
Hard to imagine it has been years for the reason that pandemic was declared over, however one factor has turn into more and more clear to this present day — journey is again.

Whether or not it’s famend resorts offered out night time after night time, having to unnecessarily check bags, or being compelled to share selfies in what-should-be extensive open plains of nationwide or state parks, vacationers are embracing their sense of wanderlust all of the over the world, leaving the door open to find extra hidden gems.
When it involves the U.S., one may argue Alaska is America’s least-explored state, however on the mainland, it is gotta be West Virginia, proper?
Known extra for its deeply rooted historical past of coal mining and longstanding tales of Appalachian folklore, those that have visited West Virginia sometimes come out the opposite facet shocked by how stunning the “Mountain State” actually is ,particularly being residence to America’s most underrated state park.
West Virginia, Take Me…To Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Anything beats counting bottles of beer on the wall, however let’s not even faux there’s a greater street journey music than Take Me Home, Country Roads.
We’ve all belted out West Virginia’s unofficial theme music at one level or one other, however hardly ever will we ever scope out the state itself for a pleasant, enjoyable getaway.
Full disclosure – West Virginia has usually discovered itself on the incorrect facet of headlines as quite a few former coal mining hubs are nothing however ghost cities nowadays, leaving locals residing in poverty in some circumstances, and holding the very best loss of life charge for overdoses within the nation, in accordance with the CDC.

Those very headlines, together with darkish mysteries of Appalachia, have forged a shadow over the intense spots of West Virginia individuals have lengthy been lacking out on — one in every of them being Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Those who’ve visited completely find it irresistible! The park’s Google ranking stands at a powerful 4.7 out of 5, with one latest visitor claiming, “My family and I truly enjoyed this trip. Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable staff. Nice places to stay nearby and good places to eat. There is so much to do. Lunch was provided with our train ride. 10/10 would recommend!”.
All Aboard The Cass Scenic RailStreet!

Located in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it city of Cass, this huge state park is residence to breathtaking mountain vistas, historical forests, and mazes of mountain climbing trails to discover, however many go for the a scenic prepare trip courtesy of Mountain Rail West Virginia, providing seasonal packages on the Cass Scenic Railroad all year long.
Best of all, come May, the historic locomotive is bringing again 3 routes with beautiful views of waterfalls, lush wilderness, and rustic cities like Durbin nestled within the mountains.
These are Cass Scenic Railroad’s present excursions:

New Tygart Flyer (working April – November) –
TLC was incorrect on this one; you may positively need to chase waterfalls. Enjoy comfy, climate-controlled coaches, a cold-cut lunch, and beautiful views of High Falls of Cheat, the area’s dazzling pure marvel, together with flowing rivers, and sky-high bridges.
Waterfall excursions start May 4, 2025.
Greenbriar Express (working May – October) –
Aforementioned Durbin is the spotlight of this route. Departing from Cass, the Greenbrier Express affords a scenic journey to one in every of West Virginia’s most picturesque cities exuding timeless allure with common shops, Mom & Pop eateries, all backdropped by astounding wilderness of Monongahela National Forest.

Cass Bald Knob Trip (working May – October) –
Hope you are not afraid of heights! This 4.5 hour trek to Bald Knob takes passengers upwards of two,300 toes for breathtaking views of Appalachian landscapes starting from spruce forests and staggering mountains as that is the second highest level in West Virginia.
Cass Whitaker Station (working May – October) –
Taking 2 hours round-trip, visitors can hop aboard century-old trains and chug alongside scenic meadows and rolling hills, in the end reaching Whitaker Station to deep dive into the world’s historic logging operations.
This route features a 30 minute break to absorb sweeping views of the countryside and peruse the recreated logging camp and intriguing displays.
Rent A Spacious Cabin

Camping is not for everybody. That’s why “glamping” has turn into extra standard, however who would ever flip down a cabin within the woods?
Truthfully, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park’s cabins is likely to be the most effective of all as a result of they home as much as 14 individuals comfortably with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom layouts.
These “cabins”, described as ‘restored firm homes’, had been previously quarters for loggers again within the day however now function actually distinctive stays to make your base for exploring the park or indulging within the delights of Cass’s small city allure.
Houses can be found year-round and could be booked instantly here with charges beginning at $105 per night time this spring and upwards of $180 this summer season.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
