Q. - If I purchase an advance ticket does that guarantee me a seat?
A. - Not unless you have purchased a ticket for the Leatherbark Car, or you are renting a caboose or group car in addition to buying your ticket. If you must have a seat throughout your trip, choose on of these options. Each standard general admission car on the train has about 26 seats, and we often sell far more tickets than that. Seats are first come, first served, and there is no advantage to purchasing your ticket in advance, except to be sure that you will be allowed on the train. The ride often requires some standing, and in fact it is best enjoyed standing up, but the train stops and unloads at least once during each run, and those who truly need to sit down usually will have the opportunity to do so. Of course we depend somewhat on the common decency of our passengers to allow the infirm to sit and rest if needed.

Q. - Why should I make an advance reservation?
A. - Since some of our trains sell out in advance, your reservation will assure you of space on the train of your choice. It also eliminates long and frustrating lines at the ticket window and allows us to schedule our staff and plan our train lengths more effectively.

Q. - Why don’t you allow reserved seating on more of your cars?
A. - Many of Cass Scenic Railroad’s cars are constructed on the frames of original logging flat cars. The seating was designed to be incidental and for occasional use or use by the infirm, so only about 26 seats are available on a typical car. This being a very scenic excursion, the best way to enjoy the ride is by standing up for large portions of the trip. This system, although not perfect, has allowed us to serve more people and keep our fares at modest levels through the years. We have experimented with reserved seating systems in the past and found visitor satisfaction to suffer as a result. At some time in the future we may redesign and rebuild our passenger cars with reservable seating in mind, but until then the present system seems to work best here.

Q. - What about food, can I bring my own food and eat on the train? Is there someplace to buy food there?
A. - Yes, you can bring your own food and coolers and eat on the train. There is a small concession stand at Whittaker Station, however, NO food is sold at Bald Knob. You can also purchase a box lunch from the Last Run Restaurant located at Cass. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the train and throughout the park.

Q. - I smoke. Is there a certain car that allows smoking?
A. - You are NOT permitted to smoke on any of the train cars at Cass.

Q. - Can I bring my dog on the train with me?
A. - Pets are not permitted on the train, however kennel service is available on-site for a small fee

Q. - Should I bring a jacket?
A. - YES! You might not always need it, but it can often be 10 to 15 degrees colder at Bald Knob and it never hurts to be prepared.

Q. - Is there anything else to do in the area?
A. - Try to plan on spending a whole day at Cass, since in addition ot the train ride we offer a wide range of free interpretive tours and programs focusing on the town's history, the locomotive shops, and even model railroading. We also can give you a ride on a handcar, and rent out river tubes, fishing gear, and bicycles that can be enjoyed on the adjacent Greenbrier River and Greenbrier River Trail. Nearby the National Radio Astronomy Observatory offers a free tour and science museum, the Monongahela National Forest, Seneca State Forest, and Watoga State Park represent bountiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, and Snowshoe Resort provided varied entertainment, from skiing in the winter to golf and mountain biking in the summer, nightlife, and fine dining.

Q. - What's the best place to stay overnight?
A. - Right here in the park you can stay in a restored company house, a wilderness cabin, a caboose, or bring your RV and dry camp in our parking area beside the river. Within a 20 minute drive you have many options that include Seneca State Forest's cabins and campground, privately owned campgrounds, small to medium sized motels, bed and breakfast establishments, rustic cabins, luxury cottages, and condominiums. The best choice is determined by your tastes. Generally the local accommodations are very modestly priced.

Q. - I look for some adventure? Is there a cay I can use the railroad to get away from civilization?
A. - Depending on the expected load on the train, we can often help you transport your gear, such as a mountain bicycle or camping gear, to the higher elevations and remote locations atop Cheat Mountain. We will even pick you up on a later day if yo need to to. Call in advance to inquire about such arrangements. Of course we will be happy to rent you our wilderness cabin or caboose if that suits your needs

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
P.O. Box 107
Cass, WV 24927
(304) 456-4300
1-800-CALL WVA
E-mail: cassrailroad@wvdnr.gov