RIDING THE RAILS
The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group. Day 1 An early morning departure has you traveling to your overnight stop for lodging (pack an overnight bag); dinner is on your own this evening. Day 2 Following breakfast, check out and continue your journey to wild and beautiful West Virginia with a leisurely drive through the Allegheny Mountains. Along the way, stop for a visit to Blackwater Falls State Park. The park features a spectacular waterfall plunging 63 feet into the Canyon below. It offers an opportunity for some awesome pictures, before continuing to your hotel. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, followed by time for you to relax and enjoy the beauty of the area. Day 3 Enjoy breakfast, then depart for a fun-filled day of “riding the rails” through the beautiful countryside. Climb aboard the Cass Scenic Railroad and begin the long haul to Bald Knob. Panoramas of the lofty Appalachians become more beautiful as the train climbs higher and higher. Passengers suddenly realize they are entering a completely different world, mainly because of the change in trees, flowers, and atmosphere. By climbing from Cass to Bald Knob on Back Allegheny Mountain, you have made the equivalent to an 800-mile trip to Canada in climate because of the higher altitude. Here are found spruce trees, snowshoe hares and other plants and animals typical in the far north. The rustic overlook affords one of the most awesome, overwhelming spectacles in the east. A “King of the Road” hobo lunch will be provided to enjoy your ride as well. A ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is an unforgettable experience. At the conclusion of the train tour, your group will enjoy a chance to stop at the Rail & Trail Store before departing for dinner and an evening of entertainment. Day 4 Following breakfast, check out and depart for a visit to the Smoke Hole Caverns. The caverns contain an abundance of flowing stone, gleaming creamy white stone that looks like a rock waterfall! The buildup of minerals from this steady flow of water builds beautiful monuments of stone that is as breathtaking as the mountain scenery above ground. Some of the various formations you will see include stalagmites, stalactites, travertine, and rim stone. The history of Smoke Hole Caverns is tied to the Seneca Indians who used the front section of the caverns to smoke wild game. The slow-burning wood fires sent clouds of smoke swirling out into the valley. The scene was so common that early settlers called the place Smoke Hole. The many rooms and secluded nature of the Caverns were also the ideal place for early settlers and immigrants to make corn whiskey after the Civil War. The clean cold stream that flows through the Caverns was perfect for “moonshine” and it is estimated that perhaps as many as 20 stills operated at one time!! An original still remains on display today complete with its story. After your exciting visit, depart for your overnight stop for check-in (pack an overnight bag); dinner is on your own in the area. Day 5 After breakfast, check out and depart for home with lasting memories of your rail trip to West Virginia.
Place: West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, July 30 – Saturday, August, 3,2024
Time: 7:30 a.m. Departure
Fee: $1,212 Per Person / Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy $1,491 Per Person - On Sale Now
Non-Residents (Add $5.00 N/R)