A ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad is a thrilling experience for young and old who may never have seen a steam locomotive. Both are filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation as they approach the old Cass Depot to get tickets from the Agent for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With a clang, Clang, CLANG of the bell and CHUG, Chug, chug of pistons, the train lurches forward to begin a memorable, spine tingling ride. STEEL wheels clickety-click in increasing tempo as the train picks up speed on the same standard gauge rails over which more than ONE BILLION board feet of lumber and an equal volume of pulpwood were shipped during the early part of the century, testimony to the vastness and incalculable wealth of this once virgin timber stand. From the open observation coaches, passengers may drink in the unfolding panorama of remote and beautiful West Virginia scenery, or catch an occasional glimpse of wildlife scurrying away from the huffing, puffing iron monsters. POWERFUL engines easily push the cars up grades averaging four to five per cent, and at times an astonishing 10%. Two of the few remaining switchbacks anywhere in the US afford added excitement on the road, one of the highest non-cog railroads east of the Rocky Mountains.
