- The Greenbrier Express takes passengers on a 15-mile train ride through West Virginia’s colorful fall landscapes.
- Riders can spot wildlife and explore Durbin during a lunch break.
- It’s an ideal fall trip because it pairs peak foliage views with a vintage train ride through remote mountain scenery.
When the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves start to change, the countdown to peak fall foliage is on. The window is relatively short, so planning a trip to see the red, orange, and yellow hues is a time-sensitive matter. It’s also one that requires a bit of research into where you’ll find the best autumnal tones. If you’re thinking about leaf-peeping in West Virginia, there are a few above-average spots to seek out, like New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the Greenbrier River Valley. And one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the latter is by boarding the Greenbrier Express.
The steam-powered scenic train leaves from Cass, West Virginia, snakes through the Monongahela National Forest, and takes passengers on a 15-mile journey to the town of Durbin. Along the way, expect river views, a majestic fall color palette, and the occasional wildlife spotting. “It is common to see wildlife such as eagles and deer, so keep your eyes peeled during the journey,” says Walter Scriptunas II, marketing director of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad. “My personal favorite location is Hosterman, the halfway point between Cass and Durbin. A large beaver pond borders the tracks, and waterfowl can often be seen.”
The views are just one aspect of the Greenbrier Express experience, though. There’s also a bit of history and the chance to stretch your legs. “All departures are pulled by one of our 100-plus-year-old steam locomotives,” Scriptunas says. “At the halfway stop in Durbin, passengers unload from the train and are treated to lunch, included in the ticket price. After lunch, there is time to grab a coffee or smoothie at the Simply Sweet Cafe and browse the Rail & Trail Store for unique railroad souvenirs.”
Tickets and Schedule
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The Greenbrier Express runs on select days from May through October, but Scriptunas notes that you can also come for a winter ride (you’ll just miss the fall foliage). “We now offer Greenbrier Express rides on weekends in the winter, beginning in mid-January,” he says. “These trips are becoming very popular, especially following a fresh snowfall.” The round-trip Cass-to-Durbin train leaves Cass at 10 a.m. and returns by 3:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and fares vary depending on time of year and age; children, seniors, veterans, and active military can get discounted tickets. For October 2025 rides, a standard adult ticket is $93. Both table-style and bus-style seating is available, and, unlike some train rides, you get to choose your seat when you book.
“Many first-time passengers ask which is the best side of the train to ride on; the answer is both,” Scriptunas explains. “At the halfway point of the ride, the entire train is turned for the ride back to Cass, giving passengers on both sides of the train an equal view of the scenery.”
He does have one piece of advice for finding the best views, though. “Ask the conductor on board for directions to the baggage car—the large, open doors on this car offer great views of the surrounding scenery,” he says.
Travelers riding the Greenbrier Express in the fall or winter should be sure to dress warmly. “While the cars are climate-controlled, temperatures can change fast during the ride, and you don’t want to be surprised when disembarking the train,” he adds.
What to Do in Cass, West Virginia
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Make a weekend of your trip to Cass. Outside of riding the Greenbrier Express, you can participate in a handful of other activities in the area. “Visit the nearby Green Bank Observatory Science Center for a guided tour of the telescopes, and enjoy a walk or bike ride on the Greenbrier River Trail, which begins in Cass,” says Scriptunas. He also recommends CW’s Corn Maze, which he notes is located on Cass Road and opens on the weekends from Sept. 27 through October.
Railway enthusiasts and amateur historians alike may also want to leisurely explore the town of Cass. “Before or after your train ride, take a town tour and visit the Cass Historical Museum to discover the history of the Cass Scenic Railroad,” he says. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and it’s free to enter. There’s also the option to watch a documentary on Cass and the Cass Scenic Railroad at the Cass Historic Theater, with four different showtimes throughout the day from Tuesday through Sunday.
