The highest point in West Virginia is well-known by locals and tourists alike: Spruce Knob. But do you know the second highest point in the state? It’s Bald Knob. And while the best way to view Spruce Knob’s splendor is with a drive up to the lookout tower, the best way to experience Bald Knob in all its glory is by train, namely the following route that’s among the best train rides in the USA:
Coal mining. Logging. Two industries that dominate West Virginia's history. And hand in hand with both come the railroad.
Built to transport logs to a lumber mill, Cass Scenic Railroad has been transformed into one of the most scenic, historic, interesting passenger rail lines in the nation.
Featuring a unique ecosystem that's more similar to what you might expect to find in Canada than West Virginia, Bald Knob rises high above all but one of West Virginia's plethora of mountain peaks.
And all of it is up (or down, depending on whether you're going or coming) - the train climbs an impressive 2,290 feet from the Cass Depot to the top of Bald Knob!
At the top, you'll be able to climb off the train to stretch your legs and take in one of the best views in the state from a rustic wooden overlook.