Not Many Know About The Donations-Only Train Ride You Can Take In West Virginia
Trains are a West Virginia specialty. Thanks to the state’s long, convoluted connection to both the mining and logging industries, old railroad tracks crisscross our mountains and historic railroad artifacts dot our forests. Scenic train rides are among the most popular attractions in the whole Mountain State, selling out almost every season. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is a famous one, as is the Potomac Eagle and Autumn Colors Express. But there’s another unadvertised scenic train ride through wild, wonderful West Virginia that almost no one knows about, and, unbelievably enough, it’s free – but of course, donations are very much appreciated. Hop on board the Locust Heights and Western Railroad and bask in all that it has to offer.
Curious about this free train ride? Check out this short YouTube video by Jonathan Sakaguchi showing the train arriving back at the station.
Learn more and get the latest updates on this no-fee scenic train’s seasonal operating hours and special events at the depot on the Locust Heights & Western Railroad on Facebook. Have you ridden the Locust Heights & Western Railroad before? Here’s another affordable West Virginia train ride that’s also not very well known. All these hidden gem secret attractions! Who knew they were right here in our backyard all along?
Want more fun ideas for the family? Check out our article on some cool at-home staycation activities that your family will love.
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TRAIN RIDES NEAR ME & RELATED INFO
What are some more train rides in West Virginia?
There are so many opportunities to ride a train in West Virginia and all are perfect for a day trip adventure. Here are a few train rides that belong on your list:
- Cass Scenic Railroad, Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
- New Tygart Flyer, Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad Ride
- New River Train Excursions
- The Durbin Rocket
- The Cheat Mountain Salamander
- Autumn Colors Express
- The WV Polar Express Train Ride
Be sure to read this previous article telling you more about these train rides in West Virginia.
What are some more family-friendly attractions in West Virginia?
If you’re searching for some cool ideas for your family in our state, here are some of the best family-friendly attraction in West Virginia that we recommend:
- Bearfoot Springs Waterpark, Bruceton Mills
- Heritage Port Park and Sculpture Garden, Wheeling
- Hovatter's Wildlife Zoo, Kingwood
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry
- Lost World Caverns, Lewisburg
- Mothman Museum, Point Pleasant
- Summersville Lake, Summersville
- The Greenbrier Falconry, White Sulphur Springs
- Hatfield & McCoy Airboat Tour, Matewan
- New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville
Read our previous article with some family-friendly attractions in West Virginia.
What are the best state parks in West Virginia?
There are 35 state parks in West Virginia, and all are worthy of a visit. But here are 10 of the best state parks in West Virginia that belong on your bucket list:
- Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass
- Berkeley Springs State Park, Berkeley Springs,
- Cacapon Resort State Park, Berkeley Springs
- Babcock State Park, Clifftop
- Beartown Boardwalk State Park, Renick
- Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem
- Hawk's Nest State Park, Ansted
- Pinnacle Rock State Park, Bramwell
- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Hillsboro
Discover more by reading our previous article about these state parks in West Virginia.