Step back in time with a leisurely ride upon the Cass Scenic Railroad, a 1901 line that used to haul lumber from the mountains to the town’s mill. Ride upon refurbished logging flat-cars, driven by steam locomotives, as you travel alongside creeks, open fields and dense woods, and up the mountain via dramatic switchbacks. Enjoy the two-hour ride to Whittaker Station, where you can tour a restored 1940s logging camp, or take the full 4.5-hour trip up to Bald Knob which ends at a lookout with sweeping views of the valley from atop 4,700 feet. The line, which operates late May through early November, also hosts special events, such as night rides and dinner trains. You’ll find a handful of motels located near the railroad’s main station.
Inn at Snowshoe is just a 10-minute drive from Snowshoe Mountain, a 11,000-acre, year-round resort with 57 ski trails, 40 miles of mountain biking trails and zip line courses. The motel provides shuttle service to the lifts and serves free continental breakfast each morning. Enjoy a leisurely dip in the motel’s own indoor pool, test your skills in the on-site arcade or treat yourself to a drink at the lobby-based pub. Based in the town of Snowshoe, the motel is 20 minutes west of Cass.
Silver Creek Lodge is also in Snowshoe, just 20 minutes northwest of Cass. Set on Snowshoe Mountain, the lodge is part of Silver Creek Ski Resort, home to 17 ski trails, eight-story snow tubing lanes and eight trout-filled streams used for fly-fishing. Catering to long-term travelers, all of the rooms in the lodge include fireplaces, private balconies, full kitchens and washer and dryers. Some rooms also have up to four bedrooms. The kid-friendly lodge includes an arcade, day care services and an indoor/outdoor heated pool.
The Morning Glory Inn in Slatyfork is 25 minutes west of Cass. Relax upon the inn’s 90-foot front porch as you take in the views of the surrounding mountains and head indoors to the lobby outfitted with leather furnishings and a fireplace. Hot breakfast is served each morning, free of charge. The hotel is less than 10 minutes from Raven Golf Club, an 18-hole public golf course. Morning Glory Inn can book tee times for you if required.
Set in Marlinton, 25 minutes south of Cass, is the Inn at Mountain Quest. The hotel is inside a large white 1905 farmhouse. Explore the lush farmland via a guided tour or from atop the glass-domed observation deck. Grab a movie or book from the inn’s two-story library with more than 27,000 volumes, visit the recreation center outfitted with arcade games and billiard tables or enjoy a leisurely afternoon of fishing at the on-site trout-filled Knapps Creek.
BrazenHead Inn is in Valley Head, 30 minutes northwest of Cass. The large wooden inn has an on-site restaurant that serves up Irish and American fare and a pub that features live music on the weekends and big screen televisions. Some of the inn’s guest rooms have cathedral ceilings and bunk beds. The lower floor of the inn allows pets but charges a fee. Unwind along the inn’s massive covered porches and in the handful of hammocks scattered throughout the grounds.
