Mountian Railroad West Virginia

All Aboard! If you're wanting to get away from the hustle and head to the mountains for a relaxing adventure. I would recommend a scenic train trip. My husband and I are all about living life to the fullest. A huge part of that is through adventures and experiences. We got married back in April and for our wedding shower we were gifted trips and things to do, rather than material things. Our dear friends Jim & Jamie gifted us a train trip in West Virginia. Over the weekend we met up with them and hit the rails.

Mountain Rail Road is located in the adorable town of Elkins West Virginia. I would recommend arriving about a hour before you need to board the train, to give yourself time to explore the town. We arrived in Elkins early to do just that. With a four hour drive under our belts, we hit up the local coffee shop Kissel Stop Cafe. This cute little coffee shop is mere steps away from the station. This coffee shop is so cute and offers breakfast and has a great selection of coffees.

The town was in full swing for Fall. Everything was decorated to the T. The scarecrows and cornstalk lined sidewalks where enough to make you feel like you where in a Hallmark movie . If you go on the weekend there is a small farmers market set up with local vendors and being Fall, you may even catch a fall festival. After exploring it was time to board the train.

Mountain Rail Road offers several different trips, and trains to choose from. We took the Tygart Flyer which is a beautiful diesel powered train. This Train is their #1 choice for scenic views of the leaves changing in the fall (book your trip early, they fill up fast). This trip offers a 4 hour round trip which includes a stop at the High falls of Cheat and a lunch buffet.

Once we boarded the train we made it to our section. Walking through the narrow halls with the old vintage decor made me feel like I was in a Wes Anderson film. We made it to our section which was a four seat table right by a large window.The train took us through the gorgeous mountains as the rolling hills where covered in beautiful fall foliage. We went over rocky creeks, through small towns, and through an awesome rock tunnel. We made our way to the High Falls and had about a 40 minute layover. This is a cool opportunity, because the falls are so far out in the mountains the only way to get to them is either a lonnnnnnng hike or this train. We made our way down the set of stairs to the lower falls and wow, they were gorgeous. Three waterfalls cascaded off the rocks into a big pool. After exploring the rocks and river, we headed up the stairs to the upper falls. The view from the top of the falls was beautiful as the water was crashing down below to the rocky river which made its way down the mountain. After exploring we made our way back and boarded the train to head back to the station.

This trip was SO much fun, and being my first one, I am already planning the next. This rail road offers many different trips during each season. Trips range from different prices, shorter scenic rides, to longer rides, and even special seasonal trips. There is even a dinner train and goes into the night. During the fall season they offer a Halloween Train! If you have kids, or just love Christmas, they recreate the Polar Express

(I want to do this one so bad). I am convinced you can't go wrong no matter which trip you choose. Depending on how far you have to travel this would be a perfect weekend trip.

Train Station Link

Whether you're here for the day or the weekend, you might as well explore the town of Elkins.

Places To Eat Links

Smoke On The Water BBQ - We ate here for dinner and man...it was GOOD. Not a fan of BBQ? That's alright. They have a huge menu with options ranging from wings to crab cakes to burgers.

Rail Yard Restaurant - Directly across from the rail station this restaurant offers, great home cooked food.

Gino's Pizza & Spaghetti House - If you want some Italian Gino's offers a wide selection of Italian dishes.

Places To Grab A Drink Links

Kissel Stop Cafe - Food, Coffee and a great atmosphere

Big Timber Brewery - GREAT beer, and a gorgeous atmosphere. Their flights even come in a tree trunk.. So cool!

Places To Stay

Holiday Inn Exspress & Suites - Affordable, clean hotel right in Elkins.

Cheat River Lodge - Rent a Log Cabin nestled along the river.

Other Things To Do Links

Rail Road Museum - Walk through and learn about the rich history this town has to offer.

The Delmonte Market - They offer a great selection of knick knacks, housewares, and local wine that you can try

(we left with two bottles). Products are from companies around West Virginia.