I think you have a good basic plan. (I used to live in Roanoke, VA and have visited the WVA rrs.) There are not the numbers of tourist accomodations (hotels & restaurants) in that section of the state than in many other areas, so using Elkins as a base is reasonable. If you have not visited this area before, just remember to allow more driving time than you think should be necessary. The map may show that it is only 30 miles between two points, but the roads may well be very twisty and hilly. In some places, 25 mph may be an absolute maximum safe speed. Just allow more travel time than for a "flatland" drive, and you will be fine. The "Durbin Rocket" is not a long ride, but I strongly recommend including it in your trip. Where else can you sit just behind an operating Climax? Remember your hats to deflect cinders at both Cass and Durbin. Enjoy.
Bill
Hi,
We are planning a mini-vacation in WVA, and want to create a rational itinerary that will allow visiting the tourist RR highlights. We would appreciate advice and opinions about the various lines that offer excursions. The tentative plan is to drive from the Charlotte area to Elkins on day one. Day two would have us backtrack slightly for a day at Cass, then back to Elkins. On day two in the morning, the Durbin Rocket is possible, followed in the evening by a trip on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train. Day three would be a return to CLT.
Thanks,
X2000
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.