Cheat Mountain Salamander
Roundtrip Time: 9.5 Hour trip
Head north from the Elkins Depot to High Falls of the Cheat and Spruce.

The route of the CHEAT MOUNTAIN SALAMANDER will be extended to include a spectacular 128 mile, 9-hour round trip through one the largest wilderness areas in the eastern US. Travel into the high country spruce forests of legendary Cheat Mountain on the most distinctive rail excursion in the eastern US. This 9-hour ride transports you through mile after mile of unbroken, untamed mountain wilderness that relatively few people have actually seen. In fact, this rugged mountain area is so inhospitable, neither early settlers nor contemporary society have opted to settle here. As a result, with the exception of early 20th century resource extraction activities, this stronghold of nature remains largely as it was before modern civilization arrived.

Your excursion route includes many interesting features such as a long tunnel built with an “S” curve far underneath Cheat Mountain, numerous long mountain vistas, and many opportunities to view exotic wildlife including bald eagle and black bear sightings. Also, stops will be made at the inspirational “High Falls of the Cheat” and the former sight of the notorious town of Spruce, WV, once the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi.

Named in honor of the little endangered creature whose sole habitat is the river of the same name, the CHEAT MOUNTAIN SALAMANDER takes you through some of the wildest mountain wilderness you will ever experience. Your assigned-seat ticket includes the following enhanced on-board services: A sandwich buffet for Lunch and a Dinner featuring a choice of hot entrees served buffet-style in our dining car, the “Red Spruce”.

NOTE: A three-hour ride departing at 2:15PM from Cheat Bridge to Spruce and return is also available on the above schedule.

LATE SEASON TRIPS: Starting on Oct 17th through Nov 1st, our late season fall schedule will begin. At that time, on Friday and Saturday, the SALAMANDER will be shortened to a 6 ˝-hour round trip, traveling from Elkins to Cheat Bridge and return on the following schedule and rates:

Trip Details - Important Information:

• Reservations are strongly recommended.
• Reserved tickets may be picked up at Elkins and the ticket office opens 30 minutes prior to departure. Walk-ons seating is subject to availability.
• Restrooms are located on the train.
• 30 minute layovers are made at High Falls & Spruce, where picnic tables are available.

Group Tour Info

Click here for more information on groups and motorcoach tours

Before & After

More information coming soon on trip planning itineraries for a daily or weekend visit to the Cheat Mountain Salamander.