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All aboard! It’s not an accident that West Virginia is known as the Mountain State and after riding any one of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad scenic excursion trains, you will definitely understand why. Each year, tens of thousands of riders travel to Elkins to enjoy train rides departing out of the historic Elkins Depot. For more than 20 years, our railroad has taken families across some of the most rugged corners of the Appalachian Mountains. Offering views of stunning scenery, free-flowing rivers, historic sites, and a serene waterfall only accessible by hiking or train riding, you’ll want to book your New Tygart Flyer trip today!

Diesel-powered Passenger Train

Enjoy one of North America’s most scenic rail journeys leaving from the Elkins Historic Depot (315 Railroad Avenue). This climate-controlled excursion train departs at 11am and returns to Elkins around 3pm and is guaranteed to offer picturesque views that can’t be experience with any other mode of transportation. The New Tygart Flyer, a vintage diesel-powered passenger train, weaves riders through the lush, green Monongahela National Forest. Treat yourself to the 1922-era parlor car, featuring cushioned armchairs seating and adult refreshments for surcharge.

History

The four-hour, 46 mile round trip has been called one of the most relaxing mountain wilderness train rides in the United States. Sit back and listen to the guide talk about the Randolph County’s railroad heritage and how the industry impacted the entire state. The city of Elkins founders owned the railroad lines you can ride present-day. From our significant coal, timber, and industrial history, the railroad played a major role in the development of Elkins and what it is today.

Lunch

Take a break from planning and let the train do the work for you and your family to unwind. A delicious cold cut lunch which chips and a cookie is included in the ticket price, so you won’t go hungry on this long journey. Coffee, tea, and water are also provided. Treat yourself to the amenities of the parlor car for a more personal experience. And, just in case all of that goes through you quickly, there are restrooms located on the train.

Journey
The New Tygart Flyer takes passengers by train along the Shavers Fork River through two separate mountain grades, an “S” curve tunnel, into a 1,500 feet deep canyon with steep slopes on each side, across a high bridge over the Cheat River, and to an 18-foot-high waterfall. The trip culminates at the inspirational “High Falls of Cheat,” a waterfall in one of the most remote and pristine settings in West Virginia.
Trains pull in and out of the Elkins Depot all year long, but this train ride is a memorable experience for all and is one to be add to your bucket list. Enjoy the comfort of this vintage passenger train and climb aboard the New Tygart Flyer for a ride through Randolph County. Click here for other excursion train rides in the area.