Quick Details
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
BOARDING ADDRESS:
12363 CASS ROAD
CASS, WV 24927
For the first time since 2019, passenger service returns to the ghost town of Spruce. Once known as the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi and accessible only by rail, Spruce has become a popular destination for those wanting to experience the notorious ghost town.
These special excursions are planned be powered by Western Maryland Shay No. 6. The last Shay locomotive built and largest to survive! We reserve the right to exchange motive power due to operation requirements.
Established in 1902, the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company chose the remote location at the headwaters of Shavers Fork of Cheat River to build a complex to supply pulpwood for the company paper mills in Covington, Virginia, and Luke, Maryland.
At its height, the town featured a mill, locomotive shop, company offices, hotel and row houses identical to the ones seen at Cass today. All buildings featured electric lights, a rare amenity of the day.
In 1926 the mill closed and the future of the town became uncertain until the Western Maryland Railway took over a portion of the rail to take advantage of the booming coal industry in the area. The WM RY abandoned their Spruce facilities in 1949 and the remaining families moved away. Now only foundations of the once thriving town can be seen.
On your journey from Cass you’ll travel uphill along the Cass Scenic Railroad pushed by a powerful Shay steam locomotive. At milepost 6.7 the tracks diverge and travel alongside the headwaters of the Shavers Fork. During the layover at Spruce passengers will have the opportunity to walk around and explore the town site. Informational displays can be found throughout the area.
A “King of the Road” hobo lunch will be provided to enjoy with your ride. The hobo lunch consists of a cold sandwich (lunch meat, cheese, etc. all separated in plastic wrap), chips, cookie, applesauce and a bottled water. Children 3 and under will receive a free applesauce, chips & cookie only.
Please bring a lunch for your free 3 & under child.
If notice of cancellation is made prior to 48 hours before departure, we will be able to issue a 90% monetary refund (booking fees are non-refundable). If cancellation is made within 48 hours before departure, there will be no monetary refund. However, you may reschedule at any time for another date in the current season. Gift cards can also be issued for the full ticket amount (minus booking fees) at any time and will not expire. If you paid with only a credit card, self-cancellation is available via the “View Online” link in your booking confirmation email. If you paid with a gift card, please contact a Mountain Rail WV customer service representative at 304-636-9477 to cancel. Send all general reservation inquiries to [email protected].
The Spruce train features open-air cars (they have roofs but are open on the sides) and seating is at traditional wooden benches. When booking, you will choose a car on the train which will be your car assignment on the day of your trip (Car A is closest to the engine while Car E is farthest away from the engine). Once aboard your assigned car, you will then choose your own seats. THE TRAIN RUNS RAIN OR SHINE! Jackets/layers are highly recommended during cooler weather. If anyone in your party is sensitive to loud noises, ear plugs are also recommended.
The Spruce train contains one car (B) that is wheelchair accessible. All other cars are not accessible.
* Taxes/fees are not included in ticket prices. Rates, times, and dates are subject to change. Fall rates apply to every departure starting mid-September through the end of October.
Advanced online reservations are recommended to guarantee seating.